First Scene Checklist - Fiction Formula · 2017-12-10 · • Scene results: Using the Bourne Identity example above, at the end of the scene when the car chase ends, Jason and Marie

First Scene Checklist

Note: Scene creation is a process, just as story creation is a process. The

document before you is that process. It’s designed to help you build a scene using a series of steps from basic synopsis to comprehensive scene summary and when tied together with other scene types, a complete novel outline.

Many scene types have the same questions, but not all the same answer. Take your time with these questions because your answers will not be the same as they were in previous scene types. Character arch’s progress. Plots progress. Each scene in a story contains similar progressions and therefore the same questions must be asked of each scene. The questions can become repetitive, but they are necessary.

Definition of a first scene: The opening scene of your novel. The opening scene contains these components: the inciting incident; the story problem; the initial surface problem; the setup; backstory; language; character; setting; and foreshadowing.

Scene Summary: Summarize your scene using the following guide. ©2017 FictionFormula.com All Rights Reserved.

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One Sentence Synopsis: (include beginning, middle, and end)

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Character(s) Involved:

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©2017 FictionFormula.com All Rights Reserved.


Scene Opening:

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Scene Climax:

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Scene ending:

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Movie mode is a technique used by many authors. Prior to building a scene,

some authors let the scene unfold in their mind as though they are watching a

movie. Consider trying this technique prior to finalizing your scene. You’ll be

surprised on what you may visualize.

Include the following elements as you brainstorm your scene:

• Inciting incident: The inciting incident is the scene that gets the story

moving. It’s not the story problem, but the problem that lays the foundation

for the story problem.

For example: Almost any thriller novel starts with action and in most

cases someone dies. In family movies, like the 1983 movie Mr. Mom, Jack

Butler played by Michael Keaton gets fired from his automotive job forcing

his wife into work outside the home (inciting incident). Jack then becomes

Mr. Mom (story problem).

• Setting and character: Setting usually coincides with several aspects of an

opening scene, most notably character. Introduce setting and character in

the first sentence or the first paragraph. It’s crucial your reader get a mental

picture of the setting and character immediately.



• Pace: Every character should be in motion, and your pace should match.

Find a movie or a book with a slow pace and I’ll bet you never read the

entire story.

• Subtext: Provide some details about your POV character that could be used

to help the reader identify with the character. Subtext used sparingly can

also be used to foreshadow future events in the story. Use subtext to

provide details of your characters inner and outer motivations, and

character.

• Character Decisions: Before the end of your opening scene your POV

character must make a decision that will propel the plot forward. This

character may be the protagonist or the antagonist, but their decision to kill

or find the killer in the thriller genre, must be made before the end of the

first scene. The result of the decision will lead to more complications.



Using the scene summary and movie mode technique results, answer the

following questions. This process will form your scene foundation. Just as a

building cannot stand without a solid foundation, nor can your scene.

POV Character:

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In what context was your POV character introduced? (what were they doing?)

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What did the POV character need?

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Who or what prevented the POV character from obtaining their need?

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Are others character involved? (Do they have a need? List them.)

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What was the moment of peak intensity?

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What are the character consequences at the end of the scene and how will

you show that consequence to the reader?

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Using the movie mode technique, setting, and time of day from your scene

summary above, place yourself in the eyes of your POV character as the

scene begins, climaxes, and ends. What elements of setting should you

include to make your scene realistic?

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Using the movie mode technique and setting element list above, show how

your POV character interacted with the setting by including the 5 senses.

(taste, sight, touch, smell, and hearing)

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Where can you incorporate the POV character flaw to this scene?

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How did this scene move the plot forward?

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Keeping it simple, summarize your entire scene and include all of the above.



Action Scene

Note:

Scene creation is a process, just as story creation is a process. The

document before you is that process. It’s designed to help you build a scene

using a series of steps from basic synopsis to comprehensive scene summary

and when tied together with other scene types, a complete novel outline.

Many scene types have the same questions, but not all the same

answer. Take your time with these questions because your answers will not be

the same as they were in previous scene types. Character arch’s progress.

Plots progress. Each scene in a story contains similar progressions and

therefore the same questions must be asked of each scene. The questions can

become repetitive, but they are necessary.

Definition of an action scene: A protagonist is caught in a series of challenges

that typically includes pursuits, violence, physical feats, life threatening

situations, chases, and usually ends with the protagonist victory.



Scene Summary: Summarize your scene using the following guide.


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Setting:

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Scene Opening:

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Scene Climax:

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Scene ending:

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• Character reaction: Action scenes tend to have unexpected moments of

reaction. These reactions are typically instinctual in nature. (flinching,

blocking a blow, moving quickly or slowly, thinking on your feet or not,

etc.) Keeping your characters flaws in the forefront, how would your

character react? How are their flaws revealed to the reader?

• Character consequences: In the Bourne Identity Jason Bourne and Marie

realized their lives would never be the same after finding out they were

wanted by Interpol and out-maneuvering the police in one of the greatest

car chase scenes in the history of the movies. What consequences will your

character face as a result of this scene?



• Character discovery (Character arc progression): In Spiderman, Toby

McQuire (Spiderman) discovered he could defend any aggression when he

reacted to a fist fight in school with incredible speed and agility eventually

beating the toughest kid in school. What will your character discover

during the action they otherwise would not have known about themselves

in a normal situation?

• Scene results: Using the Bourne Identity example above, at the end of the

scene when the car chase ends, Jason and Marie take a moment to take a

deep breathe. Their brief dialogue and physical movements were deliberate

and slow allowing the viewer a break in the action. Determine which

direction the ending of your action scene will take your reader. Does your

story slow-down or maintain the excitement?






POV Character:

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How did your POV character reach instinctually during the scene?

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Suspense Scene




Definition of a suspense scene: Suspense is a feeling of excitement combined with tension, apprehension, and anxiety. It is both mysterious and predictable.





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Scene ending:

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• Opening: Because suspense scenes are meant to cause anxiety and

excitement, so must the opening elude to the coming suspense.

For example: 2009 Inglorious Bastards. Jewish American soldiers,

dressed as German soldiers and who do not speak fluent German, are deep

into German territory in a German bar/establishment when a high ranking

German soldier enters. This opening causes uneasiness with the Jewish

American soldiers when the German soldier sits down to have a drink and

converse.

Imagine the uneasiness among the audience when the threat of being

found out way behind enemy lines is so near.



• POV Character: The POV character should be in trouble immediately. There

should not be long exposition in the beginning of the scene, but a trouble

lurking.

For example: In continuing with the Inglorious Bastards film, the POV

character happens to be the only soldier who can speak German. This

soldier gets into a conversation with the German soldier. The audience is

sure the German soldier will pick up on the non-native accent.

• Mood and Setting: Just as you would any other scene, you must match the

mood of the scene with your setting. If your mood is dark, make the setting

match with dim lights or dusk at night. If your mood is foreboding, use a

feeling of the unexpected in your setting. Use all five senses to encapsulate

your mood and setting.



• Mid Scene: Suspense only grows out of action. Watch a suspenseful scene

in the movies and you’ll begin to notice the POV character does something

during the middle of the scene that ratchets up the suspense.

For example: The bar scene in Inglorious Bastards. The suspense is high

during the middle of the scene. The German soldier has already begun

to suspect there is something not quite right with his German

comrades, when the POV character makes a mistake when discussing a

famous German movie. It’s a mistake no German would ever make,

and the real German picks up on it and calls it to the table.

• Unexplained increase in Suspense: Adding additional suspense to an

already suspenseful scene is what writers do. Not to be outdone by the

mid-scene increase in suspense is the unexplained increase in suspense. Be

sure to include an element that cannot be explained to increase suspense.

This type of suspense is not usually focused on one character, but the scene

itself.



• Ending: Sadly every suspense scene must end. There are two ways to end a

suspense scene. You can end with the release of the suspense or you can

end with a cliffhanger to keep the reader interested and turning the pages.

Keep in mind cliffhangers should be used sparingly. Once per novel is

enough.






POV Character:

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Flashback Scene




Definition of a flashback scene: a sudden and/or vivid memory from the past.





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• Clear Transition: Flashbacks should be considered carefully and used

sparingly in novels. Part of the issue with flashbacks is the need for a clear

transition from real time, to flashback and vice versa. A movie can handle a

flashback with cinematography. Novels rely on words alone and that’s

tough. If you do decide to add a flashback, make sure the reader knows it’s

a flashback and for goodness sake, don’t start your novel with a flashback.

Likewise, make sure the reader knows when the flashback is over.

• Meaning: Just like every scene in a novel is meant to move the plot

forward, it is also true for flashbacks. Flashbacks also require meaning,

specific information, and are focused and to the point.



• Brief: Keep your flashback scene brief. It only has one meaning or specific

purpose. Keep only what is needed and end the flashback.




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Dialogue Scene




Definition of a dialogue scene: Kind of an easy one to explain. A dialogue scene is a conversation between one or more people.





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• Setting, setting, and setting: In any dialogue scene, you must first, before

anything else of substance, provide your reader with enough imagery to

develop a mental picture of the setting. Do not skimp. There is nothing

worse for a reader to have two characters in an important conversation and

not have a stinking clue as to where the conversation is taking place.

• Personality Traits (Character arch progression): If there is ever a time to

progress a character’s arch in a scene, this is it. Depending on where this

dialogue scene takes place in your novel, you have the opportunity through

dialogue to reveal more about your characters and progress their individual

story plot. Take the time in each dialogue scene to do just that.



Case in point: “You think I’m funny? Funny how, like a clown, I amuse

you?” If you’re familiar with these words, then you’ve watched the 1990

Hit Movie “Goodfellas”. In this scene, gangsters, Tommy (played by Joe

Pesci) and Henry (played by Ray Liotta) are in a dinner setting with several

other gangsters. Tommy is telling a story when he seems to get upset about

a comment made by Henry. Because Tommy is feared by many gangsters

including his close friends, Henry is left to try and defend himself and

apologize to Tommy. The entire scene is dialogue, and the writers used the

scene to progress the character arch of both Tommy and Henry. They

reiterated how dangerous Tommy is and how vulnerable Henry can be. It’s

magnificent character progression and dialogue all rolled up into one

unforgettable scene.

• Emotional Strain: See scene above from Goodfellas. The tension in the

middle of the scene is intense even years later. Although I’m completely

aware of what is going to happen in the movie, I’m tense every time.

Your dialogue scene should provide a level of emotional strain. This

tension could be internal or external. It could be a struggle verbally

between two characters or internal strain due to the content of the

dialogue.



• Plot progression: Do not use a dialogue scene as an info dump. Dialogue

scenes, just as every other scene in your novel, are used to progress the

plot.

Using all the elements above, craft your scene and your content within

the dialogue to propel the plot forward. By the end of your dialogue scene,

your POV character should have a new direction, revelation, or action.




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Contemplative Scene




Definition of a contemplative scene: A scene where the POV character is focused on deep reflective thought. Characters could be reflecting on a previous plot point or a potential situation that has yet to occur. The scene could be positive or negative in nature depending on your POV character for that scene. Contemplative scenes are often preceded by action scenes. They are to be used sparingly in your novel.





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Scene ending:

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• Transitional setting: A transitional setting is a setting in which the POV

character is constantly in movement. This could be by car, foot, bicycle,

whatever, but make your POV character in motion.

• Intimacy: Intimate settings do well with a contemplative scene. A quite car

ride, library, café, whatever setting you have available that a reader could

take a deep breath.



• Push/Pull: Contemplative scenes glorify the push/pull scenario. Push/pull

can be the POV character struggling with a previous or upcoming plot

point, or the struggle between two or more characters.

For example: In the 2012 HBO miniseries, True Detective, characters Rust

Cohle and Martin Hart played by Mathew McConoughy and Woody

Harrelson are in a vehicle traveling from one location to another. This

contemplative scene is loaded with push/pull between the two characters

and their incredible differences about life and faith, plus the events from a

previous scene.

• Mirror Scene Content: Imagery plays a big part in a contemplative scene. If

the content in your scene is emotional, tie the setting into that content.

Think rain, thunderstorms, dusty places, crowds, sparse locations, darkness,

etc.






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Epiphany Scene




Definition of an epiphany scene: An epiphany is a sudden perception or insight into the meaning of something, usually initiated by a commonplace occurrence. So, an epiphany scene usually includes the POV character, typically the protagonist and is used to progress a plot.





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• Tension and Anxiety Setup: For an epiphany scene to work really well, you

must create emotions that mirror the epiphany to come.

For example: In the 1995 movie, “Clueless” Cher, played by Alicia

Silverstone, is alone and distraught due to past events in the movie. What

the audience doesn’t know at this point, is the writers are setting up Cher

and the audience for an epiphany.

• Result of plot events: Continuing with the Clueless example, Cher who is

distraught, begins to recall several situations where things didn’t exactly go

as planned. To add insult to injury the decisions she has made, have taken

a turn for the worse. The writers are using the results of the previous plot

events to set up the audience for the coming epiphany.



• Surprise the POV: Your POV character should be surprised by the epiphany.

They should not see it coming.

• Baggage or Cost: Your POV character having just had an epiphany should

almost immediately realize the epiphany comes with baggage or cost.

For example: Cher realizes she loves Josh, however now the cost is she

doesn’t know how to act around him. She is uncomfortable and

nervous when he is around. Your character should have some baggage

or a cost as well.






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Dramatic Scene




Definition of a dramatic scene: A scene in a novel or movie that opens slowly, increases in emotional complications, confrontation, decision, and push and pull, and ends with a significant decision or new direction furthering the plot.





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• Open Slow: A dramatic scene usually opens slow. Picture a dramatic scene

as you would an entire novel story arch. The story begins, tension increases

to the climax, and the denouement is the new direction. Dramatic scenes

are very similar. They start slow to set the stage for the rise in action or

confrontation.

• Dramatic Elements: A drama scene does not have to include confrontation.

It may be a scene of reunion, apprehension, time or fear. But, it must

contain at least one emotional output.

• Increased intensity: Similar to a dialogue scene, a dramatic scene will have

increased intensity and immense push and pull. To pull off a dramatic

scene, a reader must become encapsulated into the scene evoking

emotion. Increasing the intensity is an important phase in the process.



• Decision Time: Near the end of the scene, the POV character must be left

with having to make a decision.

For example: In the 2016 film Hacksaw Ridge, actor Andrew Garfield

plays Army Corporal Desmond Doss, a soldier who refuses to use a gun in

World War II. Based on a true story, in a heroic and very dramatic scene, a

normal conversation between two soldiers quickly turns into a life or death

situation as the Japanese launch a fierce attack. Despite not having or using

a weapon to defend himself, Doss does the unthinkable and stays in the

fight by rescuing the injured. At one point in the scene, Doss is the only

able bodied allied soldier still remaining on the hill and has a difficult

decision to make. Stay and save more wounded, or leave and live for

another day.

• End slow: Begin slow, end slow. If you did your job correctly, your readers

are heavily vested in the scene and are likely needing a break from the

drama. Give it to them at the end of the dramatic scene. Your character has

made a decision, now it’s time to reflect on that decision or take a dramatic

pause and provide some exposition for the reader to cool things down a

bit.






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Climactic Scene




Definition of a climactic scene: The grand finale- the highest peak of intensity or suspense after a series of events in your scene. This does not have to be the climax to your story, although you’ll need one. This can be a climactic scene within the interior of your story. This scene type could be best used immediately after an action or suspense scene.





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• Highest stakes: The stakes in a scene are never higher than this scene. The

buildup between good and evil is at a boiling point. At this point of the

novel, it’s likely your protagonist and antagonist are squaring off for one

epic battle. To be believable to your audience, the stakes for the protagonist

have to be at their highest level.

For example: The 1992 hit movie “A Few Good Men”. Lt. Daniel Kaffee

and his team are facing off in court with Col. Nathan Jessup who Kaffee

believes ordered a “code red” that resulted in a Marines death. The

problem is Kaffee cannot accuse a highly decorated soldier like Col. Jessup

of an action like ordering a “code red” without the risk of being disbarred

from practicing law and likely dishonorably discharged from the Navy

(highest stake). During the scene the stakes are at their highest as Lt. Kaffee



is forced to either end his line of questioning, or actively accuse Col. Jessup

of ordering the “code red” risking his entire career.

• Intensity: Insert “duh” moment here. This is a climactic scene. Stakes within

the scene should be at the highest point.

For example: The 1995 movie “Apollo13” has one of the best climactic

scenes in the movies. The re-entry scene is where the astronauts are

knowingly going to experience a communications blackout of a couple

minutes where all the world watching will have to wait to see if they re-

enter the Earth’s atmosphere successfully, or burn up. For two minutes, the

scene intensity increases as the audience waits until finally the outcome is

presented.

Take time with your climactic scenes. Have you met the level of highest

peak of intensity or suspense?

• Internal Conflict Resolved (Character arc progression): In the 1999 movie

“Big Daddy” lead actor and protagonist Adam Sandler plays Sonny Koufax,

an early thirties bachelor who takes no responsibility for anything

whatsoever, and is rather childish. Sonny does whatever whenever and has

not a care in the world. Enter Julian. Julian is the illegitimate son of Sonny’s

brother who is out of the country on business and is basically dropped at



Sonny’s door. As the movie continues, Sonny’s flaw is of course that he is

not responsible, and is now faced with taking care of a young boy. By the

end of the movie, Sonny is no longer irresponsible but has actually

changed his life around and fights the court system (antagonist) to keep the

boy. Sonny has effectively overcome his flaw and used that to fight and

defeat the antagonist (court system).

Your character must resolve their flaw by the end of the story and use

that against the antagonist.

• Quick pace with no exposition: The time for explanation is long over in a

climactic scene. Everything that needed to be explained has been

explained and the audience is left with highest stakes, intensity, and a

quick pace.

• A hand is raised: There has to be a clear winner. Emphasis on “clear”. The

climactic scene must finish with a winner – protagonist or antagonist – and

the audience should not be left guessing on who or what that is.






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Final Scene




Definition of a final scene: Kind of a no brainer. It’s the final scene in the novel after the climax. This scene is often referred to as the resolution or denouement.





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• Character flaw: The limitation, imperfection, or problem you created with

your character must be healed or on the road to recovery in the final scene

of your novel.

For example: 1983 Return of the Jedi. The villain Darth Vader’s

character flaw is greed and power. At the end of Return of the Jedi, Darth is

electrocuted as he throws his master into the abyss. A scene later, Darth

asks Luke to take his mask off and tells his son, he was right all along.

Darth’s character flaw and arch was complete.

• Subplots resolved: Every great novel has one or two subplots. Each of these

subplots must be resolved or on the road to resolution in the final scene.

For example: One such subplot in Return of the Jedi was the love hate

relationship between Han Solo, Luke, and Princess Leia. Han, who has

feelings for Leia, thought he was in competition for her affection



throughout the movie. In the end of the movie, Han finds out Luke and

Leia are brother and sister and Leia cares for Han intimately. This

subplot is resolved when Leia kisses Han.

• Happy ending: Happy ending or not, an emotional resolution must happen

for the sake of the reader. It’s not enough to have a character flaw and

subplot resolution. Your reader has stuck with you through the entire story

and now it’s time to let them off with an emotional conclusion.

For example: Sticking with our Return of the Jedi theme, the very last

scene of the movie is where the entire light side of the force is gathered to

celebrate their victory over the dark side. Han, Chewy, and Luke all

receive metals celebrating their heroics. This ending provides an emotional

conclusion for the audience.

• Theme: Each story has a theme that is alluded to throughout the story. The

ending in a story is no different. To cap off an emotional ride for the reader,

a writer must capture the theme one more time in the final scene. Be sure

to include theme in the end of your story.






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Documents

First Scene Checklist - Fiction Formula · 2017-12-10 · • Scene results: Using the Bourne Identity example above, at the end of the scene when the car chase ends, Jason and Marie