Scene Structure 101: The Chart

SCENE STRUCTURE BASICS

Typical scene structure:

X wants [scene goal] _______because [motivation] ________ but [conflict] ________.

The end result of scene:

1.      scene goal is not achieved and situation is worse.

2.      scene goal is achieved but new goal is necessary/new problem created.


Want to mix it up? Complicate things?

SCENE STRUCTURE VARIATIONS

X wants [scene goal] _______because [motivation] ________ but [conflict] ________.

Y wants [scene goal] _______because [motivation] ________ but [conflict] ________.

and

X wants/avoids {internal conflict}_________ from Y because ____________ but __________.

Y wants/avoids {internal conflict}_________  from X because ____________ but __________.

^^^ This is the necessary push pull for an effective scene. Use the characterā€™s motivation against her/him. Character must be motivated to move forward.

Ā·         Character perceives no risk but finds one during/after events.

Ā·         Character believes she/he ā€˜has controlā€™ but discovers not true during or after.

Ā·         Character plans to get the better of other but other turns tables (intentionally or not).

add

Setting and context. How does enveloping action contribute?

^^^ This intensifies conflict and adds dimension and depth the story.

consider

X taking ____________ from Y will cause X to _____________.

Y taking __________ from X will cause Y to _______________.

^^^ This is what happened after. The consequence, the new conflict.




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