Master Scene Sequence - Building Blocks to Your Story

Create Obstalces for Your Sleuth With Alternating ScenesScenes are the building blocks of your story. Each scene moves the story forward. As you build your story alternate between action and reaction.

When you go through the first edits of your story make certain that all scene components are in each scene. You’ll take your reader by the hand to lead them through the story.
Two Types of ScenesAlternating between Proactive and Reactive scenes is a cycle that builds story in increments.
​The Proactive SceneChallenge your protagonist.

He has a goal

She tries to achieve the goal but obstacles challenge him as the scene moves forward

At the end of the scene he has a setback


By the end of the scene, the protagonist has not only failed to reach his goal but has a setback that leaves him worse off than at the beginning.

Checklist for the Proactive Scene
Who is the primary point of view character (stay with her throughout the scene).

What is her goal?

Keep the goal simple for this one small part of the story

Create the objective of the goal so the reader can visualize the success

Make the goal worthwhile otherwise cut the scene

Make the goal achievable in the protagonist’s view

Make it difficult to achieve

Create the conflict that keeps your hero from reaching the goal

Even with obstacles, don’t let the protagonist give up

Make the obstacle unexpected, but keep it logical within the story


Put your hero or heroine in the worst possible situations as they seek what seems like an obtainable goal at the beginning of the scene.
​The Reactive SceneNow that your protagonist is thwarted, it’s time to give him some space. This scene is where your heroine makes a decision about what to do next.

Begin with the protagonist’s reaction to what just happened

Now, get your hero to figure out what his options are. If the setback was significant he may have no apparent options and he needs to look at his dilemma and choose an option.

In the final portion of the scene, the protagonist must make a decision.

That decision is the goal for the next scene


Checklist for the Reactive SceneThese are the basic elements to include in the Reactive scene when your protagonist makes a decision.

Clarify the protagonist’s vision of the problem. She needs to know what the problem is before she can make a decision.

Keep the reader with the protagonist by visualizing what the character will do next

The decision for the next action should be in line with your character’s personality and values

Show how the protagonist sees success from his decision

Make the decision difficult enough that the reader has doubts about whether your character can do what she decides


Reactive scenes provide a way for your character to make really bad decisions which will create even greater conflict later on. She may be blind to the motivations of another character. He may find that getting into the boardroom isn’t a slam dunk. Reactive scenes are your opportunity to build conflict and tension because the following action scene may be based on a very wrong decision that seemed right at the time for the character.

Why This Structure HelpsFor beginning writers, all this alternating of scenes may seem forced. I know, I was a beginning writer, and thought the same way. But my stories went nowhere and lacked tension. Readers want and expect your characters to have problems and overcome obstacles. Unless you are very compulsive, you don’t need to write these lists down. Just know which type of scene you are writing, create the obstacles either to action or decision making, and write the scene. Your story will benefit and your readers will love your story.

Zara Altair
Z ara Altair writes mysteries set in ancient Italy and coaches mystery writers. 


Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash