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