Provided are an article of manufacture, system, and method for generating test scenarios using reusable triggers indicating graphical user interface (GUI) elements and actions. User input is received defining a plurality of triggers for a graphical user interface (GUI) program. Each trigger associates a user GUI action and a GUI object on which the GUI action is performed. Execution of the GUI action on the GUI object defined in the trigger causes a shift in a state of the GUI program from one static state to another, and wherein the defined triggers are enabled for reuse in multiple test scenarios. User input is received indicating a first order of triggers to test a first scenario of operations of the GUI program. The GUI program executes the GUI actions with respect to the GUI objects defined in the triggers in the indicated first order. User input is received indicating a second order of triggers to test a second scenario of operations of the GUI program. The GUI program executes the GUI actions with respect to the GUI objects defined in the triggers in the indicated second order. At least one of the triggers indicated for the second scenario reuses at least one trigger indicated for the first scenario. The triggers defined in the first and second scenarios are executed to test the GUI program.