Most writers suggest that the scene, not the sentence or word, is the smallest component, the building block, of a story. The scene forms an integral part of a larger plot structure that consists of a series of dual scenes and sequels. Stories essentially progress in a plot-related series of scenes bridged by sequels. Another way of looking at scenes and sequels is to imagine them as cause and effect or action and reaction.
Scenes
Scenes tend to have the three-part pattern of goals, conflicts and disaster. A scene starts out with the goal, where the POV character wants something at the beginning of the scene. The reason for a goal is that it creates a pro-active POV character, one that the reader likes to read about; not a character passively waiting to the universe to unfold, which is not compelling reading by any means. The more desperate the character is about his goal, the more likely that character will be interesting. The conflict is a series of obstacles the POV character runs across that prevents her from reaching her goal and causes her to struggle. This also heightens reader interest and empathy. Disaster follows as the POV character fails to reach her goal. At this point the reader will be turning the pages to see what happens next and if the POV character will finally prevail.
Sequels
Sequels can be broken down into reaction, dilemna and decision. The purpose of the sequel is to follow the scene with reflection and a change of pace from the fast and tense action of the scene. The sequel provides a reaction to the scene by the POV character. The reaction is the emotional consequence to a disaster. It gives the reader a chance to catch their breath and to empathize with the character, feel their pain. The dilemma follows, which provides lousy options and gives the reader a chance to worry and fret for the POV character. It is also a chance for the POV character to demonstrate their mettle, what they are made of. The decision then follows in which the POV character makes a choice among several options, usually none of them good. This is where the POV character becomes pro-active again and moves the plot--and story--forward. Usually the decision is a risky, but good one and compels the reader to turn the page. Because now she has a new goal. Which brings one back full circle to the next scene.
Scene and sequel form an integral part of plot structure, providing a continually building mosaic of action and reaction that moves the reader from beginning to riveting end.
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