I've noticed that whenever I get stuck writing a scene, it's usually because I'm focused on what happens instead of why it matters.
Now, before writing any scene, I ask myself one question:
"If this scene disappeared, what would the audience lose?"
If the answer is "not much," then the scene probably needs to change—or it doesn't belong in the script.
That simple question has helped me cut unnecessary dialogue, strengthen character choices, and keep the story moving.
I'm curious—what's one question you always ask yourself when you're writing or revising a screenplay?
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My number one question I always ask myself is: "how do I write this line with less words? (while not writing skim)" Word choice, verbiage, and word economy matter so much in that they directly influence the pace and flow of your read. i always do a pass examining every line my script where I focus on whether i'm using just good words to describe what is happening or being said - vs. - whether i'm using the best words to describe what is happening or being said. And during this pass, i usually find better action verbs to express what I'm trying to say.
That's a useful question, and it cuts through the rationalizations about a scene being "atmospheric" when it's really just padding. The question I always ask is whether the scene would still work if the characters were just sitting at a table, because if the dialogue isn't doing the heavy lifting, it probably needs another pass. What answer do you usually get?
When the story structure is sound, all the scenes are where they need to be, and all the characters are where they need to be, and the dialog practically can write itself. Asking questions about the usefulness of a scene is based on weak structure.
Mine is simply "do I like this?" And if I don't, I start digging into why, and that's usually how I do my most critical revisions. Thinking logically rarely helps me since I tend to write from emotions.
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Pat Alexander I really like that approach, Pat. Word economy is something I'm constantly working on too. It's amazing how replacing one average verb with the right one can completely change the rhythm of a scene. I'll definitely be thinking about that on my next revision.
Samantha Rivera That's a great way to test a scene. I usually find that if the audience wouldn't lose anything emotionally, then the scene probably isn't earning its place. Sometimes I combine or rewrite it, and other times I realize it was only there because I liked the idea, not because the story needed it.
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Lindbergh Hollingsworth I can definitely see that perspective. A solid structure does make everything else flow more naturally. For me, though, I still like asking the question during revisions because it helps me catch scenes that may have drifted from the original intention as the script evolved.
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Great question to ask Samuel Bishop. The same is true in the book world, with the question being, "Why should anyone care?" Forces you to inject purpose and meaning onto the page.
Such a great question to be asking yourself, a really important way to interrogate your material so it's the strongest it can be!
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Samuel Bishop That's a great question. Before writing a scene, I usually ask myself, "How does this scene change the character?" It doesn't always have to advance the plot in a big way, but I believe every meaningful scene should either reveal something new about a character, deepen a relationship, or shift the emotional journey. If the characters are exactly the same when the scene ends as when it began, I know I need to rethink it.
This is a great self-prompt! I met a writer who once said "What does my character learn?" in each scene. Very similar to Abhijeet Aade's prompt. I thought that one was very insightful.
Other's I like are "who is the protagonist of this scene?" and "how does this push my along to the next beat"
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Every scene needs three things to be viable, so start with three questions: conflict, decision, consequence. 1. What is the conflict in this scene - how will it generate drama (and/or comedy)? 2. What decision is being made in this scene (indecision is also a decision) - how is a character driving the story here? 3. What are the stakes in this scene - why does the audience care to see this - this is pretty much the same question you are asking.
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Sean Hussey Thanks, Sean! I like that prompt too. For me, "How does this scene change the character?" and "What does my character learn?" are really two sides of the same coin. If a character learns something meaningful, it should naturally change how they think, feel, or act going forward. Those kinds of questions have definitely helped me write stronger scenes.
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Great question, Samuel. When I'm writing, I always ask: "Does this scene reveal who the character truly is under pressure?" I believe the most memorable scenes are the ones where characters are forced to make meaningful choices. If a scene doesn't reveal character, deepen the conflict, or move the story forward, I know it needs to be reworked. This question has been especially valuable while developing my series Zamora: Sons of the Black Buffalo.
Jonathan Jordan I like that, Jonathan. "Why should anyone care?" really cuts straight to the heart of storytelling. It's one of those questions that's simple to ask but surprisingly difficult to answer honestly.
Christina Pickworth Thanks, Christina! I've found that asking myself tough questions during revisions hurts a little
Abhijeet Aade I really like that approach, Abhijeet. Sometimes the biggest shift in a story isn't what happens, it's how the character comes out of the scene. That's a question I'll definitely be borrowing.
Sean Hussey That's a great one, Sean. "Who is the protagonist of this scene?" isn't something I've consciously asked before, but I can already see how it would sharpen the focus. Thanks for sharing it.
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Anna Henry I like how you've broken it down into a simple framework, Anna. Conflict, decision, and consequence make a really strong checklist, especially during revisions when it's easier to spot what's missing.
Tomás Daniel That's a really good point, Tomás. Pressure has a way of revealing who a character really is, and those moments usually end up being the most memorable. I also like the title Zamora: Sons of the Black Buffalo, it definitely caught my attention.
Samuel Bishop Thanks so much, Samuel! I really appreciate that. I completely agree sometimes the most important change isn't external, but internal. A character can leave a scene with a different belief, emotion, or perspective, and that subtle shift can have a huge impact on everything that follows. I'm glad the question resonated with you!
Samuel Bishop Thank you so much, Samuel! I really appreciate that. I'm glad the title caught your attention. I wanted it to reflect the strength, heritage, and identity at the heart of the story. I completely agree that characters are remembered most for the choices they make under pressure. Thanks again for the thoughtful reply!