Structuring Your Story’s Scenes, Pt. 12: Frequently Asked Questions

Once authors grasp Scene* structure, their whole approach to storytelling can become clearer and more refined. At first blush, it can be a subject that takes a while to fully grasp and, as a result, can spawn all kinds of questions. But all you clever Wordplayers seem to have caught on without so much as hitch. When I sent out a call for any final questions on Facebook and Twitter, I received only two.

One asked for info on character arcs in a sequel, as compared to a previous book. This, of course, refers to the “sequel” as the term applies to follow-up stories in a series, and not to the sequel as the second half of the Scene. But it’s a good reminder that this often confusing term pertains to two totally separate aspects of storytelling.

The second question asked for examples of scenes and sequels from popular stories. In answer to that, I’ll direct readers back to the previous posts in the series, since practically every one demonstrates Scene structure from well-known books and movies.

In lieu of any other official questions, I thought I’d share a few that were asked in the comments section at the end of previous posts in the series. If you have a question that isn’t addressed here, please feel free to ask it below!

“Plot” Scene or “Character” Scene?

Q. I try to stick to the mission-driven scene concept, trying to build each scene around the things my plot (or my character) needs to happen. But I have noticed that there are moments when certain scenes are meant to give an insight of the scene (the character-driven scene) and, in my experience, readers don’t usually get it and find those scenes unnecessary. I’m still wondering how to avoid that!—Meryl

A. Speaking generally, “plot” Scenes are usually scenes and “character” Scenes are usually sequels. Scenes drive the action forward; sequels allow characters and readers alike to absorb and react to what’s happened. That, of course, is a gross generalization, but suffice it that a story can’t exist without both. Plot and character, when done right, can never be extracted from each other.

How to “Show” Scenes

Q. How would you actually go about showing a scene instead of telling the scene?—JustSarah

A. Showing is all about dramatization while telling is all about summarizing. You may find this post helpful.

Scene “Premise Sentences”

Q. When structuring scenes, would it be considered tacky to give each scene sort of a premise sentence?—JustSarah

A. When outlining, I recommend doing just that. If you can plot out each scene’s arc—goal, conflict, disaster—as well as each sequel’s arc—reaction, dilemma, decision—you’ll be way ahead of the game in constructing a solid plot from beginning to end. As for stating the Scene’s “premise” in the text itself, that’s rarely a bad idea, since you always want readers to understand any given Scene’s focus.

Scenes Breaks and Head Hopping

Q. When I read about your POV change in the same scene my brain went berserk! Hauntings of don’t head hop played through my mind. I guess if you know the rules and break them, it is okay. When I wrote my first novel, I did many POV switches and was reprimanded constantly because of it. It had a similar feel to what you wrote.

So why in some cases is it acceptable and at other times it isn’t? Is it only acceptable in the occasional scene? Or can you do it throughout a novel? I’d really like to know your view.—Michael Di Gesu

A. What you’re seeing in the Scene I quoted from isn’t head hopping. Head hopping occurs when you’re switching POVs (usually multiple times) within a single Scene without any indication of a Scene break. If I had jumped into the second character’s head without using the three asterisks to signal a Scene break, that would have been head hopping. The key to successful POV switches is giving each POV a large chunk of time. In the Scene I’ve quoted from, both characters’ POVs each received half the chapter. If, on the other hand, I had switched back and forth every few paragraphs, that would have been way too much hopping around, even with asterisks to signal the Scene breaks.

Opening With a Sequel Scene

Q. I wanted to ask about where to place a sequel. Is it generally considered wise to open a book with a sequel? I’m contemplating opening this one character arc this way, but I’m not sure if it would leave them wondering, “Ok, so what are the characters reflecting about?”—JustSarah

A. In most stories, it will be best to start with your character in action, hook readers in, then slow down to reflect. However, when a story does open with a character’s reaction, it’s often because something huge just happened. The narrative will then likely use a flashback to show at least part of the situation.