Most novels have some type of action or fight scenes. In some cases, the tension grows so intense it culminates into a violent encounter. Although fighting can be verbal or physical, fight scenes typically focus on physical violence and action. In theory, writing a fight scene doesn't seem very difficult, but in reality, there is much that can go wrong. Fight scenes can quickly become boring for readers, so it's important that they are descriptive, short, and realistic. When written well, a fight scene can elevate the tension in your story and the interest of your readers. Continue below for 9 tips on how to write a realistic fight scene.
Determine the Type of Fight
Fight scenes can take on many forms, so it is important to know the type of fight you are writing about. There are three different categories of fighting: supernatural fighting, fighting with weapons, and hand-to-hand combat. Each iteration of fighting can create different plot points and injuries for the character, which is why it is important to identify the fight. Listed below are details on the three kinds of fights:
Supernatural Fighting
Fighting with Weapons
Hand-to-Hand Fighting
Have it Advance the Plot
The fight scene shouldn't be random, instead, it should help advance your plot. If the fight scene doesn't affect your plot or change some aspect of the story, then it probably isn't necessary. The fight scene should be some obstacle that the protagonist needs to conquer before moving on to the next part of the story. Fight scenes should do (at least) one of the following: introduce a new character, raise the stakes, and give the character a clue. As an exercise, after writing the fight scene, delete it and see how the plot is affected. Readers will easily become bored once they see the fight has no importance, so it is essential that the fight advances the plot.
Consider the Setting
The location of a fight plays a large role in the actual fight. As you write the fight scene, consider where it is set and how that might impact the action. Ask yourself the following questions: What objects/weapons can be found there? What is dangerous about this setting? Are there any places to hide? There could be two fights with exactly the same weapons and characters but having them in individual settings would create drastically different results. For example, if there was a fight scene at the beach, perhaps the ocean was used as a weapon or large pieces of driftwood. Make sure that you choose an appropriate location for your fight and that it influences the fight.
Avoid Incessant Action
Contrary to what it sounds like a fight isn't just action. Of course, your fight scene should have moments of tension and action, but you need to layer in other elements. Reading will grow tedious and boring for readers if a scene is non-stop action. Add in small details that make the scene feel alive and realistic to the reader. These descriptions should break up the scene, so it isn't just constant physical action.
Include all the Senses
Relating to the previous point, as you write your fight scene incorporate all five senses. For your fight to be truly immersive, you should describe all five of the senses. Detailing all of the senses will allow readers to be part of the scene. Sight is the most obvious sense to use, but the other senses can be just as helpful. Smell is a very underrated sense in writing, but it can do wonders! When describing the sense of smell, consider the smell in the air or the smell of the weapons (gunpowder, fire, acid). Hearing is very important and functional in a fight scene. Regarding hearing consider the sounds the weapons make, the sound of footsteps, and the winces and screams of the fighters. For "touch" think about what a character's wounds and body feel like. Lastly, though taste is uncommon in writing, it is crucial in a fight scene. Does your character taste blood? Poison?
Understand Wounds
If your character receives any wounds, it is important that you research. Researching the wounds caused by a specific weapon will make your writing detailed and accurate. Readers want to be hooked on the fight scene, which can only be achieved if the scene is realistic. Different weapons cause unique wounds, so it is essential to know the differences between wounds and their appearances.
Research Weapons
Similar to the point above, if your fight scene has weapons it is important that you research! You want your fight scene to be realistic to engage readers, so you should understand the weapons used. Even if you have knowledge regarding weaponry, it is still vital to research, so the facts are correct. You should research how to use the weapon, and errors that are often made in a fight with certain weapons that may allow an opponent to gain an advantage. Some weapons you may include are a gun, a knife, a chain, or an axe. Each of these weapons has specific features and styles, so you will need to research deeply before you write the scene.
Make it Short
It is important that your fight scenes don't slow down the story. As mentioned, you should include detail in the fight scene, but it shouldn't slow down the novel. You want your fight scene to be eventful and detailed, but it needs to be efficient. If the fight scene becomes too long, readers will be inclined to skip it or put down your book. To make your fight scene shorter and more efficient, it is important to layer action with dialogue and details and write in short sentences.
Remember to Edit
An excellent story is an edited one, which is why you need to edit your fight scene. Fight scenes are often messy and hastily written during the first drafts, so it is important to edit. When editing, make sure your story is realistic and detailed, while also being manageable.
Fight scenes provide readers with lots of tension and excitement, but they are hard to write. Hopefully, these 9 tips are useful in writing a fight scene that is full of detail, but also enjoyable for the readers.
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