How Goals Help Create Good Scene Structure
A well-defined goal is the cornerstone of every compelling scene. In this article, you’ll learn why goals are important in good scene structure and how to establish clear and impactful goals that resonate with your characters and audience. Once you understand how to incorporate goals into every scene, your story will be engaging, so much so that your reader won’t want to put your book down.
Why Are Goals So Important in a Scene?
Simply put, a goal gives your character a purpose in each scene. This purpose can be as mundane as seeking a good night’s sleep or as dramatic as trying to save a dying child. Regardless of the scale, the goal is what drives your character to take action.
In the world of storytelling, action is critical. It keeps your reader engaged and invested in the journey of your characters. The goal directs this action, helping the reader understand the characters’ motivations and what’s at stake for them.
A scene without a clear goal can feel aimless. It might seem like the characters are passive and are just going through the motions without real intent or purpose, which can lead to a lack of tension, engagement, and reader interest.
In contrast, a clear, well-defined goal creates focus and direction. It provides a path for your characters to follow and helps to build tension as readers wait to see if the goal will be achieved or thwarted. The goal often sets the scene’s tone, influences character decisions, and impacts the plot progression.
Techniques for Effectively Establishing Goals
Let’s explore three specific methods for conveying character goals in a scene: internal thoughts, dialogue, and action.
Internal Thoughts: Utilizing a character’s thoughts allows readers to access what the characters want and why. These should be concise and revealing. This way, readers don’t get lost in introspection but have a clear idea of what the character is aiming for.
Dialogue: Goals can be cleverly revealed through conversations. A character could discuss their goals with another character or express frustration or enthusiasm about their progress. It’s key, however, to ensure this dialogue sounds natural and not overly explanatory – subtlety is your friend here.
Action: Perhaps the most vivid way to depict a character’s goal is through action. What your character does or does not do can communicate volumes about their desires. This ‘show, don’t tell’ method pulls your readers into the story, and they understand the goal through observing the character’s behavior.
Establishing Goals: Important Factors to Consider
While using these techniques, consider the following aspects to make character goals in a scene truly effective:
- Specificity: Goals should be clear and distinct, preventing reader confusion and enhancing the narrative’s tension.
- Stakes and Consequences: Attach clear consequences to goals to underline their importance. The potential gains and losses associated with the goal will heighten the reader’s investment.
- Alignment with Character Motivation: Ensure the character’s goal aligns with their motivations, adding character depth and comprehensibility.
Common Questions
Does the initial goal need to be restated if it is shown at the end of the last scene?
If the goal is clear and present in the reader’s mind, there’s no need to repeat it verbatim. If the new scene starts a new chapter, it might be necessary to show the new goal again because readers take breaks from the book at chapter breaks.
Can you have multiple goals in a scene?
You can have multiple goals within a scene, especially with multiple characters. Each character could have their own goal. There could also be an overarching goal with several smaller ones contributing to it. However, be careful not to overcrowd the scene with too many goals, as it may confuse the reader.
Can a goal be subconscious, or must it be explicitly stated?
A goal can certainly be subconscious. While it often helps the reader understand the character’s motivations if the goal is made explicit, in some cases, it might be more effective or realistic to keep the goal subtle or unconscious.
How to Use Character Goals in Your Scene Structure Conclusion
In conclusion, the goal of a scene is much more than a narrative device; it guides your story, providing direction and purpose. An effectively crafted goal drives your characters forward and keeps your readers engaged, making each scene a vital part of the story’s journey.
Want to see how goals drive a story? Sign up for my newsletter below and receive an exclusive exercise where you will analyze the first chapter of ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ to find the scene goals. Plus, get a bonus chapter breakdown and a handy scene structure checklist for your writing projects.
