Writing the Scene

Craft: Funnel Structure for Ratcheting Up Conflict

The second tool answers the question, how do you focus a scene? How do you make a

scene have momentum and get to the essential core action and get out? So, when you

consider the structure and focus of a scene, we advocate applying a funnel structure to your

scenes. And what is a funnel structure?

Funnel structure basically is the theory that the ideal scene is shaped like a funnel. At the

top of the funnel is the broad framing of the scene. The establishment of who the characters

are, what's happening, where the characters are, establishing the conventions and expectations

and context of what's happening. And as the scene progresses, the momentum in conflict

accelerates to the single densest point, the most important line or moment in the scene.

Ideally, with the structure, you want your scenes to end on the highest peak and density of

narrative drama and action. Basically thinking that all scenes should accelerate and increase in

momentum to a single most important point that catalyzes everything about the scene. So,

when you're using a funnel structure, you ensure that all of your scenes turn and have

momentum and are focused.