Defining a Scene

A scene defines  the conflict and tension as it relates to the goals and desires of the characters. The scene is  character, plot and action based. The scene needs each of these. This is followed by the reaction segment ( sequel).   Characters must act, then react. They need recovery time to catch a breath, as it were, along with the reader .Each scene must have a hook, rise and fall action, and a climax. The scene must also have a goal. Answer the question- What does the character want/ need to accomplish? The goal of each scene must be revealed early in each scene so the reader knows the stakes involved. This serves to keep the goal fresh in the author's mind, too.  Goals will relate to either the overall story plot, or to the subplot. A goal that does not affect either of these things does not belong in the story.

Each scene must build upon the previous scene, for scenes are blocks in story construction. Each scene sets up the next, as dominos falling into one another in succession.  Think of this as a roadmap, or a GPS.