Great stories are built on action—not just any action, but dramatic action. Whether you're writing a play, novel, or screenplay, your characters must constantly be in motion, responding to obstacles and pursuing their desires in ways that keep audiences engaged. But how do you ensure your story stays dynamic instead of stalling? Enter the DOTS framework and the six possible outcomes of dramatic action.
What is Dramatic Action?
Dramatic action is a deliberate act performed by a character to overcome a problem that stands in the way of their plans. It is the engine that drives a compelling narrative forward.
A story gains momentum when things go wrong. The obstacles characters face make them rethink their approach and push them to take actions they wouldn’t have otherwise considered. Without conflict and problem-solving, a story can feel stagnant or lack urgency.
The DOTS Framework: Desire, Obstacle, Tactic, Success?
When crafting a scene, ask yourself these four key questions:
Desire: What does the character want? (e.g., winning an argument, escaping danger, finding love)
Obstacle: What stands in their way? (e.g., another character, their own doubts, external forces)
Tactic: What action do they take to get what they want? (e.g., persuasion, manipulation, force)
Success? Does the tactic work? (Yes, No, or… something unexpected?)
Every compelling scene should have these elements in play to keep the audience engaged.
The 6 Possible Outcomes of Dramatic Action
The final piece of the puzzle is the result of the character’s action. But it’s not just about winning or losing—there are six possible ways the action can play out, each creating a different effect on the story.
1. Success: The Goal is Achieved
The character’s tactic works, and they get what they want. This can be deeply satisfying, especially at the end of a story. However, success too soon or too easily can kill momentum, so consider adding complexity before reaching this resolution.
Example: A detective finds the final clue that solves the case, leading to an arrest.
2. Failure: The Goal is Definitely Lost
The tactic fails completely, shutting down the possibility of success. This often marks a turning point in the story, forcing the character to reassess or abandon their goal.
Example: A politician gives a rousing speech to win over voters, but they boo him offstage.
3. Sustaining: The Character Must Try Again
The tactic almost works but not quite, meaning the character must come up with a new approach. This is useful for sustaining tension and keeping the action alive.
Example: A knight tries to slay a dragon but only injures it, forcing them to strategise anew.
4. Stagnation: Nothing Changes
The character’s action has no effect at all. This can create frustration and tension, making the audience eager for a breakthrough.
Example: A couple argues, but neither is willing to compromise, leaving them stuck.
5. Escalation: The Problem Gets Worse
Instead of overcoming the obstacle, the character’s tactic backfires and makes things even harder. This outcome raises stakes and propels the story forward with new complications.
Example: A scientist tests a cure, but it causes a worse mutation, endangering more lives.
6. Change of Direction: The Character’s Goal Shifts
Sometimes, the failure of a tactic leads a character to realize they were chasing the wrong goal entirely, sparking a shift in their priorities.
Example: A lawyer fights to free an innocent man but realises the real battle is exposing corruption in the system.
SHORT STORY CASE STUDY: "Do Not Disturb"
I put this little story together—it's based on a scene in a play I'm working on—to help illustrate just how tiny a dramatic unit can be (it doesn't have to be this small) plus I've 'joined up the DOTS' for you after each unit.
Dramatic Unit 1: The First Obstacle
Andrew lies sprawled on his bed, relishing the solitude of his room. His phone rests on his chest like a trusted companion. The moment of peace is shattered by the familiar knock at the door.
“Andrew, can you come down and—” his mother’s voice calls through the wood.
“No,” Andrew responds without hesitation.
Silence follows—a longer pause than expected. Could he have won?
Then, his dad’s voice enters the fray. “Your mother asked you a question.”
Andrew sighs. “And I answered. That’s how communication works.”
The door creaks open, and he realises his personal sanctuary is being invaded.
Joining Up the DOTS
Desire: Andrew wants to be left alone in his room, enjoying his personal space.
Obstacle: His mother knocks on the door, asking him to come downstairs.
Tactic: He immediately refuses, answering with a blunt “No.”
Success?: Andrew’s first tactic (blunt refusal) does not resolve the situation.
Outcome: Escalation. Andrew’s first tactic (blunt refusal) does not resolve the situation; instead, it forces his parents to escalate their efforts.
Dramatic Unit 2: Escalation
His mother steps in first, followed closely by his dad, whose perpetual look of disappointment seems almost a genetic trait.
“You’ve been in here all day,” his mother states.
“That’s the dream,” Andrew replies. “I have one room. Let me enjoy it.”
His father levels him with a stare. “We’re just asking you to be part of the family.”
“I am part of the family. I’m the mysterious hermit child who only emerges at Christmas to distribute cursed objects.”
Mum sighs and steps further inside. This isn’t just a casual request—it’s an invasion.
Joining Up the DOTS
Desire: Andrew still wants to stay in his room undisturbed.
Obstacle: His mother enters, followed by his father, increasing the pressure.
Tactic: Andrew deflects with humour and exaggeration, framing himself as a “mysterious hermit child.”
Success?: His humour does not deter them; instead, his mother moves further into the room, escalating the situation.
Outcome: Escalation (again). Instead of resolving the conflict, Andrew’s tactic makes the problem worse, as his mother advances into his room, threatening his sense of control.
Dramatic Unit 3: The Stalemate
“We just think—”
“Nope. Thinking’s a trap. Every time you ‘just think,’ I end up vacuuming something.”
His father lets out a deep sigh, a sound that shifts the entire balance of the room.
“We just want you to come downstairs for dinner. Like a normal person.”
Andrew gestures at the crusted plate of toast on his desk. “That was dinner.”
Dad shakes his head. “You can’t just exist in here like some—”
Andrew leans forward, intrigued. “Like some what, Dad? Some moody loner with untold powers?”
His mother gives his father a look—the final weapon in her arsenal.
Joining Up the DOTS
Desire: Andrew now wants to avoid getting roped into a chore or expectation he didn’t agree to.
Obstacle: His mother insists on speaking, which Andrew sees as a trap.
Tactic: He cuts her off mid-sentence, refusing to engage in any conversation that might corner him into compliance.
Success?: His father intervenes with a more direct command—dinner as a non-negotiable obligation.
Outcome: Stagnation. Andrew's tactic stalls the discussion momentarily, but it doesn’t change the outcome; the demand for compliance remains.
Dramatic Unit 4: The Resolution
“You’re coming downstairs,” Mum declares.
“Am I?”
Dad reinforces it. “Yes.”
Andrew rubs his chin thoughtfully. “Counterproposal: You both pretend I invited you in here, I pretend I wanted to come downstairs but couldn’t, and then everyone wins.”
Mum steps forward. Andrew yelps and rolls off the bed in an undignified heap.
“Wow, resorting to force. This is how democracy dies.”
Mum picks up a sock from the floor and tosses it at him. “Five minutes, Andrew.”
She exits. Dad lingers. “We love you, you know.”
“Gross,” Andrew mutters.
As the door closes, he sprawls back onto his bed, victorious in defeat. He’ll go downstairs—eventually. But not a second before making them wait exactly four minutes and fifty-nine seconds.
Joining Up the DOTS
Desire: Andrew wants to remain in control of the situation, ideally staying in his room while making it seem like his decision.
Obstacle: His mother asserts authority, telling him he is coming downstairs, and his father reinforces the command.
Tactic: He attempts negotiation, proposing a counter-offer where they pretend he intended to come down all along.
Success?: His mother rejects his negotiation, escalating the pressure with physical movement. He ultimately concedes, but on his own terms.
Outcome: Failure. Andrew will ultimately goes downstairs, but only after ensuring he maintains a small, symbolic victory by making them wait exactly four minutes and fifty-nine seconds.
Writing Exercises to Master the DOTS Concept
Go on, give them a try!
Exercise 1: Reverse Engineer a Scene
Take a scene from a book, play, or movie and break it down using the DOTS framework:
Identify the Desire of the main character in that moment.
Define the Obstacle that prevents them from achieving their goal.
Determine the Tactic they use to overcome the obstacle.
Assess whether the Success outcome is achieved or if a new obstacle arises.
Write a short reflection on how the scene’s structure builds tension and keeps the story engaging.
Exercise 2: The Same Goal, Different Obstacles
Write a short scene where a character has a clear Desire but faces different types of Obstacles in three variations:
An external obstacle (e.g., another person physically preventing them from achieving their goal).
An internal obstacle (e.g., their own self-doubt or fear).
A situational obstacle (e.g., bad timing or external circumstances beyond their control).
Compare the three versions and analyse how each obstacle changes the tone of the scene.
Exercise 3: Unexpected Outcomes
Write a short scene in which a character takes action (Tactic) to achieve a goal (Desire), but instead of success, one of the following outcomes occurs:
The action backfires, making the situation worse (Escalation).
The character must come up with a new strategy because the tactic fails (Sustaining).
The character achieves their goal, but it has unintended consequences (Change of Direction).
Experiment with different outcomes to see how they affect the tension.
Exercise 4: Build a Scene from Scratch
Using the DOTS framework, create a brand-new scene:
Define your character’s Desire. What do they want at this moment?
Introduce an Obstacle. What is stopping them?
Develop a Tactic. What do they do to get around the obstacle?
Determine the Success outcome. Does it work? Does the situation get worse?
Try writing multiple versions of the scene with different success outcomes to see how they shift the story’s momentum.
Exercise 5: Dialogue-Only Scene
Write a scene using only dialogue where one character is trying to overcome an obstacle posed by another. Ensure the scene contains:
A clear Desire for the protagonist.
An Obstacle in the form of the other character’s resistance.
A Tactic the protagonist uses to persuade, manipulate, or outwit them.
A Success? outcome that either resolves or complicates the situation further.
By removing action and description, this exercise forces you to convey conflict through words alone.
Final Thoughts
Dramatic action is at the heart of every engaging story. By mastering the DOTS framework and experimenting with different outcomes, you can create compelling, dynamic scenes that keep your readers hooked. Whether you're a playwright, novelist, or screenwriter, understanding how desire, obstacles, tactics, and success interact will elevate your storytelling.