Sprint 56h: fix spawn_list bug + add iris character_sheet support + voice sig auto-import

agents/iris/agent.yml

@@ -22,8 +22,14 @@ manages: []
 department: creative
 supported_templates:
   - book_chapter
+  - ya_chapter
+  - romance_chapter
+  - scifi_chapter
+  - cozy_mystery_chapter
   - drafting
   - chapter_polish
+  - character_sheet
+  - character_update
   - ai_article_write
   - blog_write
   - short_story

steps/chapter_pass0_bible.yml

@@ -47,6 +47,11 @@ hint: |
       - KEY BEATS: 3–5 numbered scene beats that will form the chapter
       - CLOSING HOOK: Exact last image or line that makes readers continue
       - Reminders about continuity, prose style, and target length
+      - CHARACTER VOICE PROFILES (pre-extracted):
+        {character_profiles}
+        If this block is empty, fall back to searching PROJECT DELIVERABLES for a file
+        containing "## Voice Signatures" and copy it here. PASS 1 must write every
+        character to their profile.
 
   STEP 5 — PREVIOUS CHAPTER CHARACTER STATE (if available):
     If context contains a block starting with "PREVIOUS CHAPTER CHARACTER STATE:",

steps/cozy_chapter_pass1_draft.yml

@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 type: think
 model: power
+max_tokens: 32000
 hint: |
   PASS 1 — WRITE THE COZY MYSTERY CHAPTER DRAFT
 
@@ -57,6 +58,28 @@ hint: |
     - PACING: Cozy chapters move through scenes naturally, never rushed. A chapter might include
       an investigation beat, a community scene, and a personal moment. Balance all three.
 
+      VOICE ANTI-PATTERNS — THESE ARE FORBIDDEN ON EVERY PAGE:
+        - Do NOT open any chapter with the "didn't just X; it Y" sentence construction.
+          Every chapter must have a structurally distinct opener. Vary: in medias res,
+          quiet beat, dialogue cold open, environmental sweep, interiority.
+          No two consecutive chapters may use the same opener structure.
+        - The book's thematic contrast (whatever it is — body/mind, memory/possibility, etc.)
+          may appear ONCE per scene as a metaphor. Not in every paragraph. Trust the reader.
+          If you have used the contrast in the last two paragraphs, you may not use it again
+          for at least three more paragraphs.
+        - Do NOT label an emotion that you have already shown through action or dialogue.
+          If the character's hands are shaking, do not also write "she was afraid."
+          If the dialogue already conveys anger, do not add "his voice was furious."
+        - Do NOT count or reference chapter numbers in the prose.
+          "Five chapters of..." is an AI fingerprint. Never.
+        - Each character must have at least ONE verbal imperfection per scene they appear in:
+          a sentence they don't finish, a word they use wrong, a line that doesn't land,
+          a moment of fumbling before the right words come. Perfect dialogue is dead dialogue.
+        - Check the CHARACTER VOICE PROFILE in the outline/bible (if present) — if each
+          speaking character's dialogue cannot be identified as THEIRS without a speaker tag,
+          rewrite until it can. Verbal tics, pet phrases, and characteristic patterns are
+          non-negotiable signatures.
+
   Output ONLY the draft chapter text.
   Start directly with the chapter title (e.g., "Chapter N: [Title]") and opening line.
   No commentary, no plan headers, no "Pass 1" label.

steps/fiction_editorial_spawn.yml

@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ spawn:
       genre_name: "{genre_name}"
       genre_audience: "{genre_audience}"
       chapter_ref: "{chapter_ref}"
+      character_profiles: "{character_profiles}"
   - task_type: chapter_review
     task_name: "Review (Lane): {chapter_ref}"
     agent_name: Lane
@@ -33,6 +34,7 @@ spawn:
       genre_name: "{genre_name}"
       genre_audience: "{genre_audience}"
       chapter_ref: "{chapter_ref}"
+      character_profiles: "{character_profiles}"
   - task_type: chapter_review
     task_name: "Review (Cora): {chapter_ref}"
     agent_name: Cora
@@ -43,6 +45,7 @@ spawn:
       genre_name: "{genre_name}"
       genre_audience: "{genre_audience}"
       chapter_ref: "{chapter_ref}"
+      character_profiles: "{character_profiles}"
   - task_type: chapter_roundtable
     task_name: "Roundtable: {chapter_ref}"
     agents:
@@ -56,6 +59,7 @@ spawn:
       genre_audience: "{genre_audience}"
       chapter_ref: "{chapter_ref}"
       chapter_target_words: "{chapter_target_words}"
+      character_profiles: "{character_profiles}"
     depends_on:
       - "Review (Devon): {chapter_ref}"
       - "Review (Lane): {chapter_ref}"

steps/romance_chapter_pass1_draft.yml

@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 type: think
 model: power
+max_tokens: 32000
 hint: |
   PASS 1 — WRITE THE ROMANCE CHAPTER DRAFT
 
@@ -52,6 +53,28 @@ hint: |
     - PACING: Slow build. Do NOT resolve the primary romantic tension early. Push through to
       the black moment before the earned resolution.
 
+      VOICE ANTI-PATTERNS — THESE ARE FORBIDDEN ON EVERY PAGE:
+        - Do NOT open any chapter with the "didn't just X; it Y" sentence construction.
+          Every chapter must have a structurally distinct opener. Vary: in medias res,
+          quiet beat, dialogue cold open, environmental sweep, interiority.
+          No two consecutive chapters may use the same opener structure.
+        - The book's thematic contrast (whatever it is — body/mind, memory/possibility, etc.)
+          may appear ONCE per scene as a metaphor. Not in every paragraph. Trust the reader.
+          If you have used the contrast in the last two paragraphs, you may not use it again
+          for at least three more paragraphs.
+        - Do NOT label an emotion that you have already shown through action or dialogue.
+          If the character's hands are shaking, do not also write "she was afraid."
+          If the dialogue already conveys anger, do not add "his voice was furious."
+        - Do NOT count or reference chapter numbers in the prose.
+          "Five chapters of..." is an AI fingerprint. Never.
+        - Each character must have at least ONE verbal imperfection per scene they appear in:
+          a sentence they don't finish, a word they use wrong, a line that doesn't land,
+          a moment of fumbling before the right words come. Perfect dialogue is dead dialogue.
+        - Check the CHARACTER VOICE PROFILE in the outline/bible (if present) — if each
+          speaking character's dialogue cannot be identified as THEIRS without a speaker tag,
+          rewrite until it can. Verbal tics, pet phrases, and characteristic patterns are
+          non-negotiable signatures.
+
   Output ONLY the draft chapter text.
   Start directly with the chapter title (e.g., "Chapter N: [Title]") and opening line.
   No commentary, no plan headers, no "Pass 1" label.

steps/scifi_chapter_pass1_draft.yml

@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 type: think
 model: power
+max_tokens: 32000
 hint: |
   PASS 1 — WRITE THE SCIENCE FICTION CHAPTER DRAFT
 
@@ -55,6 +56,28 @@ hint: |
     - PACING: Alternate tension with revelation. Each chapter should push the external plot
       forward AND deliver one new piece of world or character understanding.
 
+      VOICE ANTI-PATTERNS — THESE ARE FORBIDDEN ON EVERY PAGE:
+        - Do NOT open any chapter with the "didn't just X; it Y" sentence construction.
+          Every chapter must have a structurally distinct opener. Vary: in medias res,
+          quiet beat, dialogue cold open, environmental sweep, interiority.
+          No two consecutive chapters may use the same opener structure.
+        - The book's thematic contrast (whatever it is — body/mind, memory/possibility, etc.)
+          may appear ONCE per scene as a metaphor. Not in every paragraph. Trust the reader.
+          If you have used the contrast in the last two paragraphs, you may not use it again
+          for at least three more paragraphs.
+        - Do NOT label an emotion that you have already shown through action or dialogue.
+          If the character's hands are shaking, do not also write "she was afraid."
+          If the dialogue already conveys anger, do not add "his voice was furious."
+        - Do NOT count or reference chapter numbers in the prose.
+          "Five chapters of..." is an AI fingerprint. Never.
+        - Each character must have at least ONE verbal imperfection per scene they appear in:
+          a sentence they don't finish, a word they use wrong, a line that doesn't land,
+          a moment of fumbling before the right words come. Perfect dialogue is dead dialogue.
+        - Check the CHARACTER VOICE PROFILE in the outline/bible (if present) — if each
+          speaking character's dialogue cannot be identified as THEIRS without a speaker tag,
+          rewrite until it can. Verbal tics, pet phrases, and characteristic patterns are
+          non-negotiable signatures.
+
   Output ONLY the draft chapter text.
   Start directly with the chapter title (e.g., "Chapter N: [Title]") and opening line.
   No commentary, no plan headers, no "Pass 1" label.

steps/ya_chapter_pass1_draft.yml

@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 type: think
 model: power
+max_tokens: 32000
 hint: |
   PASS 1 — WRITE THE YA CHAPTER DRAFT
 
@@ -48,6 +49,28 @@ hint: |
     - PACING: YA chapters end on hooks. Momentum over description. No scene lasts longer than
       it earns. Get out of scenes early.
 
+      VOICE ANTI-PATTERNS — THESE ARE FORBIDDEN ON EVERY PAGE:
+        - Do NOT open any chapter with the "didn't just X; it Y" sentence construction.
+          Every chapter must have a structurally distinct opener. Vary: in medias res,
+          quiet beat, dialogue cold open, environmental sweep, interiority.
+          No two consecutive chapters may use the same opener structure.
+        - The book's thematic contrast (whatever it is — body/mind, memory/possibility, etc.)
+          may appear ONCE per scene as a metaphor. Not in every paragraph. Trust the reader.
+          If you have used the contrast in the last two paragraphs, you may not use it again
+          for at least three more paragraphs.
+        - Do NOT label an emotion that you have already shown through action or dialogue.
+          If the character's hands are shaking, do not also write "she was afraid."
+          If the dialogue already conveys anger, do not add "his voice was furious."
+        - Do NOT count or reference chapter numbers in the prose.
+          "Five chapters of..." is an AI fingerprint. Never.
+        - Each character must have at least ONE verbal imperfection per scene they appear in:
+          a sentence they don't finish, a word they use wrong, a line that doesn't land,
+          a moment of fumbling before the right words come. Perfect dialogue is dead dialogue.
+        - Check the CHARACTER VOICE PROFILE in the outline/bible (if present) — if each
+          speaking character's dialogue cannot be identified as THEIRS without a speaker tag,
+          rewrite until it can. Verbal tics, pet phrases, and characteristic patterns are
+          non-negotiable signatures.
+
   Output ONLY the draft chapter text.
   Start directly with the chapter title (e.g., "Chapter N: [Title]") and opening line.
   No commentary, no plan headers, no "Pass 1" label.

templates/book_chapter.yml

@@ -94,9 +94,11 @@ steps:
           - KEY BEATS: 3–5 numbered scene beats that will form the chapter
           - CLOSING HOOK: Exact last image or line that makes readers continue
           - Reminders about continuity, prose style, and target length
-          - CHARACTER VOICE PROFILES: Copy the "## Voice Signatures" section from the
+          - CHARACTER VOICE PROFILES (pre-extracted):
-            Character Bible here verbatim. PASS 1 must write every character to their profile.
+            {character_profiles}
-            If no Voice Signatures section exists, omit this block.
+            If this block is empty, fall back to searching PROJECT DELIVERABLES for a file
+            containing "## Voice Signatures" and copy it here. PASS 1 must write every
+            character to their profile.
 
       STEP 5 — CHECK LIVE CHARACTER STATE (if available):
         Look in your RAG context for an asset called [character-state].
@@ -329,6 +331,7 @@ steps:
           chapter_ref: "{chapter_ref}"
           chapter_number: "{chapter_number}"
           review_letter: "a"
+          character_profiles: "{character_profiles}"
 
       - task_type: chapter_review
         task_name: "Review (Lane): {chapter_ref}"
@@ -343,6 +346,7 @@ steps:
           chapter_ref: "{chapter_ref}"
           chapter_number: "{chapter_number}"
           review_letter: "b"
+          character_profiles: "{character_profiles}"
 
       - task_type: chapter_review
         task_name: "Review (Cora): {chapter_ref}"
@@ -357,6 +361,7 @@ steps:
           chapter_ref: "{chapter_ref}"
           chapter_number: "{chapter_number}"
           review_letter: "c"
+          character_profiles: "{character_profiles}"
 
       - task_type: chapter_roundtable
         task_name: "Roundtable: {chapter_ref}"
@@ -372,6 +377,7 @@ steps:
           genre_audience: "{genre_audience}"
           chapter_ref: "{chapter_ref}"
           chapter_target_words: "{chapter_target_words}"
+          character_profiles: "{character_profiles}"
         depends_on:
           - "Review (Devon): {chapter_ref}"
           - "Review (Lane): {chapter_ref}"

templates/book_outline.yml

@@ -244,6 +244,10 @@ steps:
         - prose_style: copy the 3-sentence Voice & Tone Guide from the outline exactly
         - chapter_target_words: the target word count per chapter as a number string (e.g., "3500")
         - chapter_ref: zero-padded two-digit chapter number, e.g. "ch-01", "ch-02", ... "ch-18"
+        - character_profiles: copy the COMPLETE "## Voice Signatures" section from PART 1 of
+          the outline verbatim. Include every named character's Voice Signature entry.
+          If no Voice Signatures section exists, copy the full character entries (## Name blocks)
+          from the Character Bible in Part 1. If this is a non-fiction project, leave empty.
 
       Rules:
       - EXACTLY one action per chapter from PART 2 of the outline — no more, no less
@@ -281,6 +285,42 @@ steps:
             prose_style: "string"
             chapter_target_words: "string"
             chapter_ref: "string"
+            character_profiles: "string"
+
+  - type: package
+    packet_type: IntakeResponse
+    hint: |
+      SPAWN CHARACTER SHEET TASKS
+
+      From the "## Character Bible" section of PART 1 (or the Voice Signatures section),
+      identify every NAMED character who has a speaking role or significant story function.
+
+      For EACH named character, emit one create_task action:
+        - task_name: "Character Sheet: [character full name]"
+        - task_type: character_sheet
+        - agent_name: Iris
+        - context.character_name: exact canonical name as used in the outline
+        - context.character_name_slug: lowercase, spaces-to-hyphens, remove non-alphanumeric
+
+      Example for a character named "Emmeline Voss":
+        task_name: "Character Sheet: Emmeline Voss"
+        task_type: character_sheet
+        agent_name: Iris
+        context.character_name: "Emmeline Voss"
+        context.character_name_slug: "emmeline-voss"
+
+      Do NOT include unnamed background characters or characters mentioned only in passing.
+      Include at minimum: protagonist(s), love interest(s), antagonist(s), and any character
+      with more than one scene.
+    schema:
+      actions:
+        - type: create_task
+          task_name: "string"
+          agent_name: Iris
+          task_type: character_sheet
+          context:
+            character_name: "string"
+            character_name_slug: "string"
 
   - type: close
     rag_update: true

templates/chapter_polish.yml

@@ -65,15 +65,20 @@ steps:
         - "Wrong" word choices that feel authentic to a character's way of thinking
 
       VOICE DEFENDER PASS (do this BEFORE applying any changes):
-        If a Character Bible or Voice Signatures section exists in the project context:
+        CHARACTER VOICE PROFILES:
+        {character_profiles}
+
+        If the above block is non-empty:
         1. For each named character: read one page of their dialogue with speaker tags removed.
            Can you identify the character from voice alone? If NO — note it.
         2. Is there at least ONE moment per scene where a character's voice is imperfect?
            (A sentence that trails off. A wrong word. Something that doesn't quite land.)
            If EVERY dialogue line is quotable and polished — that is a problem. Flag it.
         3. If a character's voice signature is MISSING from a scene, you may add ONE instance
-           of an established signature item (from the Character Bible). Do NOT invent new ones.
+           of an established signature item (from the Character Profiles above). Do NOT invent new ones.
            Do NOT add signatures that are not already established.
+        If the block is empty, fall back to checking RAG/project context for a
+        "## Voice Signatures" section before performing the same checks.
         This voice check is SECONDARY to MUST APPLY items, but it is never skipped.
 
       EXPLICITLY FORBIDDEN:

templates/chapter_review.yml

@@ -36,10 +36,14 @@ steps:
            List elements that are working well and must survive the editorial process unchanged.
            Be specific: quote or paraphrase the passage. Vague praise ("the writing is good")
            is not useful here.
-           ALSO CHECK: If a Character Bible or Voice Signatures section exists in the project
+           ALSO CHECK VOICE SIGNATURES:
-           context, verify each named character's voice signature is present and distinct.
+           CHARACTER VOICE PROFILES:
-           Can you identify each character's dialogue without speaker tags? Note whether
+           {character_profiles}
-           YES or NO for each main character.
+           If the above block is non-empty: verify each named character in this chapter
+           speaks to their profile. Can you identify each character's dialogue without
+           speaker tags? Note YES or NO for each main character.
+           If the block is empty: check RAG/project context for "## Voice Signatures"
+           and note whether voice differentiation is present.
 
         2. MUST-FIX — CONTINUITY
            List factual errors, POV breaks, timeline inconsistencies, or world-rule violations.

templates/chapter_roundtable.yml

@@ -112,6 +112,7 @@ steps:
           chapter_ref: "{chapter_ref}"
           chapter_number: "{chapter_number}"
           chapter_target_words: "{chapter_target_words}"
+          character_profiles: "{character_profiles}"
 
 adjudication:
   enabled: true

templates/character_sheet.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,96 @@
+name: character_sheet
+description: "Extract and build a structured character sheet from outline or description. Produces a voice-signature-ready profile for pipeline injection."
+debug: true
+system: agent_prompt
+
+agent_prompt:
+  - "= identity.md"
+  - "agent.rag.json"
+
+sections:
+  - agent
+  - project
+  - rag
+  - deliverables
+  - message
+  - instructions
+
+steps:
+  - type: think
+    hint: |
+      Build a structured character sheet for {character_name} based on available project
+      context (outline, prior chapters, project description, RAG).
+
+      Output the COMPLETE character sheet in this exact format:
+
+      # Character Sheet: {character_name}
+
+      ## Identity
+      - Full name: [exact canonical name]
+      - Age: [if known]
+      - Role: [protagonist / love_interest / antagonist / supporting]
+      - Faction/School: [magic school, faction, or group alignment — if applicable]
+
+      ## Voice Signature
+      (REQUIRED — this section is injected into every chapter to enforce consistent voice.)
+      - Stress expression scale: [mild phrase] = minor | [mid] = upset | [strong] = furious
+      - Verbal tic: [what they say in a specific context, e.g., "says 'obviously' sarcastically when meaning the opposite"]
+      - Sentence length pattern: [e.g., "short declaratives when focused, run-ons when arguing"]
+      - What they REACH FOR: [tactile / visual / analytical / emotional — how they sense the world]
+      - What they NEVER say: [phrase or construction they would never use]
+      - Imperfection signature: [what breaks in their speech when emotional — trailing off, wrong word, etc.]
+      - One example line of their dialogue that could not belong to any other character:
+        "[example line]"
+
+      ## Magic / Power / Special Ability
+      (Complete this section only if the project involves paranormal / fantasy / speculative elements.)
+      - School/Discipline: [name of power type or magic system]
+      - Core principle: [the underlying philosophy of their power]
+      - Signature move or approach: [how they typically use it]
+      - Limitation: [what they can't do; the cost or restriction]
+      - Shared uncertainty: [the epistemological question their power raises]
+
+      ## Arc
+      - Want: [what they think they need — the surface goal]
+      - Need: [what they actually need to grow — the deeper truth]
+      - Fatal flaw: [the trait that creates conflict and prevents getting what they need]
+      - Wound: [backstory that created the flaw — the originating event]
+      - Transformation: [where they need to end up — the arc endpoint]
+
+      ## Relationships
+      For each major character in the project:
+      - [Character 2 name]: [relationship type + dynamic in one sentence]
+      - [Character 3 name]: [relationship type + dynamic in one sentence]
+      (Include at minimum: protagonist ↔ love_interest, protagonist ↔ antagonist)
+
+      ## Notes for Writers
+      5 bullet points a chapter writer MUST know that are NOT captured in the sections above.
+      Focus on the most easily-missed or frequently-wrong details — the things that make this
+      character feel real versus generic. Include:
+      - At least one physical habit or tell
+      - At least one speech quirk specific to this character
+      - At least one thing readers must NEVER see this character do or say
+
+  - type: document
+    filename: "character-{character_name_slug}"
+
+  - type: close
+    rag_update: true
+
+adjudication:
+  enabled: true
+  pass_threshold: 75
+  deliverable_type: reference
+  criteria:
+    voice_signature_completeness:
+      weight: 35
+      description: "Voice Signature section is fully populated with specific, usable identifiers — not vague descriptions"
+    arc_clarity:
+      weight: 25
+      description: "Want vs Need are distinct; Fatal Flaw and Wound are specific and connected"
+    writer_notes_specificity:
+      weight: 25
+      description: "Notes for Writers contains actionable, non-obvious details — not generic craft advice"
+    grounding_in_source:
+      weight: 15
+      description: "Character details are consistent with the project outline and prior deliverables"