AI ReWrite: Romeo and Juliet as a Detective Story
In this series, I’m experimenting with ChatGPT to see what its uses might have as an author aid. To do that, I’m interested in having it attempt to rewrite part of a classic story in a new genre and then judge the result.
I’ve generally found that AI writes fiction at the level of a reasonably skilled 8th-10th grader. Although that could be due to my prompt-writing?! It tends to be more formulaic that most fiction authors and it likes to structure the story a bit like an essay. It also tends to rush the story, making it difficult to get truly good chapters. However, its responses can be useful as outlines or for exploring story ideas. So, here I’m only asking it to write a short first chapter in relation to the prompt. And then it’s your turn…
I’d love to hear your opinions on what ChatGPT has written. How would you rate it out of 10? Does it sound like a story you’d be interested in reading?
If you’d like to take up the challenge using the prompt and would like to share your opening for comparison, I’d be happy to post it.
Now, without further ado… here’s the prompt and the result.
write the opening chapter of the Shakesperian story of Romeo and Juliet, but as a modern crime fiction story and from the Point-of-View of a detective
In the dimly lit streets of Verona, where feuding families held a tight grip on the city, I found myself on the case that would change my life forever. As Detective Vincent Montague, my mission was to keep the peace, but the Montague and Capulet families, with their long-standing rivalry, made my job a living hell.
It was a sweltering summer night, and the tension hung in the air like a thick cloud of smoke. Verona's underworld was a dangerous place, and I was no stranger to its treacherous alleys and dark secrets. But nothing could have prepared me for the scene that unfolded before my eyes.
The streets were alive with the frenzied energy of a city teetering on the brink of chaos. Gangs of Montagues and Capulets roamed the streets, and I knew that a single spark could ignite a war that would consume the city.
I had received an anonymous tip that a massive brawl was brewing at the Capulet Mansion, and it was my duty to prevent it. As I approached the opulent estate, I could see a group of young men, fueled by anger and arrogance, gathering in the courtyard. I knew the Capulet name well, for they were known for their criminal enterprises and shady dealings. But this night, they had gone too far, and I couldn't allow their vendetta to escalate.
I had a reputation for being a tough and relentless detective, but in a city divided by such powerful families, I knew that diplomacy could be my most potent weapon. I pushed through the crowd, identifying myself as a member of the Verona Police, my badge shining in the moonlight.
"Enough!" I shouted, my voice cutting through the tension like a knife. "Break it up, or there will be consequences!"
The men hesitated, recognizing the authority in my voice. But just as it seemed that they might disperse, a figure emerged from the shadows, captivating my attention and the crowd's with a magnetic pull.
It was Juliet Capulet, a name whispered in every dark corner of the city. She stood before us, a beacon of beauty, grace, and an unquenchable fire. Her presence held everyone in a mesmerizing trance. She pleaded for peace, her voice filled with the desperate longing for unity.
But it was then that I saw him, a figure in the shadows, a Montague in the heart of enemy territory. His name was Romeo, and in his eyes, I saw a love that transcended the boundaries of blood feuds. I knew that this forbidden love would lead to a dangerous game, and I couldn't help but be drawn into their twisted tale.
As a detective, it was my duty to uphold the law, but in Verona, the law often took a backseat to vendettas and vendettas often led to tragedy. Little did I know that I had just stepped into the most dangerous case of my career, one that would blur the lines between duty and desire, love and hate, life and death.
The game had begun, and the pieces were in motion. The city of Verona held its breath, awaiting the inevitable storm. And I, Detective Vincent Montague, stood at the eye of the hurricane, unsure if I would be the one to quell the tempest or be swept away by it.
What do you think? About the plot? Setting? Characters? Let me know in the comments.
And until next time…
Good health, good friends, good fortune.
Edwin