NARRATIVE SEQUENCING — panels must tell a story, not just show images:
Shot Progression:
- Open with an establishing wide shot to set location and mood
- Follow with medium shots for character interaction
- Use close-ups sparingly for emotional peaks or key details
- End sequence with a resolution or cliffhanger shot
Continuity:
- Maintain 180-degree rule: keep characters on consistent screen sides across cuts
- Match eye-line direction between adjacent panels (if A looks right, B shows what's to the right)
- Action continuity: if a character starts raising a hand in panel N, panel N+1 shows hand raised or in motion
Pacing:
- Alternate shot scales to create visual rhythm (don't stack 3 close-ups in a row)
- For tension: decrease panel time span, tighten framing
- For relief: widen shots, increase perceived time between beats
Example
4-beat sequence:
- Wide establish — rainy alley at night (location + mood).
- Medium — [char1] steps in, [char2] turns (180° line kept; both stay on consistent screen sides).
- Close-up — [char1] eyes widen (emotional peak; eye-line matches what [char2] revealed).
- Wide — both walk off (resolution). → Scales alternate (no 3 same-size in a row); eye-lines and screen sides stay continuous.