New paragraph!
For his series Hunter X Hunter, Yoshihiro Togashi created a magic system called ”Nen” that determines how his characters develop and use incredible powers. In HxH, most of the characters are trying to become powerful fighters, so their Nen powers are devised for combat. However, an exciting aspect of Nen is that it doesn’t have to be used to fight; even in the context of the show, it’s used to explain the skill of great artists. I've daydreamed about Nen in the context of chess, and tennis, and playing the piano, but I’m most inspired by its application to my favorite craft: Improvisational comedy.
What follows is a guide to training Yen, which is a loose portmanteau of "yes and". It is a re-imagining of Togashi's Nen in the context of Improv, that uses Nen's principles to identify and categorize overlooked-but-critical aspects of the art. I also hope that looking at Improv in this way will inspire you to strive to become the strongest improviser in the world, like the shonen protagonist you are! We’re not just learning how to make shit up on stage, we’re learning MAGIC. Tsuyoku naritai!
I offer the same disclaimer as Pirate Robot Ninja: An Improv Fable, a work with similar goals to mine:
This book is for those already doing long-form improv who want some advanced theories. We do not explain the basics. For that, take a class at a nearby long-form improv theatre.