6 Writing Fiction Free Online FlashCards

What is a scene in fiction?

A scene presents an event as it unfolds, often using action, dialogue, sensory detail, and a character’s immediate perceptions.

What is summary useful for in fiction?

Summary compresses time and events, making it useful for background, routine, or transitions.

What should a consequential scene change?

A scene should usually alter the situation, deepen a relationship, reveal a meaningful choice, or create a new question.

What question identifies a scene’s immediate desire?

Ask what the viewpoint character wants right now. This clarifies the immediate desire driving the scene.

What does exposition provide?

Exposition supplies context readers need, such as background, relationships, earlier events, social rules, or setting details.

What is the risk of giving too much background at once?

Too much background at once can interrupt momentum. Concise exposition can clarify context while scenes create immediacy.

How does character shape action?

A character’s desires, fears, knowledge, and habits influence what they do.

How can setting affect a character?

Setting creates possibilities and limits through features such as weather, distance, architecture, customs, and available objects.

How does plot develop through character and setting?

Plot develops as actions in a particular setting produce obstacles, decisions, and changes.

What useful work can a setting detail do?

A setting detail can establish mood, reveal a character’s priorities, or become an obstacle.

How can dialogue contribute to a story?

Dialogue can reveal what characters want while also changing their relationship.

What should a writer check about scenes at the story level?

At the story level, check whether scenes build on one another through cause and effect.