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The Core Principle
Mental models are the frameworks through which characters interpret reality. A character who thinks in feedback loops sees different problems and different solutions than one who thinks in expected value. The model isn't just how they solve problems. It's what problems they even notice.
What This Resource Is
What This Resource Is
40 Cognitive Frameworks
Six categories of mental models covering systems, decisions, influence, time, strategy, and knowledge—each with character applications.
Character Uses
Which character types think this way—scientists, strategists, philosophers, manipulators—and why this model fits them.
Story Applications
How each model generates plot, creates conflict, and reveals character through the lens of how they interpret reality.
Conflict Generation
Smart characters disagree because they use different models. This isn't good vs. evil—it's different lenses on the same reality.
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