Killer Scenes Start with Purpose

A clear intent triggers the best story material from your subconscious.

A writer must be purposeful. Let’s focus on a writer’s intention when creating scenes in a plot.

Every scene must be there for a reason. A story reason. For example, some common scene purposes are:

1) Setting up the nature of a character.

2) Revealing a key theme.

3) Introducing a relationship.

4) Moving the story forward.

5) Escalating the stakes.

A good scene, of course, attains several purposes but at least one main one.  

Purpose in a Classic Scene Example

A writer who clearly knows his intentions before drafting a scene will generally produce stronger scenes. Let’s see how intention works in an example from a classic film.

Every plot must set up the nature and purpose of its protagonist. His dominant premise, top value, strongest traits, main goal, for instance.

In Casablanca, the protagonist Rick Blaine is first revealed to us playing chess. Against himself. That screams loner. We then see his hard, unhappy face and soon hear his bitter, cynical words, “I stick my neck out for nobody.”

We immediately get this man, or at least one main layer of his characterization. He is a bitter, cynical, self-isolating person.

There is, of course, more to be revealed of Rick’s nature, where we later witness in action, words, and choices his other side. His romantic, freedom fighting, just side.

Drill down into the principle here. The writers of this beautifully written film needed to first set up the bitter, cynical loner. That was their vital and necessary purpose as the story opens. The early scenes of the film do this expertly.

Creative Actionable Takeaway

When you are developing and outlining your script write the main purpose of every scene in your outline or beat sheet.

Then ask yourself how that purpose can be best achieved to create the most dramatic location, character objective, actions/choices, and climax.

If you did not define your scene purposes when outlining your script, do it when editing it. As you develop/review each scene ask:

What is the main purpose of this scene and what is the most dramatic way to achieve that purpose?

Consciously understanding the purpose of your scenes is a powerful way to engage your subconscious to achieve those purposes. From clear ideas and thinking flows compelling writing. Practise that!

For the first responder with PURPOSE, I will vet a one-page key scene of yours re its main purpose.

To read more about how to use your subconscious to create, read this article.

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