Positive and negative scene resolutions

Every scene in your story serves a purpose, whether moving the plot forward, developing characters, or setting the stage for events to come. A pivotal element in determining the effectiveness and impact of a scene is its resolution. Scene resolutions can broadly be classified into two categories: positive and negative. This article delves into both, explaining their significance and offering insights on when and how to employ them.

What is a scene resolution?

A scene resolution is the outcome or result of the events that transpire within a scene. It answers the question, “What changed from the beginning to the end of this scene?” It’s the payoff – whether good, bad, or neutral – that keeps the reader engaged and propels the narrative forward.

Positive scene resolutions

These are resolutions that favour the protagonist or align with their goals. Positive resolutions can manifest in various ways:

1. Achievement of a goal: The protagonist gets what they were after, be it information, an object, or an ally.
2. Emotional upliftment: The scene ends on a hopeful note, possibly after a revelation or an emotional connection.
3. Advancement of plot: The main plot or a subplot takes a significant step forward.
4. Character development: The protagonist learns or grows in some vital way.

Usage: Positive resolutions can give readers a breather after intense sequences, build attachment to characters, or reward them for milestones achieved in the plot.

Negative scene resolutions

Contrarily, negative scene resolutions work against the protagonist’s aspirations. They present obstacles, dilemmas, or setbacks, such as:

1. Failure to achieve a goal: Despite their best efforts, the protagonist doesn’t obtain what they were seeking.
2. Emotional downturn: Moments of sorrow, betrayal, or realisation of an unpleasant truth.
3. Plot complications: The main storyline or a subplot faces unexpected hurdles.
4. Character regression: The protagonist makes a grievous mistake, highlighting their flaws or weaknesses.

Usage: Negative resolutions are invaluable for maintaining tension, introducing conflict, and ensuring the story doesn’t become too predictable. They challenge characters and, by extension, captivate readers.

Balancing the two

1. Vary resolutions for dynamism: If every scene concludes positively, readers might lose interest due to a lack of stakes. Conversely, if negativity dominates, the story could become overwhelmingly bleak. Strive for a balance that matches the tone and genre of your story.
2. Consider the narrative arc: Generally, stories will oscillate between positive and negative resolutions, culminating in the most significant positive or negative climax. This flow keeps readers engaged and invested.
3. Relevance is key: Every resolution, whether positive or negative, should feel earned and relevant to the plot or character development. Gratuitous events can disengage readers.

The ebb and flow of narrative

Positive and negative scene resolutions are instrumental in orchestrating the rhythm of your story. Like a musical composition, stories have highs and lows, crescendos and diminuendos. By astutely managing these resolutions, you control the narrative’s pulse, ensuring your readers remain enthralled from start to finish.

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