Scene–Sequel

What It Does

Classifies each scene as Action, Sequel, or Mixed based on Swain's Scene & Sequel model, then checks for healthy alternation:

• Action scenes contain goals, conflicts, and disasters
• Sequel scenes contain reactions, dilemmas, and decisions

Flags unbroken runs of the same type and missing sequels after dramatic scenes.

Why It Matters

Swain's Scene & Sequel is the rhythm of fiction. After a high-intensity Action scene (the hero's plan fails), readers need a Sequel scene (the hero processes what happened and decides what to do next). Without sequels, the story becomes exhausting — a chain of explosions with no breathing room. Without action scenes, the story stalls in reflection. The ideal pattern is an alternating rhythm: Action → Sequel → Action → Sequel.

What Gets Flagged

Unbroken Action Runs

Severity: Information

Example (flagged):

Scene–Sequel: 4 consecutive Action scenes without a Sequel — the reader may need a breather

Why: Multiple action scenes back-to-back create "action fatigue." The reader needs emotional processing time.

Unbroken Sequel Runs

Severity: Information

Example (flagged):

Scene–Sequel: 3 consecutive Sequel scenes without an Action scene — the pace may be stalling

Why: Extended reflection without action makes the story feel static.

Missing Sequel After Dramatic Scene

Severity: Hint

Example (flagged):

Scene–Sequel: high-stakes Action scene followed immediately by another Action — consider a Sequel for emotional processing

Scene Classification Signals

Type	Signals
Action	Conflict verbs, dialogue with tension, physical action, time pressure
Sequel	Internal thought, reflection, emotional processing, decision language
Mixed	Elements of both (most scenes have some mix)

Configuration

No configuration options.

Technical Details

• Source: prose-craft
• Scope: Scene-level (analyzes scene sequence patterns)
• Method: Scene classification via keyword density (action verbs, reflection markers, dialogue); pattern analysis of scene sequence