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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/q/34691
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

 **Authors need to understand which scenes in their stories to cut in order to help the reader enjoy the story best.**

Knowing what works for the reader and what does not is a key skill for authors. Because WSE is not a critique site, we do not post excerpts of our work for feedback.

I routinely hear that writers should cut anything the reader doesn't need, and that every scene must move the plot forward. But I also (all the time!) see scenes that I 'don't need.'

**Here's one example of many:**

> In _SW:A new hope,_ in the chess scene on the MF, the wookie wins 'because a droid won't rip your arms out if he loses.'
> 
> After 8 or more Star Wars installments, we still have never seen a wookie rip out anybody's arms. Even when they lose. They just moan a lot. So even the premise of what a wookie is, falls short.
> 
> Give me a little dismemberment. Otherwise this is an unfulfilled promise!

I'm sticking my flag in, right here - **we don't need the scene.** But I like the scene ... much as I like many of the scenes in my story.

**Here's a second example,** from "Hook."

> Tinker bell grows big and then small again. Nothing is ever made of this. It creates sexual tension between Tink and Peter. Definitely not canon, and never used again in the story.

Again, I plant my flag. **We do not need the scene.**

So, the question is, **how reliable is the advice: If the reader doesn't need it, cut it. If the scene doesn't progress the plot, cut it.**

?? I ask because I've finished mapping my story to scene-sequel and am considering their individual value. Some are merely enjoyable scenes.

A useful answer will clarify what it means to 'move the plot' in a way necessary to the reader, and can use any example it likes. Do not feel constrained by the examples provided here.

* * *

**Edit:** Just learned that Unkar Plutt (Simon Pegg) had arms ripped out by Chewbacca. Scene was cut.

[https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/star-wars-the-force-awakens-deleted-scene-chewbacca-rips-arms-off-a7530976.html](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/star-wars-the-force-awakens-deleted-scene-chewbacca-rips-arms-off-a7530976.html)

Original score: 16