Hello lovely writers! Wondering how to write the best story scenes? Let’s solve this question in this writing blog.
When I first started writing, my biggest challenge wasn’t just “how to start writing stories,” but rather the confusion between key storytelling elements. Terms like story and plot, different plot types and narratives, or even the distinction between story structure, plot structure, and narrative structure often seemed interchangeable—yet each plays a unique role in storytelling. (Yes, I tried to skip them as these concepts seem hard but these are the most significant concepts to master if you really want to start writing novels smoothly and professionally)
Similarly, I struggled to understand the difference between scenes and subplots—another crucial concept that every writer (like you) should grasp before diving into novel writing. (P.S: Learn about Story plots and story subplots before these blogs for better understanding)
But in this blog, we are only going to understand the concept of “story scenes” as it’s important to understand what scenes truly are before learning their difference from any other element. Here, we going to learn the story scene definition, its significance in the story, how we can write the best scenes for our stories, some weak signs of story scenes and their fixes plus some iconic novel scenes to motivate you for your scene writing journey.
What are Scenes in a Story?
A scene in a story is a self-contained unit of narrative that takes place in a specific location and time, involving characters engaging in action, dialogue, or internal thought. It serves to advance the plot, develop characters, or build tension. Scenes often have a clear beginning, middle, and end, contributing to the overall structure of the story.
Scenes in a story are like the building blocks that make up the narrative. They’re individual sections where the action unfolds, story conflicts grow, characters interact, and events move the major plot forward.
Example of a Story Scene
Here’s an example of a scene from a fictional story:
The Confrontation
Setting: A dimly lit coffee shop at midnight. Rain taps against the windows.
Characters: Madelyn (the protagonist) and her estranged mother, Eleanor.
Madelyn stirred her coffee, watching the steam curl into the air. Across from her, Eleanor sat stiffly, hands wrapped around a cup she hadn’t touched.
“You haven’t changed,” Madelyn muttered, her voice laced with bitterness.
Eleanor exhaled sharply. “Neither have you. Still so quick to judge.”
Madelyn scoffed. “What did you expect? That I’d welcome you with open arms after all these years?”
The rain outside grew heavier, mirroring the storm inside her chest. Eleanor finally lifted her cup but set it down without drinking.
“I came to explain,” Eleanor said, her voice softer now. “I made mistakes, Madelyn, but leaving wasn’t as simple as you think.”
Madelyn’s grip on her spoon tightened. The anger she carried for years fought against the flicker of curiosity rising inside her.
For the first time in years, she hesitated.
Why This Is a Scene:
- Time & Place: Midnight in a coffee shop.
- Action & Dialogue: Madelyn and Eleanor exchange words, revealing tension.
- Emotional Progression: Starts with anger, shifts to hesitation.
- Purpose: Develops their relationship, adds conflict, and hints at unresolved history.
A scene like this keeps the story engaging while moving the plot forward!
Significance of Scenes in Stories
Story scenes are like the spices of your tender chicken. It is! (Yes Stories without scenes exist) but Scenes matter (especially in novels) because they bring a story to the block-by-block chain. Imagine reading a book where the author just tells you what happened—”Madelyn was angry at her mother for leaving… bla bla bla” That’s fine, but it doesn’t make you feel anything. Right?
Now, picture a scene I’ve mentioned above:
Madelyn stirred her coffee, watching the steam curl into the air. Across from her, Eleanor sat stiffly, hands wrapped around a cup she hadn’t touched.
“You haven’t changed,” Madelyn muttered, her voice laced with bitterness.
Eleanor exhaled sharply. “Neither have you. Still so quick to judge.”……. Continues
That’s the difference. Scenes show instead of tell. They let readers experience emotions, conflicts, and relationships firsthand. They pull us into a character’s world, making us see, hear, and feel what they’re going through.
Essentials of Story Scenes
Scenes are essential to storytelling because they shape the narrative and engage the reader. Their significance includes:
- Advancing the Plot – Each scene moves the story forward by introducing new events, conflicts, or revelations. Without scenes, a story would feel stagnant.
- Developing Characters – Scenes show how characters react, grow, and interact. Through their actions and dialogue, readers understand their personalities, motivations, and relationships.
- Building Tension and Emotion – Whether it’s suspense, joy, or sadness, scenes create emotional highs and lows that keep readers invested.
- Creating a Sense of Place and Atmosphere – Well-crafted scenes immerse the reader in the story world, making them feel present in the moment.
- Structuring the Story – Scenes act as the building blocks of a novel or short story, helping organize the pacing and flow of the narrative.
- Showing Instead of Telling – Instead of summarizing events, scenes allow readers to experience the story firsthand through actions and interactions.
How We Can Write The Best Scenes For Our Stories
Now come to the main and important part, How can we write the best scenes for our novels?
So, Writing the best scenes for your story or novel comes down to a mix of structure, character emotion, and purpose. Here’s a breakdown of how to do it effectively:
1. Start with a Purpose of a Scene
Every story scene should do something for your story—whether it’s advancing the plot, revealing character development, or building tension. Ask yourself:
- What changes by the end of this scene?
- How does it move the story forward?
- What emotions should the reader feel particularly in this scene?
Example: Instead of just having two characters talking, make sure their conversation creates conflict, reveals secrets, shifts their relationship or even if they are just talking show the significance of the theme through their conversation.
2. Begin with a Strong Hook
Don’t start your scene with unnecessary descriptions. Drop the reader right into the action, emotion, or tension.
Weak Opening: “It was a cold night, and Madelyn sat in a coffee shop, thinking about her mother.”
Strong Opening: “Madelyn’s fingers tightened around her coffee cup. ‘You haven’t changed,’ she muttered.”
The strong opening gives the alert vibe while the other one is sober; the sober opening usually goes with the beginning of a story.
3. Use Show, Don’t Tell Technique
Instead of saying “Madelyn was angry,” show her actions:
- She grips her cup so hard her knuckles turn white.
- Her voice comes out tight and clipped.
- She avoids eye contact or glares at her mother.
This makes the scene immersive and powerful.
4. Make Your Dialogue Work
Dialogue in scenes should:
- Sound natural (avoid robotic speech).
- Reveal emotion and character personality.
- Add conflict or tension—even in friendly conversations. (not in every scene)
Example:
Boring Dialogue:
Eleanor: “I wanted to come back, but I couldn’t.”
Madelyn: “Why not?”
Eleanor: “It’s complicated.”
Engaging Dialogue:
Eleanor’s voice wavered. “You think I wanted to leave?”
Madelyn’s laugh was sharp. “Oh, forgive me. Maybe you just forgot to come back?”
See the difference? The second version carries more emotion and tension.
5. Use Sensory Details in your Story Scenes
Make the reader feel like they’re in the scene by using the five senses:
Sight: Dim lighting, rain tapping on windows.
Sound: Clinking coffee cups, distant chatter.
Smell: Bitter coffee, damp air.
Taste: The warmth of coffee against a dry throat.
Touch: The cold ceramic cup in her hands.
Details like these bring the scene to life.
6. Keep It Dynamic
Scenes aren’t just about people talking—they should have movement and action. Break up dialogue with character actions and environmental interactions.
💡 Example: Instead of characters just sitting and talking, Madelyn can:
- Push her chair back suddenly.
- Stare at her untouched coffee.
- Stand up to leave but hesitate.
7. End with Impact
Don’t let your scene fizzle out. Leave the reader wanting more by ending with:
- A cliffhanger (“Madelyn’s phone buzzed. She froze at the name on the screen.”)
- A powerful line (“‘You’re wrong,’ Eleanor whispered. ‘I never stopped looking for you.’”)
- A question left unanswered (Madelyn hesitates—should she listen, or walk away for good?)
Final Tip: Read Your Story Scenes Out Loud
This helps you catch awkward phrasing, forced dialogue, and slow pacing. If it sounds dull to you, it’ll be dull to readers too.
5 Weak Signs of Story Scenes
Think of each scene in your story like a movie clip. If it’s boring, confusing, or unnecessary, your audience will check out. Here’s how to spot a weak scene before it ruins your story:
1. “Why Does This Scene Even Exist?” (No Purpose)
The Problem: Your scene is just there. It doesn’t move the plot, change the characters, or create tension. Yes, sometimes you need scenes to develop the edges between two relationships of your characters or to showcase the depth of the story theme. But it is ideal to give those scenes meanings too.
Example:
- Two friends meet up for coffee and chat about random things.
- A detective walks into an office, shuffles some papers, and then leaves.
Fix It:
- Give it a goal: Ask, What changes by the end of this scene?
- Raise stakes: Something unexpected should happen.
- Test it: If you cut the scene, does the story suffer? If not, delete it!
Better Scene:
Instead of two friends catching up over coffee, one confesses a dark secret that shatters their trust. Now we have drama.
2. “I Get It, They’re Sad” (Too Much Telling)
The Problem: The scene explains emotions instead of making the reader feel them.
Bad Example:
“Aiden was furious. He felt betrayed by his best friend.”
Fix It:
- Show body language, dialogue, and setting details.
- Use strong verbs instead of adjectives.
Better Scene:
Aiden’s fists curled at his sides. He inhaled sharply through his nose, eyes locked on his so-called best friend. “You lied to me.”
3. “Are These Robots Talking?” (Bad Dialogue Usually ChatGPT’s dialogue)
The Problem: Your dialogue is either:
Too formal: “I am delighted to meet you this fine evening.”
Too forced: “Let me now explain everything to you in great detail.”
Pointless: Two characters talking, but saying nothing.
Bad Example:
Anna: “Hello, how are you today?”
Ben: “I am fine. What about you?”
Anna: “I am also fine. The weather is nice.”
Fix It:
- Cut the fluff: Nobody talks like that in real life. Do you? 🙄
- Use subtext: What isn’t being said is often more important than what is.
Better Scene:
Anna: “Did you miss me?”
Ben smirks. “Depends. Are you still a liar?”
Now we have tension!
4.“This Scene is a Snail” (Bad Pacing)
The Problem in Story Scene:
Too slow: Your reader is drowning in unnecessary details.
Too fast: The emotional impact gets lost because things happen too quickly.
Bad Slow Example:
She walked to the counter. She looked at the menu. And she tapped her chin, thinking. Then she ordered a latte. The barista made her drink. She waited. Finally, she took a sip.
Bad Fast Example:
He saw the killer. He fought him. The killer died. The end.
Fix It:
- Zoom in on emotions in key moments.
- Cut small talk & unnecessary details.
- Use rhythm: Short sentences for tension, longer ones for reflection.
Better Scene:
Her hands trembled as she reached for the coffee cup. The door behind her creaked. Someone was watching her.
5. “Where’s the Drama?” (No Conflict or Stakes in Story Scenes)
Remember that people love drama. They have no interest in your story or novel if the story impacts you, they want to see either somebody crying or laughing or having headaches.
The Problem: If there’s no tension, the scene is flat. Conflict keeps readers hooked as it adds spice.
Bad Example:
- A couple meets. They fall in love. They get married. The end.
- A hero trains for battle. He wins. No struggle.
Fix It:
- Add obstacles: Nothing should come too easily.
- Give characters conflicting desires: What happens when someone gets in their way?
Better Scene:
A couple meets, but one of them is already engaged… Now we have a problem.
Final Thought: Every Scene Should Have a Punch
Before writing or revising, ask yourself:
Does this scene change something?
Is the pacing right with Story scene proportions?
Does the dialogue feel real?
Is there tension or conflict?
If not, rewrite until it demands attention.
5 Iconic Story Scenes from Famous Novels
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Elizabeth Rejects Mr. Darcy’s First Proposal
Why It’s Iconic:
This is the scene where Elizabeth Bennet absolutely roasts Mr Darcy’s pride, refusing his first marriage proposal. Darcy, who assumes she’ll be thrilled, is stunned when Elizabeth calls him out for his arrogance and ruining her sister’s happiness.
Memorable Line:
“From the very beginning— from the first moment, I may almost say— of my acquaintance with you, your manners, impressing me with the fullest belief of your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain of the feelings of others, were such as to form that groundwork of disapprobation on which succeeding events have built so immovable a dislike.”
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
The “I Am Your Father” Moment (But in a Book)
What Makes It Iconic:
Snape reveals that he was “The Half-Blood Prince” all along. It’s a gut-punch moment, making readers rethink everything about him.
Memorable Line:
“You dare use my own spells against me, Potter? It was I who invented them—I, the Half-Blood Prince!”
1984 by George Orwell
Winston Betrays Julia
Why It’s Iconic:
After resisting Big Brother for most of the novel, Winston is tortured in Room 101, where he finally breaks—betraying the woman he loves. The moment he screams for Julia to take his place, the government wins.
Memorable Line:
“Do it to Julia! Not me! Julia! I don’t care what you do to her. Tear her face off, strip her to the bones. Not me! Julia! Not me!”
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Atticus Finch’s Courtroom Speech
It’s Iconic Because:
In a racially charged trial, Atticus Finch delivers one of the most powerful courtroom defenses in literature, standing up for justice despite knowing the odds are against him. He defends Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of assaulting a white woman, urging the jury to judge based on evidence, not prejudice.
Memorable Line:
“But there is one way in this country in which all men are created equal—there is one human institution that makes a pauper the equal of a Rockefeller, the stupid man the equal of an Einstein, and the ignorant man the equal of any college president. That institution, gentlemen, is a court.”