by Joyce Good Henderson

Created on: March 01, 2010   Last Updated: March 02, 2010

Understanding the importance of scene and sequel in fiction:

A scene is a unit of drama in a story that focuses on the following :a character’s goal, conflict between characters, or between a character and an external element in the plot, such as the environment or and event, disaster, jeopardy or risk.

A scene may be written in one paragraph, but more often, can require several pages or even an entire chapter of the book. Usually, there are no more than three scenes in a chapter. 

We have all read stories in which a scene was out of place.  Oftentimes this occurs when the first rule of scenes is broken.  A scene must advance the plot and move the story forward.  This could mean introducing a goal or conflict which interferes with the goal, then making the problems worse for the character.  

Conflict always works to move the story forward.  Conflict may occur between characters, or between a character and his environment or a character and time.  By setting up a clicking-clock, or some sort of deadline, each scene becomes crucial in beating the clock.

Use a carefully crafted scene to introduce each major character, but not too many of them in one scene.  Along with introducing a character, a writer can use a scene to develop the character’s positive characteristics and personality flaws.

A scene creates suspense that keeps the reader’s interest, and the pages turning. Give information in small bites, just enough to whet the appetite, but not enough to satisfy the reader.  Try to weave information into a scene so that the reader has the necessary background of the story, but never more than is needed to make sense of the current scene.  Too much backstory is an info dump that distracts from the story.

Pay attention to creating atmosphere in the scene by using the setting, weather and time, to create the desired mood.  For example, a thunderstorm may ratchet up risk or suspense;  move the clock forward to the middle of the night, and put the characters on a sailboat when the thunderstorm arises, add a stranger aboard the boat.  The scene is completely different.

 Scenes are followed by a sequel that involves: showing (not telling) a character’s reaction to the scene; a dilemma that forces the character to choose an option, or the least bad choice, when there are several options; a decision that leads to both a new goal, and a new risk.

Every scene and sequel need to have a purpose in the story as a whole.  That purpose must be sufficient to justify the space the scene takes, otherwise, it will drag down the story and possibly lose the reader.  If a scene has no purpose, cut it out. If a sequel doesn't relate to the previous scene, re-write it.  Understanding the role and relationship of scene and sequel will move your fiction forward and engage the reader.

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