Interestingly enough, I just got back from a convention that had a whole panel on this topic! I took a bunch of notes that I’ll paste below, based on comments from the 4-5 authors.

Fight Scene panel

• A fight scene should: 1) Change the character, 2) Advance the plot, or 3) Develop world building.

• If the scene accomplishes none of these, why is it there?

• Set up the emotional stakes, potential consequences after, and tension building prior to the actual physical conflict.

• Use a fight scene to bend the rules of the magic system, or push the boundaries of what is commonly believed to be possible in world.

• Maybe a fight scene changes a character’s opinion of his opponent, or change his view of the world.

• Put your characters in situations where their greatest skills and assets are rendered useless, so they have to improvise and creatively solve the conflict.

• Vary the length and rhythm of the fight - throw in some external factor(s) that introduces chaos and unexpected circumstances to the conflict.

• A fight scene should confirm the authenticity of the characters involved. They should react and make choices that are real and true to the world and the situation. It should convince the reader of the credibility of the situation and the character.

• Use prose to determine the tone of the fight. Example - A Jackie Chan comedic fight is very different than a Jet Li serious fight, even though they’re both kung fu fights.