A scene is a sequence in a story that focuses on characters engaged in actions and dialogue within a specific location and time period. It should have a beginning, middle, and end, with tension that moves the plot forward. Effective scenes include meaningful dialogue between characters, plot developments that advance the story and develop characters, and conflicts that reveal characters. Scenes also benefit from rich descriptions of physical settings and literary techniques. Well-structured scenes start by establishing where characters are in the plot, introduce complications through withholding information or endangering characters, and conclude by revealing something new about characters or the story.

1. SCENE
J O - A N E T . S I E R A S

2. WHAT IS A
SCENE?
A scene is a sequence where the characters are
engaged with actions and dialogue. Scene should
have a beginning, middle and end. It should focus
around a definite point of tension that moves the story
forward. It takes place in a specific location and time.
Scenes tend to include both description and dialogue.

3. SC EN E?
A. Complex characters that undergo change. There will be
dynamicity between the characters as the action from the
scene goes on
B. A specific point of view. There will be one perspective that
holds the events of the scene
C. Significant action that unfolds in real time. Actions from
the scene which seem to be unclear will later on be clear to
the readers

4. SC EN E?
D. Meaningful dialogue. Conversation between characters is useful
and will help readers unveil the mystery in the story
E. Plot information that advances the story and develops characters.
Proper structure/arrangement of plot, proper development of your story
and characters, and proper usage of action words will help you create a
good scene
F. Conflict and drama that tests and reveals your characters. In every
scene or even story, there is always a conflict as well as a drama.
Make sure that these two important parts will reveal the true color of
your characters

5. SC EN E?
G. Rich physical setting. It should describe how exactly the
place looks like and tell when did the story happen because
inability to describe the physical setting might lose interest of
the readers to read your scene
H. Other literary techniques and devices- for the scene to be
more interesting for the readers, inclusion of literary
techniques and devices will be a great help since they will
create vivid images to the minds of the readers based from
what the words you will use

6. W H AT I S T H E S T R U C T U R E O F A S C E N E ?
A. Beginning. Consider the following: Where are my characters in the
plot? Where did I leave them and what are they doing now? What is
the most important piece of information that needs to be revealed in
this scene?
B. Middle. Introduces complications that reveal the characters and
advance the plot. These complications can take the following forms: (1)
withholding information, objects, or emotions; (2) putting your main
character in danger; and (3) revealing important information.
C. End.
about the
It could be the character summary that reveals something
ending, setting description, philosophical reflection, and
character, dialogue that reveals something, cliffhanger
narrative

7. SCENE?
A. Character launch. Majority of your scenes should involve your main
character. Make sure your readers know who your characters are
and bring your main character into the scene as soon as possible.
B.Action launch. This gets straight to the action, hooks the reader with
big or surprising actions. Be sure that the action is true to your character.
C.Narrative launch. It uses specific visual details, allows scenery to set
the tone of the scene, uses scenery to reflect a character’s feelings, and
shows the impact of the setting on the character.

8. B E T W E E N S H O R T S C E N E AN D L O N G
S C E N E ?
A. Short Scene. This takes place in ten or fewer pages. It has
to achieve the same goals as a longer scene, and in less
time. It must still contain main characters engaging in
actions based upon scene intentions. New information
must be revealed that drives the plot forward. The setting
must be clear.
B. Long Scene. It takes place to more than fifteen pages.
This leaves readers with more information. The scenes in
long scene can be picked up, read, and put back down.

9. T H A N K Y O U F O R L I S T E N I N G