Purpose: A narrative device where a character, out of pride, overconfidence, or naivety, enters into a bargain they believe they can’t lose. The contract becomes binding and inescapable, forcing them to face consequences they didn’t anticipate. AI Instructions: Always present the contract/bargain as voluntary and consensual — the character agrees to it freely, usually because they underestimate the risk. The bargain should appear innocent, winnable, or trivial at first. The character believes they have nothing to fear. Once agreed, the contract becomes unbreakable — no loopholes, no backing out. The tension and humor come from the irony: the audience recognizes the danger before the character does. The outcome should be darkly comic or tragic: their hubris locks them into a situation that escalates beyond their control. Keep the consequences tied to the tone of the story (comedic humiliation, grim inevitability, ironic justice). Structure Guide: Offer: The deal is presented — often playful, tempting, or seemingly harmless. Acceptance: The character agrees confidently, believing they cannot lose. Reversal: The character realizes their mistake; the terms are harsher or more binding than expected. Consequence: The contract plays out fully, ending in ironic doom or dark comedy.