Scene Diagnostics Worksheet
Copyright 1999 by Leigh Michaels
Chapter number ( ) Scene number ( )
Duration of scene in pages ( ) Duration in story time ( )
1. Who is the viewpoint character?
2. Which characters are present?
3. Which major characters are absent?
4. If both hero and heroine are not present throughout the scene, how long have they been separated?
5. What is the main goal of this scene?
6. In what other ways could this information be given to the reader?
Would these ways be clearer, better, more straightforward?
7. What are the secondary goals of this scene?
8. In what other ways could this information be given to the reader?
Would these ways be clearer, better, more straightforward?
9. Does the opening paragraph establish time, place, and viewpoint character?
What methods does it use to do so?
10. Do the closing paragraphs draw the reader into the next scene?
What methods does it use to do so?
11. What is the tone of this scene?
How does the tone compare to the preceding scene?
To the following scene?
12. What is the pace of this scene?
How does the pace compare to the preceding scene?
To the following scene?
13. Does this scene add to or detract from the forward movement of the story?
14. Is this scene necessary?
15. Plan of action:
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