Key Scenes for Every Novel

There are 10 key scenes (most) every novel needs. This means that not every chapter is one of these scenes. In fact, some of these need quite a few chapters of lead up to get to them.

Still, this is a nice little checklist to compare your novel to. Maybe it will help you find a plot hole before paying your editor to!

1. The Opening/Hook: This is where you draw the reader in and it the approach varying by genre – some start with action or dialogue for an immediate hook (thriller, mystery, etc), while others begin with description for a slower build (literary fiction, women’s fiction).
2. The Disturbance/Push/Inciting Incident: This scene pushes the character into movement and a new direction, like when Harry Potter learns he’s a wizard – it’s the moment that signals a new journey is beginning.
3. Introduction of the Antagonist: This is where you introduce the opposition that will challenge your protagonist, whether it’s a person, organization, or situation that creates friction. This could be a few chapters and can come before the inciting incident.
4. The Twist/Complication: This is a scene where something unexpected happens that creates a new challenge or obstacle for the protagonist to overcome. It gets in the way of their plan or path. They have to rethink things.
5. The Midpoint: This crucial scene represents the point of no return for the character, where they realize their life has changed and they can’t go back to how things were before. It’s that moment after you finish doing lunges on the left leg, and realize you still have to do them on the right leg. UGH!
6. The Opposition Attacks: This is when the antagonist actively pushes against the protagonist, forcing them to respond. This is a great place to show growth and maturity in the main character.Lessons in Story is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
7. Another (optional) Twist: This scene introduces an additional reversal, betrayal, or complication that adds another layer to the story and pushes the character further.
8. Dark Night of the Soul: This is when the character believes all is lost and must confront who they are and what changes they need to make to move forward. PUT THIS ON PAPER! IT’S WHAT THE READER CAME FOR!!
9. The Climax: This scene (occurring at about 75% through the story) is when the protagonist reaches their goal or new goal and becomes the person they were meant to be.
10. The Denouement/Resolution: This final scene shows the new world order and how the character’s world has changed now that they’ve completed their journey.

Was this helpful? Remember, if you want to hear me babble about these more in depth you can listen here.

And if you have more questions, please hit reply and send them over!