The Art of Avoiding That Scene: 5 Tips

Every writer, screenwriter, or storyteller knows that certain scenes can be a challenge to write. Sometimes, a scene feels forced, lacks impact, or simply doesn't fit the narrative flow. It's at these moments that the art of scene avoidance becomes a valuable tool in your creative arsenal. In this article, we will explore five effective strategies to gracefully navigate around problematic scenes while maintaining the integrity of your story.

1. Rethink and Re-Evaluate the Scene’s Purpose

The first step in avoiding a scene is to critically examine its purpose. Ask yourself: Does this scene advance the plot or character development? Does it provide essential information or create an emotional impact? If the answer is no, it’s time to reconsider its inclusion.

Consider the scene’s intended outcome and ask if there’s a more subtle or indirect way to achieve the same goal. For instance, instead of a lengthy dialogue scene revealing a character’s backstory, could you hint at it through their actions or interactions with other characters? By rethinking the scene’s purpose, you can often find alternative methods to convey the necessary information without resorting to a potentially awkward or unnecessary scene.

Example: Subtle Character Development

In a coming-of-age story, a scene where the protagonist delivers a monolog about their fears and insecurities might feel contrived. Instead, you could show these emotions through their reactions to a challenging situation, allowing the reader or viewer to infer their internal struggles.

By presenting a character’s growth subtly, you maintain the story’s pace and avoid info dumps or overly expository scenes.

2. Explore Alternative Storytelling Techniques

Traditional scene structures aren’t the only way to tell a story. Experimenting with different techniques can help you avoid problematic scenes while enhancing the narrative’s impact.

• Flashbacks and Flash-forwards: These devices allow you to provide essential context or foreshadow future events without interrupting the current narrative flow. They add depth to your story while keeping the reader engaged in the present action.
• Narrator Commentary: Utilize an omniscient narrator to provide insights, observations, or commentary on the characters’ actions. This technique can convey important information or emotions without relying on explicit scenes.
• Symbolism and Metaphor: Use symbolic elements or metaphors to represent abstract concepts or emotions. This not only adds depth to your story but also allows you to convey complex ideas without the need for explicit scenes.

Exploring Non-Linear Narratives

A non-linear narrative structure can be an effective way to avoid traditional scene structures. By jumping back and forth in time or presenting events out of chronological order, you create a sense of intrigue and keep the audience engaged.

For instance, in a murder mystery, revealing the victim’s backstory through flashbacks can add depth to the narrative without requiring a dedicated scene.

3. Master the Art of Subtext

Subtext is the unspoken or implied meaning beneath the surface of a scene. It’s an incredibly powerful tool for conveying information, emotions, and character dynamics without explicit dialogue or action.

By utilizing subtext, you can hint at important plot points, reveal character motivations, or build tension without resorting to explicit scenes. Subtext allows readers or viewers to infer and interpret, engaging them more deeply in the story.

Consider the following example:

Instead of a scene where two characters argue about their past, you could have them engage in a seemingly casual conversation about unrelated topics. Through their body language, tone of voice, and subtle hints, the audience infers the underlying tension and unspoken history between them.

Using Subtext to Build Suspense

Subtext is an excellent tool for building suspense and creating a sense of unease. In a thriller or horror story, you can use subtext to suggest a character’s fear or knowledge of an impending threat without explicitly showing it.

For instance, a character might act strangely or make cryptic remarks, leaving the audience to wonder what they know or fear, adding to the overall suspense.

4. Merge or Condense Scenes

Sometimes, multiple scenes can be merged or condensed into a single, more impactful scene. This technique helps maintain the story’s pace and prevents unnecessary interruptions.

For example, if you have several scenes showcasing a character’s daily routine, consider combining them into a single scene that highlights the most essential or telling aspects of their routine. This not only saves time but also allows you to focus on what’s most relevant to the narrative.

Merging Scenes for Impact

By merging scenes, you can create more impactful moments. For instance, in a romantic story, instead of having separate scenes for the characters’ first meeting, first date, and first kiss, you could merge these into a single scene that captures the essence of their blossoming romance.

This approach not only saves time but also creates a more powerful and memorable moment.

5. Embrace the Power of Suggestion

In storytelling, sometimes less is more. Instead of explicitly showing every detail, consider the power of suggestion. By leaving certain elements to the audience’s imagination, you create a more engaging and immersive experience.

For instance, instead of a graphic scene depicting a character’s injury, you could describe the aftermath, allowing the reader to fill in the gaps and create a more vivid mental image.

Using Suggestion for Horror and Thriller Genres

In horror and thriller stories, suggestion is a powerful tool for building tension and creating a sense of unease. Instead of showing the monster or killer in every scene, consider suggesting their presence through subtle hints, sounds, or shadows.

This approach leaves room for the audience’s imagination, often resulting in a more terrifying and engaging experience.

Conclusion: Navigating the Art of Scene Avoidance

Avoiding scenes isn’t about cutting corners or simplifying your story. It’s about refining your narrative, finding alternative ways to convey information and emotions, and maintaining the story’s flow. By rethinking scene purposes, exploring alternative techniques, and embracing the power of subtext and suggestion, you can create a more engaging and impactful story.

Remember, every scene should serve a purpose, and if it doesn’t, there are always creative ways to navigate around it while keeping your audience captivated.