A short guide to writing action
As a writer, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the various genres you may choose to explore in your storytelling. Among the external content genres, where the primary focus is on external conflict and plot-driven events, the action genre stands out as one of the most thrilling and popular choices. In this article, we will delve into the action genre, discussing its conventions and obligatory scenes, and offer guidance on when action may be the right choice for your story.
What is the action genre?
The action genre is characterized by fast-paced, exciting, and adrenaline-pumping events that center around a protagonist's struggle against various obstacles and opponents. Action stories often feature high stakes, a clear sense of danger, and life-threatening situations. Common themes include heroism, survival, and the battle between good and evil.
The action genre is one of the external content genres, which focuses on the external conflicts and events that drive the story. Understanding the external content genre helps you develop stories that meet reader expectations and deliver a satisfying experience.
When to choose the action genre
When considering the action genre, evaluate your story idea and target audience. If your story revolves around a series of external conflicts and obstacles that the protagonist must overcome, action may be a fitting choice. However, keep in mind that a balance of character development, emotional depth, and engaging plotlines can benefit action stories.
Conventions of the action genre
To create a compelling action story, adhere to these genre conventions:
- Heroic protagonist: Your protagonist must be a hero.
- Object of desire: Your protagonist's external object of desire must be that they want to stop the villain, and save the victim – this is the objective that drives the story forward and motivates them to take action.
- High stakes and conflict: The stakes should be high enough to engage the reader and create a sense of urgency and tension.
- Fast pacing and suspense: Action stories thrive on fast pacing and suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
- Vivid descriptions of action scenes: Describe action scenes in a way that immerses readers in the experience, using dynamic and evocative language.
- Use of subplots and secondary characters: Subplots and secondary characters can add depth and complexity to your story while also providing opportunities for additional action sequences.
Obligatory scenes of the action genre
These scenes are integral to a successful action story:
- Introduction to the protagonist's goal and motivation: Establish the protagonist's objective and the reasons behind their pursuit.
- Encounter with the antagonist: Introduce the antagonist, creating tension and conflict between them and the protagonist.
- Moments of peril and close calls: Include instances of danger where the protagonist narrowly escapes or survives, heightening suspense and tension.
- Climactic confrontation or battle: Create a climactic scene where the protagonist and antagonist face off, resolving the primary conflict.
- Resolution and aftermath: Wrap up the story by showing the consequences of the climactic confrontation and how the protagonist's world has changed.
Tips for writing action
To craft a captivating action story, consider the following:
- Finding inspiration and studying successful examples: Read and analyze successful action stories to learn from their techniques and execution.
- Balancing description and dialogue: Strive for a balance between vivid descriptions of action and engaging dialogue that propels the story forward.
- Building tension and pacing: Use pacing and tension to keep readers engaged, escalating the stakes and challenges as the story progresses.
- Ensuring continuity and consistency in action scenes: Pay attention to detail, ensuring that action sequences are consistent and logical within the story's context.
When writing an action story, it is crucial to understand and adhere to genre conventions and obligatory scenes. By experimenting with different techniques and practicing your craft, you can create a thrilling and engaging action story that captivates readers and leaves them eager for more.
--
References
- Coyne, Shawn. 2015. The Story Grid. New York, NY: Black Irish Entertainment.
