How to correct a boring scene in your novel?

Every writer, no matter how experienced, faces the challenge of writing a dull or lackluster scene. The good news is that with a bit of editing and strategic revision, you can transform these dull moments into engaging, essential parts of your story.

Identify what makes the scene boring

The first step to correcting a boring scene is identifying why it’s failing to capture the reader’s attention. Common reasons include:

• Lack of conflict: A scene without clear conflict or tension can feel static and unengaging.
• Excessive description or information dumping: Over-explaining things without integrating the details into the plot can make the scene feel tedious.
• Low stakes: When the consequences of the scene’s events are unclear or unimportant, readers won’t feel invested.
• Unnecessary filler: If a scene doesn’t serve the plot or character development, it can feel like padding.

Look closely at the scene. What is its purpose? Is it pushing the plot forward, developing a character, or providing crucial context? Understanding the root cause of the boredom will guide your revisions.

Add conflict or tension

Conflict doesn’t always need to be physical, high-stakes or full of anger. It can be internal, emotional, or relational, but it should always create a sense of unease or anticipation.

For example, if your characters are having a conversation, think about what emotional stakes are at play. Is there an underlying tension between them that’s not being addressed? Maybe one character is hiding something, or there’s a misunderstanding that needs to be cleared up.

Even in peaceful or quiet scenes, the subtle undercurrent of conflict—whether personal, relational, or even ideological—can help keep the reader invested.

Tighten the prose and eliminate filler

Review the scene and eliminate any unnecessary words, descriptions, or dialogue that don’t serve the plot or character development. Tightening the prose helps maintain momentum, keeping the reader's attention focused on the essential elements.

For example, avoid using excessive adverbs or repeating information the reader already knows. If you’ve described a setting already, there’s no need to keep going into great detail unless something has changed in the environment. Get to the point faster, and ensure that every sentence moves the scene forward in some way.

Increase emotional depth

If the characters aren’t fully engaged in the moment or aren’t reacting emotionally to what’s happening, the reader may not feel connected to the scene. Consider how your characters would feel in that situation, and bring their emotions to the forefront.

For example, if a character is making a difficult decision, delve into their internal struggle. Show their fear, their excitement, regret, or hope. 

Let the reader feel what the character is feeling, not just see what they’re doing. When you infuse emotional depth into a scene, it becomes more immersive and compelling.

Use dynamic dialogue

Dialogue is a powerful tool for enlivening a scene. Flat, uninspired conversations can drag a scene down, but dynamic, purposeful dialogue can inject energy and personality. When revising a boring scene, pay close attention to how your characters interact with one another.

• Give each character a distinct voice: Make sure each character has their own way of speaking, reflecting their personality, background, and current emotional state. This prevents conversations from feeling repetitive or dull.
• Add subtext: Sometimes, what isn’t said is just as important as what is. Characters may not always speak directly or openly, which can create intrigue or tension in the conversation.
• Make dialogue serve a purpose: Ensure that each exchange advances the plot, reveals something important about the characters, or deepens the conflict. Avoid filler conversations that don’t add value to the story.

Shift the scene’s focus or perspective

Sometimes a scene feels boring because it’s centered around something that doesn’t matter to the plot or character development. In these cases, shifting the focus can bring the scene to life. This could mean altering the perspective or simply changing what’s emphasized.

For example, if you have a scene where two characters are walking through a market and you focus on describing every stall and item in great detail, it can become dull. Instead, focus on what the characters are feeling or how the environment influences their actions. Are they on edge? Do they feel lost? Does something happen that shifts the mood?

Alternatively, changing the point of view or including a secondary character’s perspective can reveal new layers to the scene. This can inject a fresh dynamic and add richness to an otherwise uneventful moment.

Raise the stakes

A scene becomes boring when the outcome feels insignificant or when there are no immediate consequences for the characters. To correct this, you can raise the stakes. Make sure that what happens in the scene has clear implications for the characters or the plot, even if the stakes aren’t immediately life-threatening.

For example, if a character is making a mundane decision—like whether or not to take a job—show how this decision could impact their future, relationships, or self-worth. Even small decisions can carry weight if you give them meaning. The key is to ensure that whatever happens in the scene has a tangible effect on the direction of the story.

Add sensory details and action

Descriptive sensory details can breathe life into a scene by immersing the reader in the setting and making them feel as though they are right there with the characters.

• Sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste: Use these senses to evoke atmosphere and emotion. The soft hum of a room, the sharp scent of rain, or the cool texture of a character’s clothing can all make a scene feel more real and engaging.
• Action: Even if the scene is more conversational, small physical movements can break up the monotony. A character fidgeting with their hands, pacing, or shifting in their seat can help add energy to an otherwise static scene.

Sometimes, the addition of small actions can change the entire dynamic of a scene. A character might absent-mindedly pick up a coffee mug during an emotional conversation, or they might shift their posture when someone says something unexpected. These details create a sense of realism and make the scene more engaging.