How to Write a Dream Sequence? A Creative Guide

Writing a dream sequence is like painting with words; it's an opportunity to explore the depths of your character's subconscious, reveal their fears, hopes, and desires, and add a layer of complexity to your story.

Whether you're crafting a short story or a novel, integrating dream scenes requires a balance of creativity, understanding of dream logic, and narrative skills.

Here's a step-by-step guide, enriched with examples and personal insights, on how to write dream sequences that captivate and intrigue your readers.

1. Understanding Dream Logic

Dreams operate on their own logic, a fusion of reality and fantasy where the impossible becomes possible. When writing dream sequences, embrace this dream logic.

Let your creativity run wild, but remember to anchor the dream in your character's emotional or psychological reality. This could mean incorporating fantastical elements that symbolize the character's internal conflict or imagining future events that reflect their deepest desires or fears.

Example: In the movie "Terminator 2," Sarah Connor's dream of a nuclear apocalypse is a powerful reflection of her fears for the future and her son's safety.

It's a great example of how dream sequences can foreshadow future events and reveal deeper layers of a character's psyche.

2. Choosing the Right Tense and Perspective

Dream sequences often have a different feel from the rest of your narrative. One way to achieve this dreamlike feel is to play with tense and perspective.

While most of your story might be in the past tense, consider writing your dream scene in the present tense to give it an immediate, immersive quality.

Switching perspectives can also add to the disorienting effect of a dream. If your story is primarily in the third person, writing a dream sequence from a first-person perspective can make the experience more visceral for the reader.

Example: Christopher Nolan's "Inception" masterfully plays with narrative perspective and tense, blurring the lines between dream and waking life and inviting the audience to question what is real.

3. Incorporating Symbolism and Metaphor

Dreams are rich with symbolism and metaphor, serving as a mirror to the character's subconscious.

When you write dream sequences, think about how you can use symbols to represent the character's fears, desires, or internal conflicts. This doesn't have to be overt; subtlety can make the dream more intriguing and open to interpretation.

Example: In literature, a crumbling building might symbolize a character's failing marriage or a loss of control in their waking life.

A great example of symbolic use in dream sequences can be found in Franz Kafka's works, where the surreal and often nightmarish landscapes reflect the protagonist's tumultuous inner world.

4. Making the Transition

Transitions into and out of dream sequences should be handled carefully to avoid confusing readers.

A smooth transition can be achieved by signaling the beginning of a dream through a change in narrative style or using a specific recurring element that readers will associate with the dream state. Similarly, when the character wakes, make sure there is a clear indication that they are returning to the waking world.

Example: A character might fall asleep to the sound of rain each time they enter a dream and wake up as the rain stops, signaling the return to reality.

5. Maintaining Narrative Distance

While dreams allow for a deep dive into a character's subconscious, maintaining some narrative distance is crucial.

This means not getting so lost in the dream logic that the plot stalls or the reader feels completely untethered from the story.

Remember, the dream should serve to move the story forward or develop your character in some way, not just act as a decorative narrative flourish.

6. Reflecting on the Impact

After the dream ends, take a moment to reflect on its impact on the character and the story. How does the dream influence the character's actions or decisions?

Does it introduce new fears or resolve old ones? This reflection can deepen the character's development and drive the story forward.

Example: After waking from a nightmare, a character might be compelled to take action they've been avoiding, or they may have a revelation about their situation that changes their approach to a problem.

7. Revising Your Dream Sequence

Much like dreaming, writing dream sequences can be an iterative process. Your first draft may not make complete sense, and that's okay.

The key is to revisit and refine, ensuring that the dream aligns with your story's themes and meaningfully advances the plot or character development. Varying degrees of clarity and coherence can be applied to mirror the often-fragmented nature of real dreams.

Remember, the best dream sequences are those that leave readers feeling slightly uneasy, questioning the nature of reality and the depths of the human psyche.

They're an opportunity to explore the surreal, the symbolic, and the deeply personal landscapes of your characters' minds.

In conclusion, writing dream sequences is an art form that requires a delicate balance between the fantastical and the real, the symbolic and the literal.

By following these steps and allowing yourself the freedom to experiment with form and content, you can create dream scenes that enrich your narrative and provide a window into the soul of your characters.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dream Sequences (FAQs)

What is a dream sequence, and why should I include one in my story?

A dream sequence is a narrative technique used to depict events that occur in a character's dream.

It offers a unique opportunity to explore the subconscious mind of your characters, revealing their fears, desires, and internal conflicts.

Dream sequences can add depth to your story by incorporating fantastical elements, foreshadowing future events, or providing insight into a character's psyche, thus moving the story forward creatively.

How do I start writing a dream sequence?

To write a dream sequence, determine its purpose in your story. Ask yourself what you want to reveal about your character or plot.

Then, embrace dream logic, allowing for a blend of reality and fantasy where the unusual becomes possible.

Start the sequence with a clear transition from the waking world to the dream state, perhaps by showing your character falling asleep or using a recurring motif that signals a dream is about to unfold.

Should dream sequences be written in the first person or third person?

The perspective you choose for your dream sequence can vary depending on the effect you want to achieve.

First-person can make the dream feel more immediate and personal, immersing readers in the character's experience.

Third-person maintains narrative distance, allowing readers to observe the dream's impact on the character from a slightly removed standpoint.

Both perspectives can work effectively; it depends on your story's needs and which perspective enhances the dreamlike feel.

Can dream sequences predict future events in the story?

Yes, dream sequences can be used to foreshadow future events, adding layers of tension and anticipation.

However, handling this technique with care is important to avoid making the story feel too predictable.

The key is subtlety, hinting at possible outcomes through symbols or metaphorical elements that make sense once the future events unfold, reminiscent of Sarah Connor's apocalyptic visions in "Terminator 2."

How do I differentiate dream sequences from reality in my writing?

Differentiating dream sequences from reality involves using distinct narrative techniques such as shifting to present tense for dreams if your story is primarily in the past tense, incorporating surreal or fantastical elements that wouldn't occur in your story's waking life, and employing a unique narrative style or voice.

Clear transitions into and out of the dream state also help, ensuring readers understand when a character dreams and when they've returned to reality.

How can I ensure my dream sequence advances the story or character development?

Ensure your dream sequence advances the story by linking it directly to your character's development, plot progression, or both.

Use the dream to reveal important information about your character's fears, hopes, or unresolved internal conflicts.

It should impact the character's actions or decisions in the waking world, thereby influencing the story's direction or adding depth to the narrative.

What are some common pitfalls to avoid when writing dream sequences?

Common pitfalls include making the dream too long or detailed, which can detract from the main story, or inserting a dream sequence that doesn't serve the plot or character development.

Avoid making the sequence overly confusing or using it as an easy fix for plot holes. Dreams should enhance, not confuse, your reader's experience.

Can you give examples of effective dream sequences in literature or film?

Christopher Nolan's "Inception" offers a masterclass in blending dream sequences with reality, playing with narrative structure and perspective to explore the nature of dreams and consciousness.

In literature, Franz Kafka's use of dreamlike surrealism to reflect his protagonists' anxieties and struggles provides profound psychological insight, showcasing how dreams can mirror inner turmoil and societal pressures.

How do I transition back to the waking world after a dream sequence?

Transitioning back to the waking world should be clear and concise. This could be achieved by a physical sensation (the character wakes up from a fall, for example) or a sensory detail that contrasts with the dream (a loud noise or a change in light).

Ensure the reader can easily distinguish when the dream ends and reality resumes.

What are some tips on revising dream sequences?

When revising dream sequences, focus on clarity, relevance to the story, and impact on character development.

Consider feedback from beta readers on whether the dream enhances or detracts from the narrative flow. Experiment with varying degrees of surrealism to find the right balance for your story.

Remember, the best dream sequences leave readers feeling slightly uneasy yet deeply connected to the character's journey.