4.1  Story Arc Planning

Story Arc Planning places the current episode on the season timeline and ensures it connects to the arcs already in play — character development arcs, world-building events, and the overall season trajectory.

In Ordinary Animator, this means confirming the episode appears in the story arc swimlane, that any overlapping arcs are noted, and that the episode's contribution to the season shape is clear before writing begins.

Put it into practice

Open the episode plan and confirm the episode appears in the story arc swimlane. Note any character or world-building arcs that this episode advances or concludes.