How Do You Structure Adventure Fiction? 7 Steps + 10 Tips to Write a Great Action Adventure Story

How Do You Structure Adventure Fiction?

Oh my, the question that plagues every writer's mind, isn't it?

Just kidding.

I understand that action adventure is not among the most popular fiction writing genres, but it is my favorite.

Adventure stories have it all. They hook you right from the beginning with a fast-paced narrative and complex characters. The stakes are high, with twists, turns, and exciting conflicts. Some of the most well-written characters in literature come from action adventure stories. They are both physically and emotionally engaging and captivating.

These stories bring together so many complex elements, and the good ones lead to an unbelievably satisfying conclusion.

Crafting adventure requires careful consideration of all the elements involved. Therefore, structuring and outlining is incredibly important here. So how do you structure adventure fiction?

7 Steps to Structure Your Action and Adventure Story

To the point, I will outline quickly the things that need to happen in your adventure novel:

Step 1: Introductions

No, not like the boring introduction to an essay.

The beginning of your story needs to lay out the basics. You must introduce your protagonist, their world, establish their desires and motivations, and set up the conflict.

Step 2: Call to Adventure & Refusal to Go

The Hero's Journey is a beloved trope in an adventure story and not the bad kind. It begins with a call to adventure, propelling an ordinary individual into extraordinary circumstances.

Often, the protagonist resists this call, and there are objective writing reasons for their reluctance. Starting the plot with their refusal to embrace their role as the protagonist allows you to showcase their vulnerability, personality traits, weaknesses, and fears.

This initial refusal also sets up internal and external conflicts, adding depth to the story. There is not a lot of conflict in writing a "Yes Man."

Step 3: Acceptance

At some point, your protagonist must accept his hero's journey and head off into the unknown. Otherwise, you wouldn't have a story. They leave their familiar surroundings behind and enter into an adventure world.

Step 4: Journey & Obstacles/Challenges

Once in their new world, the protagonist encounters a series of obstacles, adversaries, and tests they must overcome as they progress through their adventure. These challenges can be physical, mental, or emotional in nature. But the intensity needs to build over time as the protagonist gets deeper into the adventure world.

As they progress, the stakes rise to keep readers invested and paying attention.

Step 5: Allies & Enemies

Along the protagonist's journey, he or she should form alliances with supporting characters who aid them in their quest. They will also encounter enemies, usually multiple, who oppose their progress.

Make sure that no matter how many antagonists you have, each victory is relevant to the main conflict with the big antagonist.

Step 6: Climax

The journey culminates in a high point of tension and intensity, often involving a confrontation with the antagonist, but not always. It might be a crucial turning point in the hero's adventure or your protagonist finally figuring out how to overcome the setting.

Whatever it is for your story, this is where the main conflict reaches its peak, and everything comes to a head.

Step 7: Return

After completing their goal and the conflict has been resolved. The protagonist returns home, back to the normal world. They bring their lessons, treasures, and new friends they have gained from the adventure back with them.

This is where your protagonist proves that they have changed since your introduction at the beginning of the book.

This is where you tie up any remaining loose ends and provide the reader with a concrete resolution.

Elements of a Good Adventure Story

So in those 7 steps, you should be able to write a perfect adventure story, right?

Well, it's not that simple.

You might have the basic structure in place, but what makes a good adventure novel?

Some crucial elements that contribute to the success of a good action-adventure story are:

1. A compelling, multi-layered protagonist.

2. A captivating setting.

3. High stakes and conflict with a powerful antagonist.

4. Dynamic supporting characters.

5. Unexpected obstacles.

6. Well-choreographed action sequences.

7. High-intensity tension, suspense, and pacing

An adventure story revolves around bold heroes facing extraordinary challenges, immersive and vivid landscapes, tension and suspense, rich character interactions, surprising hurdles, and heart-pounding sequences that create non-stop excitement.

With this recipe, you cannot fail….unless you do. I mean, I can't do everything, right?

10 Tips for Writing an Adventure Story

As mentioned, crafting an adventure story that grips readers and keeps them on the edge of their seats demands careful consideration.

Numerous elements contribute to the success of a compelling adventure tale, like intricate plots, well-developed characters, expansive settings, and meticulously crafted action sequences.

This section will review my top 10 tips for writing an action & adventure novel. From establishing an unfamiliar or perilous environment to integrating dynamic supporting characters and unexpected obstacles, these guidelines will assist you in constructing your story.

So, without further gibber jab, let's dive right in.

Tip 1: An Unfamiliar or Dangerous Environment

You may have heard of the "normal world" versus the "adventure world" in character arcs. It represents the protagonist's starting point and the realm they enter after accepting the call to adventure.

In the action and adventure genre, this is often literal. The allure lies in venturing into uncharted territory, be it a deadly jungle, treacherous mountains, or even high society. The setting plays a crucial role in physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging your heroes.

It becomes the catalyst for their growth, often causing their struggles. But it's important to remember to strike a balance between excitement and believability.

In an adventure story, the setting is treated as a character and can even act as a separate antagonist.

It should possess depth, strengths, weaknesses, and its own goals. Find a setting that conflicts with your character's goals thematically, intensifying the dramatic tension. For a simple example, imagine a character yearning for a glass of water in a dry and unforgiving desert.

Your setting should test your character's gumption in the most dramatic way possible.

Tip 2: A Transformation

A transformation, also known as a character arc, is the crux of a good story. It encompasses the profound physical and emotional changes that protagonists undergo. In adventure novels, it serves as the connecting thread that weaves the narrative together.

Not to mention, this transformation deeply engages readers.

Now, writing a really good character arc into a highly complex novel can be challenging, even for experienced writers. It often feels overwhelming. Fortunately, I have written an article that simplifies the process by breaking down the key components of a positive change character arc.

While some formulas and systems can assist, understanding the underlying principles from a high-level perspective makes it easier to integrate a character arc into any story without worrying about specific actions or plot points at every stage of the novel.

Tip 3: Use Motifs to Develop Strong Themes

Motifs are symbols, images, or ideas that recur throughout your story. They add layers of meaning and thematic resonance to the narrative, making it more engaging for readers.

For instance, a compass motif can represent your protagonist's search for purpose, guiding their choices and symbolizing personal growth. Actually, that brings to mind another compass motif; in the first Pirates of the Caribbean, Jack had a compass that didn't point north but still led them where they needed to go.

Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean

Symbolizing Jack, who seemed to be broken but was actually very intelligent and just what they needed to save the day.

Light and darkness motifs can explore the struggle between Good and Evil.

There are endless ways to use motifs to strengthen the thematic value in your narrative.

They are a great way to subtly convey complex emotions and ideas, so are really useful when writing complicated stories like action adventure.

These are particularly powerful when the setting is used as the motif. Here are some common motifs connected to the setting:

1. Forbidden or uncharted territory: such as hidden jungles, islands, or unexplored caves. These settings symbolize a thrill of discovery, the allure of the unknown, and the inherent dangers that come with venturing into unfamiliar territory.

2. Treacherous landscapes: think towering mountains, vast deserts, or turbulent oceans. These often serve as obstacles for characters. The setting represents physical and mental challenges that the protagonists have to overcome. They test their resilience, resourcefulness, and determination.

3. Ruins or ancient temples: ancient ruins or mystical temples are motifs that evoke a sense of mystery. These settings hold secrets, artifacts, or hidden knowledge. They often lead to encounters with traps, puzzles, or guardian-like Baddies. This motif can symbolize a quest for enlightenment, a search for forgotten wisdom, or a warning about the dangers of forgetting our past.

Motifs can be a potent tool when writing action and adventure. They can give your story meaning, purpose, and lasting power.

These are the kinds of books that are required reading in schools. 😀

Tip 4: High Stakes and Increasing Conflict

You Should all know how important high stakes and conflict are, especially for action adventure. These things propel the story forward, inject urgency and tension into every moment, and without them, the story would fall totally flat.

From physical obstacles and formidable adversaries to internal battles and tough choices, the clashes are what captivate your readers.

The art lies in crafting plausible challenges that push the hero's limit, revealing their true character. I personally like action adventure stories that get really chaotic.

The deeper the protagonist goes into the adventure world, the higher the stakes rise and the more intense the conflicts become. Until finally, when the reader feels like they just can't take the tension anymore, the author releases it at the climax.

I'm of the opinion that these make for the most satisfying stories.

Tip 5: Dynamic Supporting Characters

Dynamic supporting characters are essential to elevating an adventure story. It is not all just about the hero!

Write supporting characters with vibrant personalities, desires, and conflicts of their own, bringing depth and complexity. Imagine a lone adventurer facing perils without anyone to share their burdens. Your protagonist can't very well talk to himself the entire book.

Think of any action adventure you have ever read or seen on the big screen. I'd say all of them (but there could be an outlier I am not thinking of) have a memorable cast of characters.

How good would one Muskateer be in the classic adventure book? Robin Hood without his Merry Band of Thieves?

Introduce a side character who challenges beliefs or adds comic relief and the dynamic becomes riveting.

These characters must complement or contrast the hero, pushing them to grow. A wise mentor who imparts guidance while a witty sidekick injects humor.

They should have their own arcs, however small, intertwining with the plot. Look at "The Lord of the Rings" and Samwise Gamgee's unwavering support. I and other adventure fans demand richly developed characters who steal scenes and capture hearts in our adventure novels.

In The Princess Bride, Inigo Montoya is the most memorable character, and the story wouldn't have been anything without him. Still, we should also note that he didn't overshadow anyone else either. All characters were strong and needed. The interactions between them are what made it so great.

Tip 6: Unexpected Obstacles

Dull is the hero who encounters only what's expected.

So we must throw curveballs at them:

• Hidden labyrinths.

• Treacherous traps.

• Shocking alliances with former enemies.

• Allies that turn out to be enemies.

Obstacles help our characters grow, move our plots forward, and make the story interesting. If the reader is always guessing, they might stick around a little longer.

Obstacles must remain integral to the plot, and even if they appear to come out of nowhere and are a surprise to the reader, they, in fact, are the culmination of everything that happened before.

Remember, your stories are not scenes in a vacuum; everything should be connected.

Tip 7: Well-choreographed (well-thought-out) Action Scenes

I'm going to blow your mind here. Action scenes are the backbone of any epic action adventure.

Gasp.

But come on now, it's not all just about throwing in explosions and punches all willingly. A great adventurer knows that every move of your fight scenes must be blocked out or choreographed to perfection.

It's actually a lot of hard work writing action scenes. Not enough detail, readers can't follow what's going on, too much detail, and readers end up feeling like they're getting a play-by-play that doesn't leave space for their imagination. It can be a delicate balance to find.

You want your readers to feel like they're in the middle of the action, hearts pounding and adrenaline coursing through their veins.

But how do we achieve that?

First things first, you have to give your readers a clear sense of the space. They need to be well-oriented in the setting where the action occurs. This should be established early on so you don't have to slow down the action to reorient them.

Second, you need to let readers know where each character is and how they interact with their surroundings. When planning your fight scenes block out where your characters are and how they move throughout the "set."

The clearer this image is in your head, the easier it will be to communicate it to the reader.

Pacing is especially important in action scenes. You have to know when to slow things down to build up tension and when to speed things up for those high-octane moments. You have to be able to control the rhythm and understand how to emphasize those high-emotion moments.

You mustn't get lazy with your descriptions in a fight scene; pick out the unique and most important aspects of the fight and communicate those to the reader while leaving small, unimportant movements to the imagination.

You want your readers to hear that punch connecting, feel the clash of swords, and taste the sweat and dirt that gets into your character's mouth.

Spend a lot of time crafting your fight scenes and perfecting the prose around them. Because these scenes can really make or break a book.

Tip 8: Emotional Depth

Emotional depth is often overlooked in adventure novels, overshadowed by action and plot twists. But it is a vital ingredient for greatness.

Why? Because it's still a fiction novel. And for a fiction novel to become successful, it needs to connect and speak to a human's emotions.

Tapping into emotions makes for good books. That's all there is to it.

Nobody wants to see hollow heroes anymore. They want complexity, vulnerability, doubt, and flaws. All the characters in your story should have these things. Scenes should be vivid, stir our emotions, and not just be going through the motions.

Think of your action adventure as more than just escapism for your reader. Even if it's an entertaining story, it should still have a purpose and meaning that deeply resonates with readers.

Tip 9: Keep a Quick Pace

I'm not sure this needs to be said, but I will, just in case. Action adventure stories must be fast-paced; there is no room for exposition or too many slow-droning chapters.

Everything needs to be moving. So it's incredibly important that you trim the fat off your books. Each sentence should carry its weight and be free from fluff.

Action needs to be written in the immediate scene and be immersive.

Use chapter breaks and cliffhangers to drive momentum so your reader always wants more. Just whatever you do, don't let your books stall. Avoid detours and tangents. Everything needs to serve a purpose. Every chapter should be lengthened or shortened to add urgency or give respite. Maintain relentless momentum.

Every word, every chapter, and every scene must build suspense, driving readers to an electrifying climax.

Tip 10: Satisfying Resolution

Finally, we get to number 10. What comes at the end of an action adventure novel cannot be underwhelming. A lackluster ending can ruin even the most thrilling tale. In your resolution, you must tie up all loose ends, bring everything together, satisfy readers, and complete character arcs.

Address major plot points logically, providing closure and answering questions. You must avoid dangling threads. But a touch of ambiguity is not necessarily bad, depending on your story. Remember that the end needs catharsis.

Adventure stories involve a lot of tension, so make sure to release that tension in the most satisfying way possible. And like I said at the beginning, action-adventure stories can be extremely complex with lots of moving pieces, so it's imperative that by the end, you have all those pieces in place.

Final Words

Structuring and writing adventure stories takes a lot of consideration and planning. But by following the 10 writing tips outlined in this article and understanding how your adventure story should be structured on a general level, you can write a story that captivates readers and keeps them entertained, hopefully from beginning to end.

Remember, the adventure genre is where imagination reigns supreme, and with each step you take in honing your writing craft, you bring your readers closer to giving your reader a great experience.

So though it takes a lot of work, a lot of time, and a lot of continued learning, I'm confident that you will be able to write a great many adventure stories. You just gotta keep writing.

Do you know your action & adventure subgenres?

Even though it may not be the favorite for writers to write, it is definitely loved by readers (even if they don't know that's what they're reading.) The genre is vast, and there are many subgenres to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Discover the best action adventure subgenres here on the Writer's Cabin.

Next: Action Adventure Subgenres