Definition
In Swain's scene structure, action is the goal-oriented part of a scene: a character wants something and meets resistance in real time through conflict, movement, or speech. It is the dramatized doing, not the later reflection.
Example
She tries to return the damaged rental before the shop closes while the clerk insists on charging full replacement cost is scene action with a clear goal and obstacle.
Related terms
Common mistakes
- Confusing action with any physical movement even when no character goal is at stake.
- Stopping the action every few lines for exposition the characters would not say aloud.