Building a scene: who wants what
One way to build a scene is to give a character a goal and an obstacle. Identify what each character wants, what stands in the way and how changing a goal can change the action.
What a learner can do afterwards
- State what each character in a short scene wants
- Name the obstacle between a character and what they want
- Predict how a scene changes if one character's want is swapped
- Explain how a clear goal helps an audience follow a character's actions
1 · Read
You have practised showing a character through acting choices. Now ask why the character acts. A goal is something they want. One way to build a scene is to choose a goal, add an obstacle and decide what the character tries. This method does not describe every kind of scene.
Luz wants to fly a kite now. Dev wants to mend its torn tail first. Luz asks to take the kite. Dev shows her the tear and asks her to wait. Their different goals lead to a disagreement. They decide to mend the kite together.
An obstacle stands between a character and their goal. It might be a locked door, a missing object or another character's choice. Conflict is a struggle with an obstacle. A quiet disagreement can create conflict without a chase or a fight.
Stakes are what a character may gain or lose. Raising the stakes makes the outcome matter more. A deadline might mean losing a chance if a plan takes too long. A turning point changes the direction of the action, perhaps when new information leads to a different plan. A short scene need not include both.
Suppose Luz changes her goal. She now wants to help Dev mend the kite. She may offer tape instead of asking to take it. A changed goal can change the action. To plan a scene with a clear purpose, choose a specific goal, an obstacle and an action the character tries.
Identify goals and obstacles. Ask what each character tries, what they may gain or lose, and how a changed goal could change the action.
The scene-building lesson, practice questions and cards were written for this dataset.
The scene-building readings were written for this dataset.
More to read
A shared room, different goals
Nell wants to finish a model on the kitchen table. Her brother wants to clear the table for lunch. He starts moving the model, and Nell asks him to stop. Each goal helps explain an action. Their disagreement is an obstacle to both plans. They could look for another place for the model or agree on a time to move it. Choose what they try next and consider how the other character responds.
A clue and a deadline
Tess wants to return a borrowed scarf. She plans to take it to her friend's house. Then a message tells her the friend is at the sports field. Tess heads there instead. The message is a turning point because it changes her plan and action. If the friend leaves town that afternoon, delay could cost Tess the chance to return it in person. That possible loss raises the stakes. A new direction and higher stakes are different story choices.
2 · Watch
Take it off screen
Where it sits
Learn first
Optional connections
This opens up
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.