99+ Scene Prompts To Move Your Story Plot Forward

Have you ever found yourself staring at a blank page, your characters impatiently tapping their feet, waiting for a scene that propels them and your story forward? 

This blog with scene prompts is your ultimate reservoir of inspiration! Whether you're a seasoned writer, a budding filmmaker, or a storyteller weaving worlds from words, the challenge of plot development is universal.

From the struggles of a lone character to the dynamic play of two or more, these prompts traverse different genres, offering a spectrum of scenarios that range from the familiar to the outright fantastical. 

A long list of scene prompts

1. A character finds a mysterious old diary in their new apartment, revealing secrets about the previous tenant.

2. Two strangers get stuck in an elevator during a power outage and discover they have a surprising connection.

3. A character wakes up with a strange tattoo they don't remember getting and begins a quest to find its meaning.

4. A hidden will is found at a family reunion, leading to unexpected revelations and conflicts.

5. A character receives a postcard from an unknown sender, hinting at a family secret from a foreign land.

6. During a thunderstorm, a character discovers they can communicate with animals.

7. A character finds themselves reliving the same day over and over, with one small detail changing each time.

8. Two characters from rival families fall in love during a community event.

9. A character inherits an old mansion, only to find friendly ghosts with unfinished business inhabit it.

10. A group of friends goes camping and stumbles upon a hidden, ancient civilization in the woods.

11. A character discovers a hidden room in their house that alters their perception of their family's history.

12. During a high school reunion, a long-held secret is revealed, changing the course of several lives.

13. A character unexpectedly wins a small fortune, leading to a series of adventurous and challenging events.

14. Two characters meet during the middle of a train journey and share stories that change their perspectives on life.

15. A character finds a mysterious object that grants them three wishes but has unforeseen consequences.

16. A character wakes up in a parallel universe where everything in their life is subtly different.

17. At a local fair, a character encounters a fortune teller whose predictions start to come true in eerie ways.

18. A character adopts a lost dog, only to find out it belongs to a famous person.

19. Two characters get lost in a maze during a garden party, leading to a series of magical events.

20. A character finds an old camera that captures future pictures.

21. On a solo vacation, a character befriends a local who shows them the unseen side of the city.

22. A character starts receiving letters from their past self, warning them of future events.

23. During a blackout, neighbors share stories, revealing unexpected connections and histories.

24. A character discovers they can time travel but only during significant historical events.

25. In a dystopian future, a character finds an untouched library with secrets to the past.

26. A character participates in a cooking contest, only to find that the ingredients are not what they seem.

27. Two characters from different periods communicate through a mysterious radio.

28. A character finds a hidden garden that blooms with magical flowers.

29. On a space station, a crew member discovers an alien life form that communicates through music.

30. A character embarks on a quest to find a mythical creature they believed was only a legend.

31. At an antique shop, a character buys a painting that changes scenes every night.

32. Two characters participate in a reality TV show, only to find out the show is scripted sinisterly.

33. A character accidentally discovers they're part of a witness protection program, and their entire life is a lie.

34. In a futuristic world, a character tries a virtual reality game and gets trapped in the game's universe.

35. A character starts seeing visions of historical events whenever they touch antique objects.

36. A character joins a book club, where each book read starts influencing their reality.

37. During a lunar eclipse, a character gains the ability to communicate with their alternate selves in parallel universes.

38. A character finds a mysterious plant that grows overnight, revealing secrets about their family.

39. On a deserted island, a character finds a buried treasure map leading to an extraordinary adventure.

40. A character wakes up to find they are the last person on Earth, starting a journey of survival and discovery.

41. A character discovers an old film reel that shows scenes from their future.

42. Two characters swap lives for a day, leading to unexpected discoveries about each other and themselves.

43. In a magical world, a character sets out to find a cure for a spell that has turned their village silent.

44. A character finds a mysterious key that unlocks doors to different times and places.

45. a character accidentally creates a portal to another dimension during a science experiment.

46. A character participates in a foreign exchange program and ends up in a house with unusual traditions.

47. On a hiking trail, a character discovers a path that leads to an enchanted forest.

48. A character starts receiving anonymous gifts that gradually reveal a heartwarming story.

49. In a world where dreams are communal, a character starts dreaming of a forbidden place.

50. A character visits a quaint bookstore, where every book they read comes to life in the store.

51. In a bustling city market, a character finds a mysterious map leading to a hidden urban oasis.

52. A character discovers they can speak to birds, and they use this ability to solve a neighborhood mystery.

53. During a museum visit, a character gets transported into a painting, experiencing the scene and era it depicts.

54. A character receives an anonymous package containing items predicting future events in their life.

55. Two characters find an old board game in an attic that brings their imaginations to life.

56. A character discovers they can enter photographs, exploring the moments captured in them.

57. At a botanical garden, a character finds a rare flower that grants them a day of extraordinary luck.

58. A character encounters a lost civilization living secretly beneath a modern city.

59. On a hiking trip, a character stumbles upon a hidden waterfall with time-traveling properties.

60. A character finds an ancient artifact that allows them to communicate with mythical creatures.

61. During a meteor shower, a character gains the ability to teleport but only to places they've previously visited.

62. A character accidentally switches lives with their mirror reflection, leading to a journey of self-discovery.

63. In a coffee shop, a character overhears a conversation that unravels a long-standing family mystery.

64. A character finds a mysterious old clock that can pause time but with unexpected side effects.

65. On a road trip, characters encounter a town that isn't on any map and is filled with peculiar traditions.

66. A character discovers a secret garden that changes its themes and landscapes daily.

67. At a flea market, a character buys a camera that only takes pictures of people's true selves.

68. A character learns they can control elements of nature but struggles to manage their new power.

69. Two characters find a book that writes a new, unpredictable story each time it's opened.

70. A character wakes up to find their entire town deserted, leading to a surreal journey.

71. A character finds a mysterious bracelet that allows them to understand and speak any language.

72. A character accidentally creates a mini black hole in their room during a scientific experiment.

73. A character discovers an old radio that broadcasts news from alternate realities.

74. In a small town, a character uncovers a conspiracy involving a forgotten historical event.

75. A character encounters a ghost unaware of their passing and helps them find peace.

76. On a solo sail, a character discovers an uncharted island with a hidden civilization.

77. A character wakes up with a different superpower daily and must adapt accordingly.

78. In an antique store, a character finds a chess set that moves its pieces, replaying historical battles.

79. A character visits a library where books allow readers to interact with the characters.

80. Two characters participate in a virtual reality game that blurs the lines between game and reality.

81. A character finds an old journal belonging to a pirate, leading them on a treasure hunt.

82. In a world where everyone is born with wings, a character is born without and seeks to fly.

83. A character discovers they can bring drawings to life but struggles to control their creations.

84. On a space mission, astronauts discover a planet that mirrors Earth in a parallel universe.

85. A character wakes up as a character in their favorite book and navigates the story's events.

86. During a city-wide blackout, a character realizes they can see in the dark and uncovers hidden secrets.

87. A character finds a pair of glasses that show the world in different historical eras.

88. a character discovers a machine that can duplicate any object in a secret underground lab.

89. A character attends a masquerade ball where they magically transform into their costume's character.

90. Two characters swap lives every time they sneeze, leading to comedic and chaotic situations.

91. A character finds a magic locket that shows the future and alters it unpredictably.

92. In a fantasy world, a character embarks on a quest to find a legendary creature believed to be extinct.

93. A character discovers an old piano that, when played, controls the weather.

94. At a tech convention, a character tests a device that allows them to enter and explore their dreams.

95. A character is the only person able to see a friendly ghost who seeks help solving its mystery.

96. On an archaeological dig, a character unearths a relic that transports them back to ancient times.

97. In a reality where shadows have their own lives, a character befriends their shadow.

98. A character finds a book where they can write events that then happen in real life.

99. During a meditation retreat, a character achieves a state of mind that allows them to alter reality.

100. A character can switch between parallel worlds but starts to lose track of which world is their original.

Conclusion

Whether it's a scene set in the quiet of the night or the chaos of a busy street, these prompts are your companions in the writing journey. They are here to inspire, challenge, and open pathways to new adventures in your stories. 

Remember, the best stories are those where characters leap off the page, there are plot twists and artful surprises, and the audience is left craving and turned into delight. 

May these prompts be the sparks that ignite the fires of your imagination, helping you create stories that resonate, inspire, and stand the test of time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scene Prompts (FAQs)

What are Scene Prompts?

Scene Prompts are creative catalysts used in writing to spark ideas for scenes. They can help propel the plot forward, deepen character development, and add layers to your story.

How Do Scene Prompts Aid in Plot Development?

They introduce new events or twists that can take your plot in unexpected directions. Imagine a first date at a beach-going wrong or a birthday party on a new planet. Such prompts can lead to plot revelations and character growth.

Can Scene Prompt Help with Character Struggle?

Absolutely. Prompts can create scenarios where characters struggle or face dilemmas. A woman suddenly discovering a secret about her best friend can reveal hidden facets of her identity.

How do you use scene prompts for different genres?

Tailor your prompts to fit the genre. A mystery novel could have a scene where the main characters find an innocent clue that turns out to be pivotal. In a sci-fi story, characters might escape to a new world.

Creating Scenes with One or Two Characters?

For scenes focusing on one character, delve into their internal monologue or a significant moment in their life. With two characters, explore their dynamics through dialogue or a shared experience like getting stuck in a room.

Incorporating Other Characters into a Scene?

Use other characters to introduce new perspectives or to advance the plot. For example, a protagonist's friend could provide a surprise revelation or explain why the protagonist must save the day.

Can Scene Prompts Impact the Entire Story?

Yes, a single scene can change the course of the entire story. A first-time meeting or an unexpected event can set the stage for future events.

How Can Scene Prompts Inspire Writers?

They provide a jumping-off point to inspire writers. A prompt like "a dog saving its owner on a night walk" can develop into an entire novel.

Do Scene Prompts Work for Scripts and TV Shows?

Scene prompts are versatile and can be used for writing scripts for movies and TV shows. They help scriptwriters visualize scenes and characters in action.

How do you create engaging dialogue through scene prompts?

Use prompts to craft realistic conversations. Imagine a date where everything goes wrong or a heated debate between actors on a stage.

Example of a Scene Prompt in Action?

A woman finds an old figure in her grandmother's house that transports her to a familiar yet different world each night. This prompt can lead to a series of adventures, unveiling her grandmother's secret life.