Scene and sequel are two types of written passages used by authors to advance the plot of a story. Scenespropel a story forward as the character attempts to achieve a goal. Sequels provide an opportunity for the character to react to the scene, analyze the new situation, and decide upon the next course of action.
Scene
The concept of a scene in written fiction has evolved over many years. Dwight V. Swain, in Techniques of the Selling Writer defined a scene as a unit of conflict, an account of an effort to attain a goal despite opposition. According to Swain, the functions of a scene are to provide interest and to move the story forward. The structure of a scene, as described by Swain, is goal, conflict, disaster. In The Art of Fiction, John Gardner described a scene as having an unbroken flow of action without a lapse of time or leap from one setting to another. Over the years, other authors have attempted to improve on the definition of scene, and to explain its use and structure.
Sequel
In addition to defining a scene, Swain described a sequel as a unit of transition that links two scenes, adding that a sequel functions to translate disaster into goal, telescope reality, and control tempo. Swain also described the structure of a sequel as reaction, dilemma, and decision. Other authors have attempted to improve on the definition of a sequel and to explain its use and structure.
Proactive vs. reactive
Rather than viewing scenes and sequels as distinct types of passages, some authors express the concept as two types of scenes: proactive and reactive.
Scenes and sequels
Swain defined, described, and explained scene and sequel as if they were separate entities, but then he explained that they must complement each other, linking together smoothly into a story. He went on to observe that
An author controls pacing by the way he proportions scene to sequel.
The peaks and valleys in a diagram of a story correspond to scenes and sequels.
Flexibility is important, versus a mechanical approach.
Structural units of fiction
The structural units of fiction writing comprise all fiction.
The smallest units of writing are words, phrases, clauses, sentences, and paragraphs.
Two or more paragraphs with some common purpose are referred to as passages or segments of writing.
Scenes and sequels are specialized passages of writing. A scene is a passage of writing in which the character attempts to achieve a goal. A sequel is a passage of writing in which the character reacts reflectively to the previous scene.
A chapter is a segment of writing delineated by a form of punctuation called a chapter break. Prologue and epilogue are two specialized types of chapters.
A chapter may include one or more sections, passages separated by another form of punctuation called a section break.
Some novels, especially long ones, may be further divided into books or parts, each including two or more chapters.
Types of passages
Passages of writing may be classified into four groups: scenes, sequels, passages that are neither scenes nor sequels, and passages that include elements of both scenes and sequels. Examples of passages that are neither scenes nor sequels include fragments of scenes or sequels and passages of narration, description, or exposition. An example of a passage that includes elements of both scenes and sequels is the problem-solving passage, common in mystery and detective stories.
Types of scenes
Scenes may be classified by their position within the story. A scene may be classified by the fiction-writing mode that dominates its presentation. Some scenes have specialized roles.
