The fundamental writing block of fiction is the Scene. A scene is either a single action or a series of connected actions occurring in the same setting.
Scene components:
- The Setup (Setting)
- Characters
- Props
- Conflict
- The “Actions”: Large, small, and reactions (from other character's actions)
- Dialogue
- Climax
- Exit
Let’s sketch a scene where two characters, Jack and Jill, who are having an argument:
The Setup: In the car, as Jill drops of Jack at his new job. It’s early morning and cold outside with a light rain.
The Characters: Jack and Jill
The Props: Jack’s cell phone. Jill's purse.
Conflict: A fight over money showing their strained relationship and Jack attempt at manipulating Jill.
The Actions:
Large: The large action would be the drive in the car.
Small: Smaller actions will be Jill hitting the wipers, Jack and Jill using the heat controls, and Jack answering a cell call. Reactions: The reactions will be verbal and emotional tension from the argument plus Jack slamming the car door when he gets out.
Dialogue: This scene will be mostly dialogue. The fight will start over using the heater control and move to “control” over money were Jack tries to be in "control." (A layer of symbolism)
Climax: Jack loses this battle over the "money." As he exits the car he plots how to gain "control".
Exit: Jack exits the car into the cold, and slams the door. Jill drives off, turning up the heat.
I like to sketch each scene as if it were to be set on a stage for a play. I can see who’s on stage, the stage scenery, what props are on stage or with each person, how the characters move around, what they say, and how the scene ends. By thinking through each scene before you write, it makes the writing process much easier.
Tips:
- Slower scenes are normally used to develop characters
- A typical pattern is fast scene, slow scene, fast scene, etc.
- Place a slow scene, to lower the reader’s expectations, before a dramatic scene.
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