Learn how to craft well-structured scenes in fiction writing by defining character goals and utilizing the five commandments of storytelling. Explore key elements such as inciting incidents, turning points, and character decisions, with a detailed analysis of a scene from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
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Definition Of A Scene
A scene is a unit of story in continuous time and space told from one point of view with a specific cast of characters.
Each scene must contain an arc of change so it begins somewhere and ends somewhere different.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Begin With A Clear Scene Goal
Start every scene with the point-of-view character's clear goal so readers know what they want in that moment.
Make the goal concrete — from fetching water to defeating the Dark Lord — and drive the scene from it.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Introduce An Inciting Incident
Include an inciting incident as the first thing that obstructs the character's goal and forces change.
Let that incident shift or refine the character's immediate objective in the scene.
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In today's episode, I'm going to walk you through how to write a well-structured scene. I'll also show you how this structure shows up in a scene from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Here's a preview of what's included:
[02:50] A scene is a unit of story that takes place in more or less continuous space and time, features a specific cast of characters, is told from one point-of-view, and contains a value shift (or change) from beginning to end. [04:15] The first thing you need to know about writing a well-structured scene is that every scene needs to start with the point-of-view character’s goal. So, what does this person want to achieve or accomplish or learn in this scene? What are they trying to do? [05:00] Commandment number one is that there needs to be an inciting incident. And this is really just the first thing that gets in the way of your character accomplishing his or her goal. [05:35] Commandment number two is that there needs to be a turning point. A turning point is a moment where the conflict reaches its peak and the character can no longer go after their scene goal in the way they had originally planned. [06:40] Commandment number three is that there needs to be a crisis moment or a moment where your character faces a decision about how to move forward. Will they do X or Y? [08:10] Commandment number four is that there needs to be a climax or a moment where your character acts on their choice. Did they do X or Y? [08:45] Commandment number five is that there needs to be a resolution. So, how do they feel now that they’ve acted on their choice? How did their decision work out for them? [10:20] An example of a well-structured scene from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone including how these five commandments show up and help create a mini-arc of change. [13:55] Key points and episode recap.
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