Overview

Metrics are author tools, not objective measurements. A value is your judgement about what the scene is doing. The Timeline turns those judgements into a pacing shape so you can see peaks, rests, repetition and contrast.

Common Metrics

Overall Intensity represents the combined pressure of the scene. Raise it for climaxes, confrontations and major reversals. Lower it for recovery, setup or quiet reflection.

Tension represents suspense, uncertainty and pressure. Raise it when danger, secrets or stakes tighten. Lower it when answers arrive or characters get breathing room.

Emotional Weight represents how strongly the scene lands emotionally. Raise it for grief, confession, betrayal, intimacy or sacrifice. Lower it for lighter connective scenes.

Action represents physical movement and external incident. Raise it for fights, chases, escapes and urgent activity. Lower it for dialogue, planning or introspection.

Darkness represents grimness, threat, moral cost or bleakness. Raise it for cruelty, loss or dread. Lower it when the scene restores safety or warmth.

Romance represents romantic development. Raise it for attraction, intimacy, longing, conflict or commitment. Lower it when romance is not the scene's main work.

Sexual Charge represents sensual or erotic tension. Raise it when desire is deliberately present. Lower it when intimacy is emotional, practical or absent.

Violence represents physical harm or threat. Raise it for combat, injury or brutality. Lower it for scenes without violent pressure.

Hope / Lightness represents relief, optimism, tenderness or brightness. Raise it when the story gives readers air. Lower it when the scene closes down possibility.

Comedy represents humour and comic release. Raise it for jokes, irony, banter or absurdity. Lower it when humour would undercut the intended tone.

Mystery represents unanswered questions, clues and hidden information. Raise it for discoveries, suspicious details and reveals that create more questions. Lower it after answers land.

How Metrics Help Pacing

Metrics help you compare intention against shape. If every scene is high intensity, readers may feel numb. If a mystery has a long flat stretch, the clue trail may need attention. If hope never rises, the book may feel darker than intended.

Related Guides

• Scene Metrics
• Story Health Scene Metric Shape