Writing a Short Story

Scenes and Dialogue

A capsule in which compelling characters undertake significant actions in a vivid and memorable way that allows the events to feel as if they are happening in real time.

What is a scene?

Complex characters who undergo change; A specific point of view; Significant action that unfolds in real time; Meaningful dialogue where appropriate; New plot information that advances the story

and develops characters; Conflict and drama that tests and reveals

your characters; Rich physical setting.

Scene ingredients

Beginning

Middle

End

Scene structure

Where are my characters in the plot? Where did I leave them and what are they doing now?

What is the most important piece of information that needs to be revealed in this scene?

Scene beginning

Character launch

Action launch

Narrative launch

Ways to start a scene

The majority of your scenes should involve

your main character;

Make sure your readers know who your characters are;

Bring your main character into the scene as soon as possible.

Character Launch

What are the most immediate desires of your

characters? (especially the main character)

Who will help your characters achieve their goals? (especially the main character)

Who will hinder them? (especially the main character)

Character Launch

Get straight to the action

Hook the reader with big or surprising actions

Be sure that the action is true to your character

Act first, think later

Action Launch

Use specific visual details

Allow scenery to set the tone of the scene

Use scenery to reflect a character’s feelings

Show the impact of the setting on the character

Narrative Launch

Introduce complications that reveal the

characters and advance the plot;

Complications can take the following forms: (1) withholding information, objects, or

emotions; (2) putting your main character in danger; (3) revealing important information.

Scene Middles

Character summary that reveals something

about the character; Dialogue that reveals something; Cliffhanger ending; Setting description; Philosophical reflection; Narrative conclusion.

Scene Endings

“Hi,” she said.“Hello,” he said.“Did you have a good day?” she said.“I sure did,” he said.“Good,” she said.

Dialogue

“You’re red,” Jeanine said.“A snake. I bought a snake,” I said.“You bought a snake?” she said. “You bought a snake.”“From Andy…,” I said.“Oh my!” Jeanine said. “It’s in the box! You brought a snake in here!”“No, no,” I said.“You can’t do this,” she said. “Not in my house.”

Dialogue

“You’re red,” Jeanine said quietly.“A snake. I bought a snake,” I said hesitatingly.“You bought a snake?” she said dryly. “You bought a snake.”“From Andy…,” I said tersely.“Oh my!” Jeanine said loudly. “It’s in the box! You brought a snake in here!”“No, no,” I said gently.“You can’t do this,” she said unhappily. “Not in my house.”

Dialogue

“You’re red,” Jeanine said.“A snake. I bought a snake,” I whispered.“You bought a snake?” she exclaimed. “You bought a snake.”“From Andy…,” I responded.“Oh my!” Jeanine shouted. “It’s in the box! You brought a snake in here!”“No, no,” I replied.“You can’t do this,” she stated. “Not in my house.”

Dialogue

“You’re red,” Jeanine said when I walked in the apartment, my arms slung around the huge box marked FRAGILE: EGGS.“A snake,” I said. “I bought a snake.” The huge box shifted in my arms.“You bought a snake?” She sneered a bit, then turned a page in her magazine. “You bought a snake.” Now she was saying it just to hear herself.“From Andy….” The bottom of the box was wet. My new snake.“Oh my! It’s in the box! You brought a snake in here!” She was screaming now, rising from the couch, arming herself by rolling the magazine.I turned from her. “No, no.”

Dialogue