Scene and sequel

Scene and sequel are two types of written passages used by authors to advance the plot of a story. "Scenes" propel a story forward as the character attempts to achieve a goal. "Sequels" provide an opportunity for the character to react to the scene, analyze the new situation, and decide upon the next course of action.
Scene.
The concept of a scene in written fiction has evolved over many years. Dwight V. Swain, in "Techniques of the Selling Writer" (1965) defined a "scene" as a unit of conflict, an account of an effort to attain a goal despite opposition. According to Swain, the functions of a scene are to provide interest and to move the story forward. The structure of a scene, as described by Swain, is (1) goal, (2) conflict, (3) disaster.
In "The Art of Fiction" (1983), John Gardner described a scene as having an unbroken flow of action without a lapse of time or leap from one setting to another. Over the years, other authors have attempted to improve on the definition of "scene", and to explain its use and structure.
Sequel.
In addition to defining a scene, Swain described a "sequel" as a unit of transition that links two scenes, adding that a sequel functions to translate disaster into goal, telescope reality, and control tempo. Swain also described the structure of a sequel as (1) reaction, (2) dilemma, and (3) decision. Other authors have attempted to improve on the definition of a "sequel" and to explain its use and structure.
Proactive vs. reactive.
Rather than viewing scenes and sequels as distinct types of passages, some authors express the concept as two types of scenes: proactive and reactive.
Scenes and sequels.
Swain defined, described, and explained scene and sequel as if they were separate entities, but then he explained that they must complement each other, linking together smoothly into a story. He went on to observe that
Structural units of fiction.
The "structural units of fiction writing" comprise all fiction.
Types of passages.
Passages of writing may be classified into four groups: (1) scenes, (2) sequels, (3) passages that are "neither" scenes nor sequels, and (4) passages that include elements of "both" scenes and sequels. Examples of passages that are neither scenes nor sequels include "fragments" of scenes or sequels and passages of narration, description, or exposition. An example of a passage that includes elements of both scenes and sequels is the "problem-solving passage", common in mystery and detective stories.
Types of scenes.
Scenes may be classified by their position within the story (such as an opening scene or a climax scene). A scene may be classified by the fiction-writing mode that dominates its presentation (as in an action scene or a dialogue scene). Some scenes have specialized roles (such as flashback scenes and flashforward scenes).