The Vigil-Schema
Every VirtueVigil review is generated through a structured analytical pipeline we call the Vigil-Schema. This framework ensures consistency, objectivity in measurement, and transparency in how classifications are determined.
The system operates on a principle of density-based scoring — counting verified instances of specific narrative tropes rather than relying on subjective impression. Every trope identified is logged, categorized, and mapped against an authenticity standard.
The Three Core Scores
WOKE Score
+1 point for every verified instance of a WOKE trope. This includes group categorization over individual agency, subversion of traditional structures (nuclear family, religious institutions, national identity), identity-based moral authority, and systemic framing of personal conflict.
TRADITIONAL Score
+1 point for every verified instance of a TRADITIONAL trope. This includes individual virtue and responsibility, respect for family and faith, meritocratic outcomes, earned moral authority, and consequence-based storytelling.
Authenticity Index
A percentage reflecting how much of the content feels “Natural” versus “Forced.” This measures whether ideological elements emerge organically from the story’s internal logic or are externally imposed upon it. A high authenticity index means the messaging — regardless of direction — is integrated naturally. A low index indicates didactic or preachy delivery.
The Score Margin
The Score Margin is the net difference between the WOKE and TRADITIONAL scores. A margin of +14 WOKE means there were 14 more verified WOKE trope instances than TRADITIONAL ones. This provides a single, scannable indicator of overall ideological direction.
The Trope Audit Log
Every review includes a Trope Audit Log — a detailed record of each identified trope instance. For each trope, the following fields are documented:
- Category — WOKE or TRADITIONAL classification
- Trope Name — A standardized identifier (e.g., “Subversion of Traditional Motherhood”)
- Location — Where in the narrative the trope appears (act, scene, or timestamp)
- Script Context — Relevant dialogue or scene description
- Moral Impact — How the trope affects the story’s moral framework
- Authenticity Verdict — Whether the instance is FORCED or NATURAL
This granular logging ensures that every classification can be challenged, verified, and discussed on the basis of specific evidence rather than general impression.
Woke Trap Detection
The system includes specific logic for Woke Trap detection. If the first explicit WOKE trope instance occurs after approximately 50% of the content’s runtime or token count, the Woke Trap flag is set to YES. The system then records:
- The degree of the trap (Low, Medium, or High)
- An editorial explanation of where the bait-and-switch occurred
- A viewer sentiment commentary describing the likely feeling of betrayal
Three Perspective Summaries
Every review concludes with three distinct perspective summaries, each designed for a different audience:
Overall Perspective
A sentinel-style overview of the content’s ideological density. This is the flagship analysis — what VirtueVigil’s assessment is and why.
Adult Viewer Insight
An analysis of narrative quality, time-investment value, and where the content prioritizes messaging over storytelling. For adult viewers making their own viewing decisions.
Parental Guidance
Specific, actionable advice for parents selecting content for children and teens. Identifies themes that may conflict with traditional family values, including gender identity presentation, authority subversion, and moral relativism.
Community Governance
VirtueVigil is building a Community Weighted Score system where members can vote on whether an AI-identified trope was actually FORCED or NATURAL. This crowdsourced layer adds human judgment to our automated analysis, creating a more robust and accountable classification system.
Our methodology is transparent by design. Every score can be traced to specific evidence. Every classification can be debated on its merits.