We use first, then, after that and when to show the order of events in a story in English.

My pancake recipe!

First, take a bowl.
Then, put 250 grams of flour into the bowl.
After that, break four eggs into the bowl.
Next, add half a litre of milk into the bowl.
Then, add some salt.
After that, add some butter.
Finally, cook the pancakes in a frying pan.

When I added butter to the hot pan, it melted!
When I tasted my pancakes, they were bland!