The Less You See: Scene Structure Drill
Context: Practicing Scene Structure by Writing a Scene Containing Three Beats - Goal, Obstacle, and Shift
Onyinye Obiorah
12/18/20251 min read


Rita almost choked on her drink. Could it really be? Her favorite high school teacher had just walked into the restaurant. Straightening out her dress, she stood and launched forward. Just then, a waiter bumped into her, spilling juice all over her white dress. Everyone looked over, including her teacher. Feeling confused, she waved clumsily and blurted out her salutations, to which he responded by staring at her, quickly shifting his gaze. She composed herself and walked up to him with intentional strides. As she reached his table, he stood to leave. Taking a closer look, she realized he was a total stranger. She really needed to see the ophthalmologist.
What I learnt: A strong story narrative can be built by setting a goal, creating an obstacle and then adding a shift.
