I’ve been considering different methods for plotting the scenes in my novel and have come back to the Action-Reaction concept; that is, something happens and the character reacts.
At a higher level each scene must move the story forward; the state of the story must change. It can either be; a change to the character’s goals, needs, fears, or state of mind; or simply changing the reader’s understanding of the character.
This Action–Reaction–Change loop changes the state of the story and increases its momentum.
I plot a scene out for eacharacter:
- Action
- Reaction
- Change
ARC – Character ARC:
But is it the arc of a lead balloon or a rocket?
The momentum of object can increased by either adding mass, or accelerating it to a higher velocity. It’s the same with a story; we add mass by incresing the readers understanding of the character or place, and accelerate it with action.
But the two changes must be in balance. Simply increasing the mass i.e. learning about the character slows it down, as energy is lost in getting this new material up to speed. And increasing speed alone puts the story in a precarious state where it could be either deflected off course, or leave the reader behind.
My brother worked for NASA for about a decade before returning to continue his research at the University of Queesland in Australia. His primary focus is the Scramjet (supersonic combustion ramjet). For this type of propulsion system to operate everything has to be in perfect balance; so that a controlled hydrostatic air flow through the engine can be achieved.
Planning my scenes I try to to get the mix just right too. I include a little of both mass and accelleration that change the story; it’s a balancing act.
Too much mass to early and the scene or entire story will drop like a lead balloon, too much action and the story will accelerate out of controll or the reader will let go…they won’t care.
The art is to get the balance right and soar like a scramjet
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This is exactly why most writing advice pieces tell you that dropping blocks of information is the worst thing you can do to a reader. You’re supposed to ease them into your story while moving the plot along. Nobody likes a scene where it’s literally two people talking, unless it has something else going for it.
Interesting strategy and a very novel and enlightening translation of physics into cognition and social interaction.
I would suggest too that at least one character needs an epiphany but I guess it’s where, when and how are the big questions? Best of luck