Types of Scenes

The screenwriter uses lots of different kinds of scenes to accomplish very specific parts of the overall story. Sometimes the main purpose of a particular scene is to establish setting, or deliver exposition, or reveal important information. 

The following list of scene types are not all, but the most common kinds of scenes found in screenplays today. And often times, a scene may be a combination of two or more scene types. 

1. Setting - Where are we?

2. Atmosphere/Mood - What is it like there?

3. Introduction - Who is it we are dealing with here?

4. Exposition - Necessary information. Quick and Clever. 

5. Transition - getting from one place to another. Fast.

6. Preparation - What will it take to prepare for the task at hand?

7. Aftermath - How does the character feel about what just happened?

8. Investigation - Gathering information.

9. Revelation - The reader/audience finds out something important.

10. Recognition - The character finds out something important.

11. The Gift - Using a prop with emotional investment and turning it into a weapon, emotional or otherwise. 

12. Escape - The character is trying to get away, avoid, or hide.

13. Pursuit - The character is trying to follow, capture, or secure.

14. Seduction - Someone must convince someone else.

15. Opposites - Two characters from seemingly opposite poles are forced together.

16. Reversal of Expectations - A character expects a certain, very clear outcome, but another character surprises him, influencing him to reverse his intention and do something else - practically the opposite of what he planned to do.

17. Unexpected Visitor - Someone unexpected shows up. Problems arise.