Agent skill

Scene Sequencing

by jwynia in jwynia/agent-skills

Structure scenes and control pacing using scene-sequel rhythm.

MITAuto-check passed

Install Scene Sequencing

skills CLI
$ npx skills add jwynia/agent-skills --skill scene-sequencing -a claude-code

Project install by default; add -g for ~/.claude/skills/.

GitHub CLI
$ gh skill install jwynia/agent-skills scene-sequencing --agent claude-code

Project scope by default; add --scope user for a personal install. Needs GitHub CLI 2.90.0 or later (public preview).

Manual copy
$ git clone --depth 1 https://github.com/jwynia/agent-skills.git skills-src && mkdir -p .claude/skills && cp -r skills-src/skills/creative/fiction/structure/scene-sequencing .claude/skills/scene-sequencing && rm -rf skills-src

Use ~/.claude/skills/ instead of .claude/skills for a personal install. The folder must contain SKILL.md.

Claude Code skills documentation · loads skills from .claude/skills/

Facts

Skill name
scene-sequencing
GitHub stars
166
Token cost
~2.7k tokens
SKILL.md length
1,272 words
Files
2 (incl. scripts)
Skills in repo
112
Repo updated
First seen
Licence
MIT

At a glance

Structure scenes and control pacing using scene-sequel rhythm.

  • Works in 5 steps: The Relentless Scene → The Wallowing Sequel → The Arbitrary Disaster → …
  • Individual scenes work but dont accumulate
  • SKILL.md covers Core Principle, Scene Structure: Goal →…, Sequel Structure: Reaction →… and Pacing Control, plus 8 more sections
  • Runs TypeScript scripts from its folder; calls deno

What it does

Scene Sequencing is an agent skill from jwynia/agent-skills. Structure scenes and control pacing using scene-sequel rhythm. Use when individual scenes work but don't accumulate, when pacing feels off (too rushed or too slow), when transitions feel mechanical, or when readers can follow but aren't compelled forward. Based on Dwight Swain's Goal-Conflict-Disaster and Reaction-Dilemma-Decision structure.

Its SKILL.md is about 2.7k tokens, which your agent loads only when the skill is triggered. The skill folder holds 2 other files, including scripts (for example `scripts/analyze-scene.ts`).

The licence is MIT.

When your agent uses it

  • Individual scenes work but dont accumulate
  • Pacing feels off (too rushed
  • Transitions feel mechanical
  • Readers can follow but arent compelled forward

Example prompts

  • “t compelled forward. Based on Dwight Swain”
  • “/scene-sequencing”

Requirements

  • Node.js

Workflow steps

5 steps, taken from the step headings in SKILL.md.

  1. The Relentless Scene
  2. The Wallowing Sequel
  3. The Arbitrary Disaster
  4. The Clean Victory
  5. Missing Goal

What it can do on your machine

Read from SKILL.md and the folder at commit e02ec7e. It shows what the files ask for, not the result of running them.

  • Tool permissions

    Pre-approves nothing: there is no allowed-tools line, so your agent's usual permission prompts apply.

    From allowed-tools in the SKILL.md frontmatter.

  • Runs code

    Ships 1 file in scripts/ (TypeScript), which the agent can run.

    Shell commands in SKILL.md call:

    • deno

    From the folder's file list and the shell code blocks in SKILL.md.

  • Network

    No URLs in SKILL.md.

    From URLs in SKILL.md, links to its own repository left out.

  • Credentials

    Names no API keys, tokens, secrets or passwords.

    From names ending in _API_KEY, _TOKEN, _SECRET, _KEY or _PASSWORD in SKILL.md.

Context cost

Scene Sequencing loads about 2.7k tokens when it runs. Until then it costs about 90 tokens; SKILL.md has 1,272 words of instructions outside code blocks.

Always · name and description, kept in context so the agent knows when to use it
~90
When it runs · the whole SKILL.md, loaded when a task matches
~2.7k

Estimates: characters ÷ 4, the usual rule of thumb; real counts depend on the model's tokenizer. Scripts and assets cost tokens only if the agent reads them.

Safety

Auto-check passed

The automated check found no risky patterns in SKILL.md.

Automated static check — not a guarantee. Review scripts before installing. It scans the text of SKILL.md for risky patterns (piping downloads into a shell, reading credential files, hidden Unicode, destructive commands); the scripts in this folder are not scanned.

SKILL.md

The full file from jwynia/agent-skills at commit e02ec7e, republished under its MIT licence (© jwynia). 1,272 words, ~2,653 tokens.

Download SKILL.mdSave it as .claude/skills/scene-sequencing/SKILL.md (or your agent's skills folder). This skill also uses 1 other file; get the full folder from GitHub.
name
scene-sequencing
description
Structure scenes and control pacing using scene-sequel rhythm. Use when individual scenes work but don't accumulate, when pacing feels off (too rushed or too slow), when transitions feel mechanical, or when readers can follow but aren't compelled forward. Based on Dwight Swain's Goal-Conflict-Disaster and Reaction-Dilemma-Decision structure.
license
MIT
metadata.author
jwynia
metadata.version
1.0
metadata.type
diagnostic
metadata.mode
diagnostic+assistive
metadata.domain
fiction

Scene Sequencing: Pacing Skill

You help writers structure scenes and control narrative pacing using the scene-sequel rhythm.

Core Principle

The fundamental unit of pacing is not the scene alone, but the scene-sequel pair. Scenes create tension; sequels process it. The alternation creates peaks and valleys that make stories readable.

Scene Structure: Goal → Conflict → Disaster

Goal

What does the POV character want in this scene?

  • Specific and concrete
  • Achievable within the scene
  • Connected to larger story goals
  • Clear to reader within first beats
Conflict

Opposition to the goal that escalates within the scene.

  • Another character with different agenda
  • Environmental obstacle or time pressure
  • Internal resistance (fear, doubt, values)

Static conflict is boring. Each beat should make the goal harder.

Disaster

Scene ends with one of these outcomes (in order of narrative power):

  1. Yes, but... — Goal achieved, new problem created (strongest)
  2. No, and furthermore... — Goal failed, situation worse
  3. No — Goal failed, must try again
  4. Yes — Goal achieved cleanly (use sparingly—kills tension)

Sequel Structure: Reaction → Dilemma → Decision

Reaction

Emotional response to disaster. Lets reader:

  • Process what happened
  • Connect with character's emotional state
  • Breathe between high-tension scenes

Can be brief (a sentence) or extended (pages).

Dilemma

Character faces choice with no good options. Previous disaster has:

  • Closed some paths
  • Revealed new information
  • Created competing priorities

Dilemma must feel genuinely difficult.

Decision

Character commits to action, which becomes the goal of the next scene.

Pacing Control

The ratio of scene to sequel controls tempo:

More SceneMore Sequel
Fast-pacedSlow-paced
Action-heavyReflective
Thriller feelLiterary feel
Reader breathlessReader contemplative

Key technique: Compress or expand sequels to control tempo. Scenes run at natural length; sequels are your pacing lever.

Scene-Level Diagnostic

Missing Goal

"What does the character want here?"

  • If you can't answer clearly, scene lacks direction
  • Fix: Establish goal in first paragraph
Static Conflict

"Does the opposition escalate?"

  • If conflict stays at same level, scene feels flat
  • Fix: Each beat makes goal harder to achieve
Weak Disaster

"Is the outcome too clean?"

  • "Yes" endings without complications drain tension
  • Fix: Add a "but" or "and furthermore"
Missing Sequel

"Did we process the previous scene?"

  • Scene-to-scene jumps without sequels exhaust readers
  • Fix: Even brief reaction paragraph helps
Too Much Sequel

"Are we wallowing in reaction?"

  • Extended introspection without action stalls momentum
  • Fix: Compress to essential beats, move to decision

Writing Modes in Scenes

ModeBest ForCommon In
ActionScene conflictScenes
DialogueCharacter interactionScenes
DescriptionSetting, slowing paceScene openings, Sequels
IntrospectionProcessing eventsSequels
SummarizationTime compressionBetween scenes

Mode should match function. Action in sequels feels rushed. Introspection in action kills momentum.

What You Do

  1. Ask about the goal — What does character want in this scene?
  2. Check escalation — Does conflict intensify?
  3. Examine the disaster — Is it too clean?
  4. Find the sequel — Is there processing time?
  5. Map the ratio — More scene or more sequel? Does that match intent?
  6. Trace the chain — Does decision lead to next scene's goal?

What You Don't Do

  • Prescribe specific scene lengths
  • Enforce rigid templates
  • Demand sequel after every scene (pacing varies)
  • Choose what should happen in scenes

Example Interaction

Writer: "The middle of my story feels exhausting but also slow somehow."

Your approach:

  1. Ask: "Walk me through a typical chapter—what happens?"
  2. Check for relentless scenes: "Is there processing time between action sequences?"
  3. Check for scene goals: "In the last scene you wrote, what did the character want?"
  4. Probe disaster quality: "How did that scene end? Did they get what they wanted?"
  5. If clean victories: "That might be draining tension. What 'but' could you add?"
  6. If missing sequels: "Adding even a paragraph of reaction before the next scene helps readers catch up"

Anti-Patterns

1. The Relentless Scene

Pattern: Pure action with no processing time—scene after scene of conflict without sequel beats. Why it fails: Reader becomes numb. Without processing time, emotional stakes flatten. Each new disaster hits with diminishing impact. The reader can't catch up. Fix: Insert sequel beats even in fast-paced stories. Even a paragraph of reaction helps. Compression is fine; elimination exhausts.

2. The Wallowing Sequel

Pattern: Pages of introspection without decision—extended internal monologue going in circles. Why it fails: Reader loses patience. Sequels exist to process and decide, not to wallow. Without forward motion toward decision, introspection becomes self-indulgence. Fix: Dilemma must lead to decision; decision to action. Time-box sequels. If the character isn't moving toward a choice, compress or cut.

Show full SKILL.md (531 more words)Show less
3. The Arbitrary Disaster

Pattern: Scene outcome disconnected from scene events—disaster that appears from nowhere to create drama. Why it fails: Readers sense manipulation. Disaster should be logical consequence of the conflict, not authorial intervention. Unmotivated disaster breaks trust. Fix: Trace the chain backward. How did scene conflict logically produce this disaster? If you can't answer, the disaster is arbitrary. Rework the conflict to set up the disaster.

4. The Clean Victory

Pattern: Character achieves goal without complications—scenes ending with simple "yes." Why it fails: Clean victories drain tension. Each unqualified success makes the next challenge feel less dangerous. Readers stop worrying. Fix: Add a "but" or "and furthermore." Goal achieved but new problem created. Victory came but cost more than expected. Simple success is rare; complications are normal.

5. Missing Goal

Pattern: Scene begins without clear character goal—things happen but there's no drive. Why it fails: Without goal, there's no conflict (nothing to oppose). Without conflict, there's no disaster (nothing to fail). The scene becomes description, not story. Fix: Establish goal in first paragraph. What does the POV character want in this scene specifically? If you can't answer clearly, the scene lacks direction.

Available Tools

analyze-scene.ts

Analyzes scene text for structure elements. Use when you need quick diagnostic on a specific scene.

bash
# Analyze a scene file
deno run --allow-read scripts/analyze-scene.ts scene.txt

# Analyze text directly
deno run --allow-read scripts/analyze-scene.ts --text "She needed to find the key..."

# Get JSON output for further processing
deno run --allow-read scripts/analyze-scene.ts scene.txt --json

What it detects:

  • Goal indicators (want, need, trying to)
  • Conflict indicators (but, blocked, obstacle)
  • Disaster indicators (failed, worse, trapped)
  • Reaction indicators (felt, emotion, shock)
  • Dilemma indicators (choice, either, what if)
  • Decision indicators (decided, will, plan)

Output includes:

  • Scene/sequel ratio assessment
  • Pacing classification (action-heavy, balanced, reflective)
  • Missing element warnings
  • Specific recommendations

When to use:

  • Quick diagnostic on a draft scene
  • Identifying why a scene feels off
  • Checking pacing across multiple scenes
  • Getting specific recommendations before deeper analysis

Output Persistence

This skill writes primary output to files so work persists across sessions.

Output Discovery

Before doing any other work:

  1. Check for context/output-config.md in the project
  2. If found, look for this skill's entry
  3. If not found or no entry for this skill, ask the user first:
    • "Where should I save output from this scene-sequencing session?"
    • Suggest: explorations/pacing/ or a sensible location for this project
  4. Store the user's preference:
    • In context/output-config.md if context network exists
    • In .scene-sequencing-output.md at project root otherwise
Primary Output

For this skill, persist:

  • Pacing diagnosis - scene/sequel balance, rhythm issues
  • Scene analysis - goal, conflict, disaster for each scene
  • Sequel analysis - reaction, dilemma, decision elements
  • Recommendations - specific interventions for pacing issues
Conversation vs. File
Goes to FileStays in Conversation
Scene-by-scene breakdownDiscussion of specific scenes
Pacing diagnosisClarifying questions
Recommended interventionsWriter's structural decisions
Scene/sequel ratio assessmentReal-time feedback
File Naming

Pattern: {story}-pacing-{date}.md Example: novel-chapter5-pacing-2025-01-15.md

Integration

Inbound (feeds into this skill)
SkillWhat it provides
story-senseDiagnosis that pacing is the problem area
key-momentsEmotional beats that need scene structure
outline-collaboratorScene-level structure to analyze for pacing
Outbound (this skill enables)
SkillWhat this provides
draftingProperly paced scenes ready for prose generation
story-collaboratorScene structures to generate prose within
revisionPacing diagnosis for revision passes
Complementary
SkillRelationship
key-momentsKey-moments identifies what emotional beats matter; scene-sequencing structures how to deliver them
dialogueScene-sequencing handles scene-level structure; dialogue operates within scenes at the exchange level

© jwynia, MIT. Rendered from Markdown: HTML in the file is shown as text, images as links, and headings moved down two levels. Raw file

Files

SKILL.md and 1 other file (scripts) in skills/creative/fiction/structure/scene-sequencing of jwynia/agent-skills.

  • SKILL.md
  • scripts/analyze-scene.ts

Open the folder on GitHubat commit e02ec7e

Compare with similar skills

Scene Sequencing next to the 5 skills that share the most tags, products or categories with it. Stars are the repository's; “used in” counts other GitHub owners with a copy.

Scene Sequencing compared with similar skills
SkillStarsUsed inTokensAuto-checkLicenceRepo updated
Scene Sequencing this skilljwynia/agent-skills166—~2.7kAutomated safety check: PassMIT
Seedance SequenceEmily2040/seedance-2.07.5k1 repos~2.6kAutomated safety check: PassMIT
Scene Menu BarPostHog/posthog40k—~3.2kAutomated safety check: PassCustom licence
Sw Scene Craftjtydhr88/screenwriting-skills1.6k—~2.3kAutomated safety check: PassMIT
Sequencesvellum-ai/vellum-assistant1.4k—~589Automated safety check: PassMIT
Sequence Psychologistsickn33/agentic-awesome-skills47k2 repos~1.3kAutomated safety check: PassMIT

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Questions about Scene Sequencing

What does Scene Sequencing do?

Structure scenes and control pacing using scene-sequel rhythm. Scene Sequencing is an agent skill from jwynia/agent-skills. Structure scenes and control pacing using scene-sequel rhythm.

When should I use Scene Sequencing?

Scene Sequencing fits situations like: individual scenes work but dont accumulate; pacing feels off (too rushed; transitions feel mechanical; readers can follow but arent compelled forward.

How do I install Scene Sequencing in Claude Code?

Run `npx skills add jwynia/agent-skills --skill scene-sequencing -a claude-code`. Or copy the skill folder (skills/creative/fiction/structure/scene-sequencing in jwynia/agent-skills) into .claude/skills/scene-sequencing in your project. Claude Code loads it when a task matches its description.

How do I install Scene Sequencing in Codex?

Run `npx skills add jwynia/agent-skills --skill scene-sequencing -a codex`. Or copy the skill folder (skills/creative/fiction/structure/scene-sequencing in jwynia/agent-skills) into .agents/skills/scene-sequencing in your project. Codex loads it when a task matches its description.

Can I use Scene Sequencing in Cursor, Gemini CLI or GitHub Copilot?

Cursor, Gemini CLI, GitHub Copilot and OpenCode also load SKILL.md folders. With the skills CLI, run `npx skills add jwynia/agent-skills --skill scene-sequencing -a cursor` (or -a gemini-cli, github-copilot or opencode for the others). To copy it by hand, put the folder in .cursor/skills/scene-sequencing, .gemini/skills/scene-sequencing, .github/skills/scene-sequencing and .opencode/skills/scene-sequencing in your project.

What does Scene Sequencing need to run?

Going by SKILL.md and its folder, Scene Sequencing needs TypeScript for the scripts in its folder and the command-line tools its instructions call (deno). Our summary lists: Node.js.

Does Scene Sequencing access the network?

SKILL.md contains no URLs. Any network use would come from the scripts or tools the agent runs. This is read from the text; nothing was executed.

Is Scene Sequencing safe to install?

Our automated static check of SKILL.md found no risky patterns, such as piping downloads into a shell, reading credential files or hidden Unicode. It is not a guarantee. The check reads SKILL.md only: the scripts in the folder are not scanned, so read them before running anything.

What licence does Scene Sequencing use?

Scene Sequencing is published under the MIT licence (declared in SKILL.md). It allows redistribution, so the full SKILL.md is shown on this page.

How many tokens does Scene Sequencing use?

About 2.7k tokens (SKILL.md is roughly 11k characters). Agents keep only the skill's name and description in context until a task matches; then they load SKILL.md in full.

What are the alternatives to Scene Sequencing?

Skills that share tags, products or a category with Scene Sequencing: Seedance Sequence (Emily2040/seedance-2.0, 7.5k stars), Scene Menu Bar (PostHog/posthog, 40k stars), Sw Scene Craft (jtydhr88/screenwriting-skills, 1.6k stars) and Sequences (vellum-ai/vellum-assistant, 1.4k stars). The comparison table on this page puts their stars, adoption, token cost, safety result and licence side by side.

Who maintains Scene Sequencing?

jwynia (a GitHub user) maintains it in jwynia/agent-skills, which has 166 GitHub stars. The repository holds 112 skills in this directory. The repository was last updated on February 24, 2026.

Source: jwynia/agent-skills on GitHub. Facts on this page come from the repository at the commit we read; the author's words are quoted as theirs.