How to Write Fanfiction

Tutorial: Fight Scene

Fight Scene Tutorial [featuring Samurai Deeper Kyo fandom]
by MorganMorrow333​

I. Overview:

1. The fight scene should have a purpose.

​​A. Advancing the plot is the most obvious reason for a fight scene.
Whether there is an enemy standing in the way of the heroes progress, there is a conflict between characters that can't be settled with words, or perhaps a new character is being introduced and is testing the strength of another character. The first thing to decide about a fight scene is why that fight is happening and what it will do to move the plot forward.

​​B. A fight is also a great way to inform the reader about characters. A challenge or declaration of intent to battle is a useful way to introduce names. The fighters should always be described so it's also a good time for showing what a character looks like. Most importantly, there is a lot about a character's personality that can be shown in a fight though their actions, words, and emotions.

​​C. Describing the setting in detail is critical to immersing the reader in the fight scene. Take some time to show where the characters are, and then keep in mind how that setting will affect the fight. Is the ground level, or are there tripping hazards? Is there bright sunlight? Are there innocent bystanders around? Is there a cliff, river, fire, or some other obstacle nearby?

II. Writing the Scene:

​1. Start with the broad strokes.

​​A. Begin by setting the scene and initiating the action.

Example:

​The masked man watched from the shadows, taking care not to be seen by the samurai walking along the forest path. The young man's black kimono and hakama had been made of fine silk, but were tattered from years of wear. Short, unruly black hair framed his face. He walked with his back straight, a hand on the hilt of his sword. His distinctive crimson eyes showed neither fear nor surprise when a group of armed mercenaries burst from the undergrowth to surround him, the edges of their weapons glinting in the dappled sun.
​"Demon Eyes Kyo, we're here for your head and the one thousand gold coins that it will bring," a man brandishing a rusty sword said as he stepped forward.
​The samurai said nothing, his mouth twisted slightly in irritation as he surveyed the opponents facing him.
The leader signalled to attack and his men charged. Kyo smoothly dodged the first strike as he drew his weapon and casually sliced through the tendons on both wrists of the sword wielding leader. The man screamed as his weapon dropped from his now useless hands. In a fluid movement, Kyo pivoted and drew his sword down the back of a second opponent before returning to the first and finishing him with a quick slice to the throat.

​In the example above I described the area where the fight will take place, described the protagonist, informed the reader of his name and that he is a wanted man, and then showed his lack of fear when outnumbered.

​​B. How the fight ends. Have a goal in mind before you begin writing the scene.

Example:

​They separated for a moment and Kyo feigned an opening which the man went for with the intention of finishing the fight. Kyo deflected the blow with his sword. He then turned his own blade and struck quickly, cutting his attacker from shoulder to navel. Blood fountained from the gaping wound and the shock quickly faded from the man's face as he fell, lifeless, to the ground.
​Kyo grimaced as he cleaned and sheathed his sword. He walked a few steps down the road before his strength gave out and he collapsed among the bodies of the bandits who had tried to kill him.
​The masked man, who had been watching with interest, soundlessly turned away from the bloody scene and disappeared into the forest.

​In the example above I showed the tactics that went into deciding the battle, Kyo's lack of emotion over having slaughtered a gang, the toll the fight took on him, and the mysterious watcher's reaction and departure. I knew this was how it was going to end before I wrote the fight. Having a goal or destination in mind when starting a scene helps keep it from losing focus.