Fight Scene Archetypes
There are different stereotypes for protagonists and antagonists in a story. But there are also stereotypes for when they confront and fight each others. These are some random thoughts about turning these stereotypes into archetypes.
Caveats:
- It is often said that a good simulation is not necessarily a good game, and vice versa. The same thing applies to movies and books; what makes a good story does not make a good game, and vice versa.
- A book or movie may have two or three build-up fights and one climactic end fight; a RPG Campaign can have hundreds of fights - you cannot treat all of them as the climactic end fight.
One on One
One protagonist fights one antagonist.
The Duel
Two highly skilled opponents meet in a climactic showdown.
David and Goliath
Two uneven opponents meet in a duel-like situation.
Examples
- David and Goliath
Cat and Mouse
A superior opponent tries to hunt down an inferior one, while the inferior one just tries to escape.
Most likely is the superior opponent the antagonist, while the inferior one is the protagonist, since that is the situation most likely to instill sympathy.
One on Many
One protagonist fights many antagonists in the same fight scene.
Hold the Bridge
One protagonist defends against an army of antagonists.
Examples
- Orlando Furioso
- Sven Dufva
Display of Skill
One protagonist is surrounded by a ring of antagonists. One by one, one of the antagonists attack, enabling the protagonist to rapidly dispatch them, displaying various fighting skills.
Many on Many
Several protagonists face off versus an equal number of antagonists.
Pair-up
Each antagonist goes up against a thematically suitable protagonist, pairing up in a series of parallel duels.
Example
- X-Men vs. Brotherhood of Evil Mutants
Ablative pair-up
The group of protagonists race towards their goal. On the way is a series of challengers, each needing to be "tied up" by one of the protagonists, who leaves the group, urging it to carry on.
Many on One
A group of protagonists tries to take down a single opponent.
Examples
- Sailor Senshi vs the Monster of the Week.
