How To Write A Scene (pt 2)
Scenes do, in fact, contain three acts, just like sequences, acts and the screenplay as a whole. Focussing on a scene’s three act structure, focuses on its conflict—a protagonist who wants something and an antagonist who tries to prevent them getting it.
Each scene then plays out as a “mini movie,” with a set up, “act one” major turning point, development, midpoint, complication, and climax. Not forgetting the hook that takes us to the next scene.
The set up usually concerns the previous scene. Then comes the “act one” turning point which kicks the scene into gear and establishes the conflict—who wants what, and what’s stopping them getting it?
The conflict rises—each new beat introducing a different obstacle to the climax. Often, the midpoint, (reversal) is the climax, or leads directly to the climax. Finally, at the resolution we have a hook which leads directly to the next scene.
Of course, sometimes not all of the beats are present, for example, in “show-stopper” or “transition scenes.” However, every scene should contain a protagonist, antagonist, goal, reversal, climax and a hook.
Keeping this three act paradigm in mind when writing scenes will raise the conflict and keep them lean, clean and on the money. Right where you want them.
