How to Write a Great FINAL BATTLE (Writing Advice)

About this Video

• Video Title: How to Write a Great FINAL BATTLE (Writing Advice)
• Channel: Writer Brandon McNulty
• Speakers: Brandon McNulty
• Duration: 00:09:26

Introduction

This video provides writing advice on crafting compelling final battles. McNulty discusses the purpose of final battles, how to structure a story around them, and offers tips for maximizing their impact. He emphasizes that effective final battles go beyond simple hero-villain confrontations.

Key Takeaways

1. Purpose of Final Battles: Final battles should resolve the central conflict, demonstrate character growth (addressing both external and internal conflicts), and engage the audience with high stakes (focusing on personal stakes).
2. Story Structure: Connect the inciting incident (the event that initiates the central conflict, typically around 10% into the story) to the final battle's climactic choice. Build up to the final battle by showing the protagonist facing obstacles, struggling with flaws, and suffering significant defeats before the final confrontation. Structure the battle itself as a mini-story with rising action, a moment of doubt, a restoration of hope, and a climactic choice.
3. Writing Tips: Include multiple types of conflict (physical, verbal, strategic, mental, ethical); avoid unnecessary confrontations; ensure the main character defeats the antagonist; use character motivation to fuel the battle; and create consequences to increase the battle's impact and show lasting change.