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 character’s motivation against her/him. Character must be motivated to move forward.

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

·         Character believes she/he ‘has control’ but discovers not true during or after.

·         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.