How to write a great fistfight
The raw intensity of a fistfight, where two characters exchange blows with nothing but their bare hands, offers a visceral experience to readers. While the principles of writing a good fight scene remain largely the same across different scenarios, fist fights present their unique challenges and opportunities. Here's a guide to help you nail the action.
Understand the basics of hand-to-hand combat
It's essential to grasp the fundamentals, even if you won't be going into the intricacies in your narrative. Terms and moves to familiarise yourself with include:
- Jab: A quick, straight punch.
- Hook: A punch delivered in a swinging, arching motion.
- Uppercut: A punch delivered upwards from a lowered stance.
- Grapple: Holding or wrestling an opponent to limit their movements.
Set the context
What led to the fight? Was it a sudden outburst of anger, a planned confrontation, or self-defence? The context will dictate the intensity, duration, and even the moves your characters might employ.
Utilise the environment
Fistfights can become especially dynamic when you involve the surroundings. Whether it's a bar brawl with characters ducking behind counters and throwing chairs, or a street fight where someone gets shoved against a car, use the setting to amplify the tension.
Describe physical sensations and internal thoughts
Unlike battles with weapons, fistfights are up close and personal. Detail the pain of a punch, the jarring sensation of hitting the ground, or the dizzying effect of a blow to the head. What's happening inside the characters' heads is just as crucial – their fears, desperation, and determination.
Vary the pacing
A fistfight isn't a constant exchange of punches. There are flurries of action followed by moments of respite, attempts at grappling, or even pauses where the characters size each other up. Mix fast-paced sequences with slower, more descriptive passages for a well-balanced scene.
Incorporate defensive moves
Defence is as essential as offence. Include descriptions of dodges, blocks, and evasive manoeuvres to create a more dynamic and realistic fight.
Convey the aftermath
Fistfights often result in visible injuries – bruised knuckles, swollen eyes, busted lips. Beyond the physical toll, consider the psychological and emotional aftermath for your characters.
Avoid over-choreographing
While providing clear, engaging descriptions is crucial, don't turn the fight into a blow-by-blow account. Readers don't need to know every move; instead, focus on the key moments that drive the action forward and convey the emotion of the scene.
Wrapping up the brawl
Crafting a compelling fistfight requires a mix of accurate descriptions, emotional depth, and a keen sense of pacing. Remember, it's not just about the punches thrown but also the reasons behind them and their consequences. By focusing on the bigger picture while attending to the details, you'll ensure your readers are right there in the thick of the action, feeling every blow.
