Scene Structure Part 1: How to Write the Goal

Scene structure is very important in creating a strong plot. In this video I discuss how to use goals in your proactive scenes to create a strong sense of momentum and to keep the reader interested.

This video is part of my Novel Boot Camp series. A new video will be posted every weekday in July.

The FULL SCHEDULE can be viewed here:

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VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

- There are two types of scenes: proactive scenes (built on action) and reactive scenes (built on emotion).

- Proactive scenes must have a goal to give the scene a sense of direction and purpose.

- A goal can be introduced immediately if the protagonist wants to achieve something, or an external obstacle can be introduced at the beginning of the scene to create a goal.

Questions to Ask About Your Novel

1. Look at a few scenes in your novel. Does the character have a clear goal?

If the character isn't trying to achieve anything in a proactive scene, the reader is likely to lose interest or grow bored. Adding a goal can help strengthen a scene, but often adding a goal is not as simple as a quick edit and scenes need to be rewritten or cut to create a better flow to the story and a better sense of momentum.

If you have any questions about scene goals, please post them in the comments.

[valhalla]

I love that you rarely say things like "it's up to you" "it depends" ... you mostly have a clear opinion and give understandable reasons for it which makes your videos so much more professional than most out there :)

[LeifGregersen]

You should put the boot camp on a DVD with a booklet and sell it off your website, I would buy it

[paulsheppard]

I know this video is old but I just re-watched it. This is great advice. Your story may have a goal but also each scene should have a goal

[adriansherlockdamondark.]

The idea of little mini-goals in a scene which can generate action and conflict, that's a really useful concept because it's too easy to make a character, who has a big goal and agency, a little too obsessive and tunnel-visioned. And it adds a lot of potential for lively scenes.

[SuperBeanson]

You have the best advice and the most useful information. Thank you Ellen.

[markharden]

By far, the hardest thing for me. You really made it clear why these scene goals are essential. I am in the middle of the very scene you described - too much pointless chatter, too much eating (or moving food around the plate), somebody is even drinking too much. You busted me. However, I now have a goal for my day. Thanks, Ellen. These packets are the perfect size and contain the perfect amount of information.

[j.f.fisher]

The most actionable writing advice I've found on YT. Thank you!

[rodgerfields]

Ellen's advice is always well thought out. Thank yo!

[pekkidkul]

I love your videos! I am a young writer who used to write a lot as a child, but can't write anything anymore. These videos have really helped me continue my writing!

[asiac]

Your videos are helping me so much. I am in the outlining and rough draft stage and I am so glad I found your videos before I got deep into my rough draft. Thank you Ellen!

[ilyas_claymore]

You're a life saver Ellen! Thank you!

[mujtabashaikh]

thank you ellen. plz keep making such videos.

[dawsar]

You share with us a mind opening insights and concepts. Sometimes, i spend a lot of time just thinking about what you say, even long after the video's finished.

Thank you. I hope you keep on educating us.
Dawser Shalabi

[philipclayberg]

In a nutshell: "An active character is more interesting than a passive character." But if you're aiming for realism, remember that every so often an active character has to stop, if only to breathe, eat, and rest.

[cornyBandit]

You're amazing Ellen! You help me a lot in understanding the nitty gritty of making a novel! I cant believe all of the nanowrimo writers out there, you cant ever write that fast and have a coherent story when the details of the story is what makes the novel worth to read!!!😁😁

[franklinerin]

Love your video's! They resonate with me so much and when I hear your advice I literally hear my mother, an English/Drama teacher, who always gave me the best advice. So clear and professional. Subscribe! Helped so much in clearing up my scene structure!

[AnaPaula-vkbs]

YOU'RE THE BEST! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE KNOWLEDGE <3

[Gregasaurus]

Bravo. Engaging content. Well communicated. Thank you so much for your insights. You are doing amazing videos. I love them.

[yerabbit]

thank you for such practical, specific advice. i've come back to your videos more than any others

[CkArtGirl]

Exactly what I've been stuck on! Thank you!