Scene Analysis
Scene Essentials
Every scene needs:
- •Goal - What does the protagonist want?
- •Conflict - What's preventing them?
- •Outcome - Win, lose, or complication?
Scene Types
Confrontation Scene
Two or more characters in direct conflict.
- •Clear opposing goals
- •Rising tension
- •Resolution or escalation
Discovery Scene
Character learns important information.
- •Setup mystery/question
- •Investigation or revelation
- •Reaction and implications
Action Sequence
Physical conflict or chase.
- •Clear geography
- •Escalating stakes
- •Cause and effect
Montage
Series of shots showing passage of time.
- •Unified theme
- •Clear progression
- •Music/voiceover optional
Flashback
Scene from the past.
- •Clear trigger
- •Relevant information
- •Smooth transition back
Scene Structure
Entry Point
- •Enter late, leave early
- •Start with action/conflict
- •Establish location quickly
Development
- •Escalate conflict
- •Reveal character through action
- •Advance plot and theme
Exit Point
- •End on change
- •Hook to next scene
- •Don't overstay welcome
Scene Grading
Rate each scene (1-5) on:
| Criteria | Question |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Does it advance plot or reveal character? |
| Conflict | Is there tension? |
| Change | Does something shift by the end? |
| Uniqueness | Could this scene happen elsewhere? |
| Economy | Is it as lean as possible? |
Red Flags
- •Scene exists only for exposition
- •No conflict or tension
- •Characters unchanged by end
- •Dialogue carries all the weight
- •Scene could be cut without impact
Scene Questions
Before writing, answer:
- •What does the protagonist want in this scene?
- •What's stopping them?
- •What do they learn/lose/gain?
- •How does this change the story?
- •What's the emotional temperature?