Establishing a goal for your character in each scene of a book is important for driving the narrative and engaging the reader. In all good scenes, your point-of-view character will have a goal or desire, something they want to achieve. Each scene in the novel should contain a mini-goal for the character, moving them closer to their overall goal. This helps create an engaging scene for the readers and impacts the character in relation to their desire, making the story more compelling.
A a Military Editor and Book Coach, I often advise authors to ensure they create a clear character scene in order to give them a sense of purpose. It provides the scene with direction and organization, driving the character’s actions and decisions within the scene. Having a goal in every scene helps to avoid confusion in the reader, lack of concern for the character, or boredom. It also ensures that characters carry the story forward with momentum and confidence, as goals drive scenes and plots.
While it’s generally recommended for characters to have a goal in every scene, there can be exceptions based on the specific needs of the story. Some scenes may focus on emotional or character-building aspects rather than directly advancing the plot, and that’s acceptable as long as it serves the overall narrative purpose.
In summary, establishing a goal for your character in each scene is a fundamental aspect of effective storytelling, driving the narrative forward and keeping the reader engaged. While it’s generally advisable for characters to have a goal in every scene, there can be exceptions based on the specific requirements of the story
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