I need help writing a sword fight scene?

Question

I don't know how to write a sword fight scene.
As hard as i try they come out the same. Too long and too boring.

Does anyone have a good website that would help with my problem or advice?

Answer 1

I find that some movie scripts are exceptionally well-written and are a great inspiration for us writers. The original Matrix script by the W. Brothers is especially good, but unfortunately their fighting involves fists and guns, not swords.

Here's a scene from the Pirates of the Caribbean which you may offer some good tips. For the sake of brevity, I've omitted some of the dialogue.

******************

In responce, Will assumes an en garde position. Jack appraises him, unhappy to see Will knows what he's doing.

Jack attacks. The two men stand in one place, trading feints,
thrusts and parries with lightning speed, almost impossible to
follow. Will has no trouble matching Jack.

JACK (CONT'D)
Excellent form ... But how's your footwork? If I step here --

He takes a step around an imaginary circle. Will steps the
other way, maintaining his relationship with Jack.

JACK (CONT'D)
Very good! And if I step again,
you step again ...
(continuing to step
around the circle)
And so we circle, circle, like dogs
we circle ...

They are now exactly opposite their initial positions.

JACK (CONT'D)
Ta!

Jack turns and heads for the door, now directly behind him.

Will registers with angry surprise -- and then with a vicious
overhand motion, he throws his sword --

-- the sword buries itself into the door, just above the latch,
barely missing Jack. Jack registers it, then pulls on the
latch, but it won't move up -- the sword is in the way.

Jack rattles the latch. Tugs on the sword a few times -- it is
really stuck in there. Jack mouths a curse, but when he turns
back to Will, he's smiling.

Eyes on Jack, Will simply picks up a new sword from an anvil.
Jack slumps in dismay -- but then he leaps forward.

Will and Jack duel. Their blades flash and ring. Suddenly, Jack swings the chain still manacled to his left hand at Will's
head. Will ducks it, comes up wide-eyed.

Then Jack's chain smashes across Will's sword, disarming him.

Will quickly picks up another sword. Jack becomes aware that the entire room is filled with bladed weapons: swords, knives, boarding axes in various stages of completion.

JACK
You need to find yourself a girl.
(Will sets his jaw)
Or maybe the reason you practice
three hours a day is you've found
one -- but can't get her?

A direct hit -- and Will coils even more tightly with anger.

He explodes: kicks a rack, causing a sword to fall into his
hand; uses his foot to bring his dropped sword into the air,
catches it -- and attacks Jack, both blades flashing.

Jack parries with sword and chain. Jack's chain wraps around Will's sword; Will twists the handle of his guard through a link, and stabs the sword up into the ceiling --

So Jack's manacled left arm is now suspended from the ceiling.
Not good. He parries using one hand, twisting and dodging
around the furnace --

Jack compresses the bellows, blowing a SHOWER OF SPARKS into Will's face. Jack grabs the chain, hoists himself up, kicks with his feet, knocking Will back.

Jack uses his full weight, yanks the sword from the ceiling.
Hurls a wooden mallet at Will, then a second, hitting Will on
the wrist. Will drops his sword, falls down, gets up --

Jack's pistol is aimed directly between Will's eyes.

*******************

Of course, this is meant to be an amusing scene, whereas your swordfight is probably more serious - but it gives some ideas for descriptions and pace. Try looking up the scripts of other movies that have wonderful swordfight scenes. I already looked up "The Princess Bride" and I don't think its descriptions will be useful - they are not so much specific descriptions of the fight, but rather comparisons and descriptions of Inigo's and Will's reactions. Try Robin Hood (Errol Flynn), Zorro, etc.

When I am writing an action scene, I close my eyes and watch it play out in my mind like a movie, then I write as fast as my fingers can type, just write it all out, not stopping to think or edit myself. Write first - edit later. You have to see it, taste it, feel it yourself - that is how your readers get the same experience when they read it. That is how I achieve natural, in-the-moment action sequences. Some of my best writing is in my action scenes for this reason. Try it - it works.

Good luck and happy writing!
.

Answer 2

So did I, but one thing you must think about is what kind of script you re writing.

If its a spec script for selling your story idea, keep it brief. Describe only what moves are really important to the scene. You don t have to, nor should you, describe every single blow. The director and fight coreographer will make it work. Thats their hat, let them wear it.

If you re writing for a play or theatrical production, then you would most likely want to work with the actors to figure out what works for the setting.

That said, the most important thing to do is be flexible. Every writer wants their script, their baby, to succeed, but it takes a team to make that happen. You have to let someone else hold the reins every once in awile. Don t believe me? Then why are the credits so long at the end of a movie?

Answer 3

Watch Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean for ideas. I'm always inspired when I do. I love to write sword fight scenes in my stories, too! I'll help you out with more ideas if you want. I'm happy when I see other people who love writing as much as I do on here.

Answer 4

If you ever get a chance to read any of the Wheel of Time books I think this would really help you. I can echo what the others said, keep the sentances short worded and fast. Make it exciting (to say the obvious) and try and put in a little deviousness from one of your charachters - eg. if they are fighting in a dusty terrain, have one of them kick up dust into the others face, or have if its in a wood have one of them backlash a branch into the others face. Put in a little bit of backtalking as well, let them talk, then fight for a moment, break apart, and while they are circling each other let them have trade insults with each other. Then bring them together again and fight them to the death (sometimes if you leave both alive it makes the story more exciting though). Best of luck in your novel, MJX

Answer 5

Don't describe blow by blow; write how the fight makes your characters feel. Also, go rent "The Adventures of Robin Hood", with Errol Flynn (1939), and watch the end sword fight a couple times, that's a great sword fight scene.

Answer 6

You might want to read the book "Old Sword-Play."

Also, try watching movies like

The Pirates of the Carribean trilogy

The Star Wars series

Highlander

The Lord of the Rings trilogy

The Three Musketeers

Die Another Day

Finally, check out the third and fourth links, they may prove helpful. (Fourth link is what I suggested reading, first two are to buy it. It's in the public domain, so it's free to download)

Answer 7

I don't know about the writing part. 2Bs says rent that Errol Flynn movie, I say look for The Princess Bride while you're there looking. Princess Bride has some amazing swordplay, made me want to take fencing lessons. Oh! Fencing lessons might help. Or at least, talking to a teacher.

Answer 8

Keep it really fast paced. Don't stop and describe the settings, describe that in the aftermath, but there is a rush of bloodthirstiness, depending on the character, and the battle begins. If it is just a battle, and it is not the first battle, and no plot-changing events occur, you may want to say something about how well the tactics work.

Answer 9

Here is another example where research comes into play. There are very specific movements in fencing and they have specific names. You need to research them. Otherwise your scene will come out sounding fake and hollow. Learn some of the movements and terms. This is another example of "write about what you know." You have to become an expert on a subject to write about it honestly and properly. Pax - C