Many elements are needed to craft a compelling story scene. There is a clearly defined purpose, specific setting, conflict introduction, and character development. And like the story arc, each scene must move forward with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
SCENE ELEMENTS BREAKDOWN
1. The scene’s purpose:
Whether you’re an outliner or a pantser, you must know what the purpose of the scene is.
Is it an opening scene setting up the story? Is it a middle scene, raising the stakes? Or is it a climactic scene bringing the story home?
Within these three types of scenes, you will figure out what your scene is about. Will it develop a mystery or suspense? Will it further one along? Will it reveal elements of the character’s personality? Will it create or reveal character relationships? Will it bring in a backstory? Will it propel the story forward?
In my fantasy chapter book, Walking Through Walls, the merchant’s house scene purpose is to reveal the character’s ‘true’ nature. Wang is staking out a wealthy merchant’s home, waiting for him to leave so he can rob him. Will he go through with it, or won’t he? The scene also moves the story forward to the resolution.
2. The setting:
Vividly describe the location, atmosphere, and sensory details to immerse the reader.
An article at Masterclass.com states that "Establishing the setting at the top of the scene helps your readers get oriented." (1)
The Loas Mountain scene in Walking Through Walls has the protagonist, Wang, facing his second obstacle:
Slowly, his gaze traveled up and up and up until he could see no further. The mountain loomed above him like a never-ending wall. Its thick, giant trees left little space between them for a trail.
In the merchant’s house scene, Wang faces his final obstacle:
Wang’s heart pounded when he saw the merchant’s cottage. He shoved his sweaty, shaky hands into his pockets and hid behind a cluster of trees. Gazing intently at the cottage, he waited until the merchant left for work.
In both scenes, the reader is immersed in the scene’s setting, what Wang is feeling, and what’s going on around him.
3. Point of view:
Decide whose perspective the scene is told from and maintain consistency.
It’s also essential that the reader quickly knows whose perspective it is.
If you’re writing for children (picture books through simple middle grade), you will have only one point of view.
4. The character’s motives and emotions:
Clearly define the characters' motivations, emotions, and how they interact with each other within the scene. Characters may interact through dialogue and action.
There will also be scenes where the protagonist is alone, as in the scenes I described in number three. The same rules apply; only in this case, the character’s motivations and emotions will be conveyed through narration and internal dialogue.
5. The scene’s inciting incident:
Introduce a problem or challenge that creates tension and drives the scene forward.
In Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo, the opening scene, Opal, the protagonist, watches as a stray dog causes chaos in a grocery store. The dog stopped long enough to “smile” at Opal, then ran amuck again.
“Please,” said the manager. “Somebody call the pound.”
“Wait a minute!” I hollered. “That’s my dog. Don’t call the pound.”
All the Winn-Dixie employees turned around and looked at me, and I knew I had done something big. And maybe stupid, too. But I couldn’t help it. I couldn’t let the dog go to the pound.
That scene is the introduction to the story and the scene’s conflict. Feeling lonely, having just moved to a new town after her mother left, Opal may have sensed a connection to the dog which motivated her to make a snap decision. She lied about owning it and would have to explain to her father why she now has a dog.
6. Incorporate visual imagery.
Imagery in scenes, like in all fiction stories, immerses readers into the story by creating vivid mental pictures through sensory details. These mental pictures let them see, hear, smell, taste, and feel the scene as if they were there. This imagery deepens their emotional connection to the character and the story, making them feel more involved in the narrative.
Going back to Walking Through Walls, as Wang embarks on his journey into the Laos Mountain to find the Eternals, he “trudged through fog thick as porridge.”
In the next to last chapter, Wang is walking to the merchant’s house:
Deep in thought he did not notice the black cat that crossed his path or the back raven that swooped and almost landed on his head. He did not even notice the silver snake with a purple tail that slithered along beside him on the road. Wang only noticed that each step took him closer to the merchant’s home and the beginning of the road leading to his destiny.
7. Character change.
As every scene is like a mini-story, your protagonist, through the conflict, actions, and decisions, needs to change, even if slightly.
In an article at JerryJenkins.com, C.S. Lakin says, “But change must occur. Why? Because, for the story to advance, decisions must be made and action instigated. Every event in your novel should impact your characters and foment change. But it must be significant and serve the plot.” (2)
SUMMING IT UP
Writing an effective scene takes the same elements as writing a story. The seven listed above are essential, but there are also ‘showing,’ pacing, structure, and engagement.
It’s the author’s job to use these elements to ensure each scene serves a purpose in advancing the character arc and the plot and keeps the reader turning pages.
References:
(1) https://www.masterclass.com/articles/tips-for-starting-strong-scenes-in-your-writing
(2) https://jerryjenkins.com/8-steps-writing-perfect-scene-every-time/
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