Writing Tip: 5 Commandments of Scene and Beyond

Happy Tip Tuesday! Today, let's talk about crafting a well-structured scene, guided by the wisdom of Savannah Gilbo and her exploration of concepts presented by Story Grid. They have outlined five commandments that serve as the building blocks of compelling narratives: the inciting incident, turning point, crisis moment, climax, and resolution. Let's delve into this scene structure, and then we'll explore five additional considerations to elevate our scene crafting game. Once we’ve got those essential pieces down, it’s easier to start putting them together to create a truly amazing scene.

(First, a note: If the word commandments feels a bit too rigid, consider replacing it with something like “scene elements” or “pieces of scene”… While they really are essential for building a scene, there are no hard and fast laws here.)

The 5 Commandments

A SCENE MUST CONTAIN

1. Inciting Incident:

   The Spark of Change. The inciting incident is the spark that ignites the scene. It's the moment of disruption, the catalyst that propels characters into action. This incident sets the scene in motion, introducing a conflict, a mystery, or a new direction that demands attention.

2. Turning Point:

   Steering the Narrative Course. As our scene unfolds, there comes a turning point—a crucial moment where the narrative takes a significant shift. Characters face choices, dilemmas, or revelations that alter the course of the story. The turning point injects momentum and intrigue into the scene.

3. Crisis Moment:

   Intensifying Conflict. Every scene needs a crisis moment—a point of no return where the conflict heads toward its zenith. This crisis moment heightens tension and keeps readers on the edge of their seats. It should be unavoidable and force the character into making a decision. Even indecision has major consequences here.

4. Climax:

   The Peak of Emotional Impact. The climax is the peak of emotional impact in our scene. It's where the conflict reaches its zenith, and characters confront the ultimate challenge. Whether it's a heated confrontation, a life-altering decision, or a revelation, the climax is the emotional crescendo that captivates readers.

5. Resolution:

   Tying Loose Ends. As your scene draws to a close, there's the resolution—a satisfying moment where loose ends are tied, and the aftermath is revealed… good or bad. Characters may experience growth, reconciliation, loss, or closure, providing a sense of fulfillment for the reader.

Beyond the Commandments: Enhancing Your Scene Craft

Now that we know what the commandments are, let's add five more considerations to our scene crafting toolkit, guaranteed to bring that extra spark to our writing.

1. Character Arcs:

   Evolving Perspectives. Consider the evolution of the characters within the scene. How does the experience impact their beliefs, motivations, or relationships? Crafting scenes with dynamic character arcs adds depth and authenticity, allowing readers to witness the growth and transformation of our protagonists. This is one of the most satisfying aspects of story for us as readers.

2. Atmosphere and Mood:

   Painting with Descriptions. Enhance scenes by paying attention to atmosphere and mood. Set the tone with sensory descriptions, incorporating elements like weather, lighting, or background noises. We humans are sensual creatures in the literal sense of the word, so the right atmosphere immerses readers in the scene, creating a vivid and memorable experience.

3. Symbolism:

   Adding Layers of Meaning. Infuse scenes with symbolism to add layers of meaning. Symbolic elements can serve as subtle motifs, reinforcing themes or foreshadowing events. Thoughtfully incorporating symbols deepens the narrative, inviting readers to uncover hidden connections within the scene.

4. Foreshadowing:

   Planting Seeds of Intrigue. Use foreshadowing to tease upcoming events by planting subtle hints or clues within the scene. This creates anticipation and intrigue, making readers eager to keep reading. If you don’t write this into your first draft (many of us don’t), that’s okay! That’s what editing is for… Go back through and layer in these little hints later.

5. Internal Conflict:

   The Battle Within. Explore the internal conflicts the characters face. Emotional struggles, doubts, or conflicting desires can add a layer of complexity to your scenes. Delving into internal conflict provides insight into the characters' inner worlds, which is what makes us connect with characters as readers.

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Mastering scene craft involves not only understanding what Story Grid and Gilbo have observed as foundational commandments but also considering many additional elements which further bring our readers into the whole story. Character arcs, atmosphere, symbolism, foreshadowing, and internal conflict enrich our scenes, transforming them into an immersive experience instead of remaining as a narrative on the page. Will a scene die without one of them? Maybe, maybe not. Probably not. But will a scene be elevated by their inclusion? Absolutely.

Happy writing!