The one thing that a scene must do
Keep the tension going
Scene
A dramatization of essential conflicts (opposing objectives) that advances the story forward.
How is a scene in fiction different from film and TV?
dialogue, no visual aids, no actors play the emotional journey of the scene
the emotional journey of the scene must be conveyed with
subtlety, thru gestures, dialogue, sensory detail, imagery
Conflict
A short story is a narrative conflict between A & B (two poles)
A good story is about disturbance to characters' ___ & ____ lives
inner;outer
The conflict needs to be a series of actions in which A & B get together and again and again. _____ is a good start but there can be more.
3
Conflict is
any relationship of opposition
The series of actions are set in ___
scenes
Scenes must have ____
conflict
Scenes are about opposition: what we use to illustrate and dramatize those disturbances. Scenes are the essential building block of ___. And a ___ is only as strong as it's weakest block.
plot;plot
Characteristics of a scene
beginning, middle, end (begins for a reason and doesn't trail off into nowhere), grounded in a specific time and place, told in a discernible and specific POV, features characters with opposing desires, fueled by conflict or obstacles (there's tension), includes dialogue with subtext, comes alive with concrete sensory detail, shows a change in emotion for each character, shifts from negative to positive or positive to negative, avoids melodrama or cliche, is crucial to the overall narrative of the story.
Summary
covers a relatively long period of time in relatively short compass
Scene (VS. SUMMARY)
a scene deal at length with a relatively short period of time
Summary is a ___ & often ____ device
useful;necessary
Summary gives ___, fills in a character's ____, let us understand a ____, alter ___, create a ____, leap ___ or years.
information;background;motive;pace;transition;moments
3 questions to ask yourself about a scene
who wants what?, what happens if they don't get it?, why now?
Should you keep your scene?
Is it dramatic? (conflict), Is it essential? (or should it be summarized?) Does it advance the story?
