7 things that every scene must have

Crafting a compelling scene is no easy feat. Each one should serve as a building block in your story's structure, driving it forward and engaging the reader. But what elements are non-negotiable when writing a scene?

Here's a rundown of seven essential elements that you should have in every scene

1. A clear purpose

Every scene should have a clear reason for being in your story. It might introduce a new character, advance the plot, or deepen our understanding of existing characters. If you can remove a scene without any significant impact on the overall narrative, you may need to reconsider its inclusion or refine its purpose.

2. Conflict or tension

Conflict and tension are the lifeblood of storytelling. Whether external (between characters) or internal (within a character's mind), each scene should present some challenge or opposition. This tension keeps readers hooked, wanting to find out what happens next.

3. Character development

Every scene is an opportunity to delve deeper into your characters, revealing more about their personalities, motivations, or backgrounds. Through their actions, reactions, and choices within a scene, characters come to life and evolve.

4. Setting details

While not every scene requires an exhaustive description of its setting, there should be enough detail to ground the reader. This doesn't mean lengthy paragraphs of description – sometimes, a few well-chosen details can vividly conjure a place in the reader's mind.

5. A sense of time

Scenes don't exist in a vacuum. Whether it's a clear mention of the time of day, a hint at the passing of hours, or a date reference, a sense of time helps to anchor your scene within the broader timeline of your story.

6. Sensory details

Drawing on the five senses – sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell – can make a scene pop. By integrating sensory details, you invite readers to experience the scene in a more immersive, vivid way.

7. A resolution or progression

While not every scene will neatly resolve the issues it introduces, there should be a sense of progression. This doesn't mean a significant plot advancement – sometimes, the mere shift in a character's emotions or a new piece of information can provide the progression needed.

Crafting scenes with care

Scenes are the building blocks of your narrative, and ensuring each one contains these seven elements will set a strong foundation for your story. While it's essential to have these components, remember that flexibility is key – sometimes, breaking the 'rules' can lead to the most memorable scenes.

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