In an article for Writer’s Digest, Carla Hoch discusses what fight scenes can do for your story, including providing options you might not have considered.
Hoch defines “fight” as “a purposeful clash of wills that creates physical or psychological pain.” Whoever creates the most pain first wins, regardless of whether the other party fights back. Fights of all sizes can add emotional depth to your story, in a number of ways. You can use fights as:
- Backdrop. Setting your novel against an historical battle gives your readers a sense of the scope of your story and can create a sense of place. Depending on your characters’ roles, you reader might also understand the risk of death, raising the dramatic stakes.
- A ticking clock. If your character anticipates a fight, you immediately start a countdown to that conflict. The reader can feel the tension as they prepare for battle.
- A shock. An unexpected fight can surprise your reader and alter your story direction.
- Character change. A fight forces your character to fail or succeed, altering their development. Do they rise to the occasion? If they fail, do they vow to do better or double down on their weaknesses? An injury or psychological damage can have long-lasting effects.
