I decided to give Google’s AI a test by giving it the following prompt:
“story outline starring Jake Banner, anti-terrorist operative”
For those keeping score, Jake Banner was a character that I dreamed up in sophomore year in high school, circa 1983. This was LONG before 24 starring Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer.
I didn’t even realize that I used the ‘J.B.’ spy initials (James Bond/Jason Bourne/Jack Bauer) until so much later (early 2000s?).
Prompt results:
**Jake Banner**
Jake Banner is an anti-terrorist operative who has been working for the government for over 10 years. He is highly skilled in hand-to-hand combat, weapons, and explosives. He is also an expert in surveillance and infiltration.
Jake is a loner who doesn’t trust easily. He has seen too much death and destruction in his line of work, and he has become jaded and cynical. However, he is still a dedicated operative who is willing to put his life on the line to protect his country.
**The Plot**
Jake is on a mission to stop a terrorist attack that is being planned in the United States. He has been tracking the terrorists for months, and he finally has enough information to stop them. However, the terrorists are one step ahead of him, and they launch their attack before Jake can stop them.
Jake is forced to go on the run as the terrorists hunt him down. He must use all of his skills and training to stay alive and stop the terrorists before they can carry out their next attack.
**The Characters**
Jake Banner: The protagonist of the story. He is an anti-terrorist operative who is highly skilled in hand-to-hand combat, weapons, and explosives. He is also an expert in surveillance and infiltration.
The Terrorists: The antagonists of the story. They are planning a terrorist attack on the United States.
The Government: The organization that Jake works for. They are trying to stop the terrorists from carrying out their attack.
**The Setting**
The story takes place in the United States. The action moves from city to city as Jake tries to track down the terrorists and stop them from carrying out their attack.
**The Theme**
The theme of the story is the fight against terrorism. Jake Banner is a symbol of the courage and determination of those who are fighting to protect their country from terrorism.
**The Conflict**
The main conflict in the story is between Jake Banner and the terrorists. Jake is trying to stop the terrorists from carrying out their attack, while the terrorists are trying to kill Jake before he can stop them.
**The Resolution**
Jake Banner is able to stop the terrorists from carrying out their attack. He is a hero who has saved the lives of many people.
Generic AF, IMHO.
Second draft:
**Act I**
Jake Banner is a highly skilled anti-terrorist operative. He is a former Navy SEAL who has seen combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is now working for a private security firm that specializes in counter-terrorism.
One day, Jake is called in to investigate a terrorist attack on a train station in London. The attack was carried out by a group of Islamic extremists. Jake is tasked with finding out who was behind the attack and preventing them from carrying out any more attacks.
Jake’s investigation leads him to a group of known terrorists who are planning another attack. Jake and his team track down the terrorists and stop them before they can carry out their attack.
**Act II**
Jake’s success in stopping the terrorist attack makes him a target. The terrorists who he stopped are determined to get revenge on him. They track him down and attack him at his home. Jake is injured in the attack, but he manages to fight off the terrorists.
Jake is now in hiding. He knows that the terrorists will not stop until they kill him. He must find a way to stop them before they can kill him or anyone else.
Jake tracks down the terrorists’ leader and confronts him. The leader tells Jake that he will never be safe and that he will never stop until Jake is dead. Jake kills the leader and his men.
**Act III**
Jake is now a wanted man. The terrorists are still after him, and the government is trying to find him. Jake knows that he can’t stay in hiding forever. He must find a way to bring the terrorists to justice.
Jake tracks down the terrorists’ financial backers and exposes them. The government is now able to take down the terrorists’ organization. Jake is finally able to get some peace.
Jake Banner is a hero. He is a man who is willing to risk his life to protect others. He is a man who is not afraid to stand up to evil. He is a man who will never give up.
A little better, but of course reads more like a screenplay for a movie/TV show.
Third draft:
**Act I**
Jake Banner is a highly skilled anti-terrorist operative. He is single-minded and driven, and he will stop at nothing to stop terrorists from carrying out their attacks.
One day, Jake is called in to investigate a terrorist attack that has taken place in a major city. The attack has been carried out by a group of highly organized and well-funded terrorists. Jake quickly realizes that this is a new and dangerous threat, and he must use all of his skills and resources to stop them.
Jake begins by interviewing witnesses and reviewing the evidence from the attack. He quickly learns that the terrorists are planning another attack, and he must find out where and when it will take place. Jake also learns that the terrorists are planning to use a new and deadly weapon, and he must find a way to stop them before they can use it.
**Act II**
Jake follows the terrorists’ trail, and he eventually discovers their hideout. He raids the hideout and captures several of the terrorists. However, the leader of the terrorists escapes, and he vows to carry out his attack.
Jake realizes that the only way to stop the terrorists is to find the leader and stop him. He tracks the leader to another city, and he confronts him in a high-stakes showdown. Jake is able to defeat the leader and stop the attack.
**Act III**
Jake is hailed as a hero, and he is awarded a medal for his bravery. He is also promoted to the rank of Special Agent, and he is given a new assignment: to head up a new anti-terrorist task force. Jake is determined to stop all future terrorist attacks, and he is confident that he will be able to do so.
**Theme**
The theme of the story is that good will always triumph over evil. Jake Banner is a symbol of good, and he is always willing to fight for what is right. The terrorists are a symbol of evil, and they are always trying to destroy what is good. In the end, good always triumphs over evil, and Jake Banner is always victorious.
**Character development**
Jake Banner is a complex and well-developed character. He is brave, determined, and resourceful. He is also a bit of a loner, and he doesn’t always play by the rules. However, he is always willing to do what is right, and he is always willing to put his life on the line to protect others.
The terrorists are also complex and well-developed characters. They are intelligent, ruthless, and determined. They are also very well-funded, and they have access to the latest weapons and technology. However, they are ultimately defeated by Jake Banner and his team of anti-terrorist operatives.
**Setting**
The story is set in the present day. The main setting is a major city, but the story also takes place in other locations, including the terrorists’ hideout and the high-stakes showdown between Jake and the leader of the terrorists.
**Plot**
The plot of the story is fast-paced and exciting. There are many twists and turns, and the reader is always left guessing what will happen next. The story is also full of action and suspense.
**Pacing**
The pacing of the story is excellent. The story starts off slowly, but it quickly picks up speed as the plot unfolds. The story is full of action and suspense, and the reader is always left guessing what will happen next.
**Dialogue**
The dialogue in the story is realistic and believable. The characters speak in a way that is true to their personalities. The dialogue also helps to move the plot forward and to develop the characters.
**Tone**
The tone of the story is serious and suspenseful. The story is about a dangerous group of terrorists, and the reader is always left wondering what they will do next. The tone of the story also helps to create a sense of urgency and excitement.
**Ending**
The ending of the story is satisfying. The terrorists are defeated, and Jake Banner is hailed as a hero. The ending also leaves the reader wondering what will happen next in Jake Banner’s life.
Hmmm…. maybe I finally have the push I need to write that Great American Spy Novel™ that’s been dancing around in my brain for 40 years.