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The middle of a scene where complications stack and resistance grows before anything breaks open.
Rising pressure. Complications stack before the pivot. Scene craft is where abstract structure becomes testable goals, opposition, and change.
As a structure label, it helps you map drafts. Labels serve the story, not the other way around.
This term narrows the broader idea of **scene**. Keep parent and child roles distinct in outlines.
Why it matters
Escalation phase fits the scene–sequel ladder in Scene Builder, so goals, beats, and phases stay testable on the page.
Common pitfalls
The escalation phase lands when the courier realizes the seal is broken. The plan must change before dawn.