Definition
A transition moves the reader from one unit of story to another, such as from scene to scene, from summary to scene, or from one time or place to the next. It can be a line, a paragraph, or a structural break.
Example
By morning the rain had stopped and the road was open again signals time has passed before the next scene begins.
Related terms
Common mistakes
- Using "later" or "meanwhile" without orienting the reader in time, place, or POV.
- Writing transitions so long they become unnecessary mini-scenes.