The Great Big Action & Adventure Fiction Writing Glossary: Everything You Need to Get Started

Introduction to the Action & Adventure Writing Glossary

Welcome to my big fat glossary of action adventure writing terms, techniques, and phrases.

Here in this comprehensive glossary you will find everything you need to know about the genre. Consider this a crash course in action & adventure, that will teach you all the terms and techniques you need to be aware of to successfully write a story.

The definitions I give of each term are not very detailed, but they will give you an idea of what you need to further research. But I will also be linking to appropriate content for you to get a deeper understanding of a topic where I can.

Consider this your high-level reference for all things action adventure. By no means do I expect you to read through this all at once. Navigate to the area you are interested in from the contents or use the "find" function on your web browser to look up a specific term.

Table of Contents:

• Action & Adventure Subgenres

• Writing Techniques and Genre Hallmarks

• Research Terms for Action & Adventure Writing

  • Sword & Dagger Terminology

  • Firearms Terminology

  • Survival Skills

  • Combat Moves

  • Types of Fighting Styles

• Themes and Motifs

• Types of Characters

• Action & Adventure Tropes

• Action & Adventure Dialogue

• Action & Adventure Story Structure

Note: This is just a broad overview of what is involved in action & adventure fiction. If you are looking for actionable guides and advice for writing in the genre click here to find what your looking for.

Action & Adventure Subgenres

Action and adventure is all about high-stakes escapades, intrigue, and larger than life characters.

But it is also a vast genre, and plenty of subgenres have emerged, each with their own distinct flavor of excitement and danger.

In this section you will find all the major action & adventure subgenres, from capers to military missions. If I missed anything, please leave a comment and I will add it to the list at. a later date.

Related Post >>> Get to Know Your Action & Adventure Subgenres: A Full Guide

Action & Adventure Subgenres Glossary

Apocalyptic Adventure — Plots that involve characters trying to survive and navigate the chaos and destruction of an apocalyptic event.

Disaster Adventure — Characters facing natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, or volcanic eruptions, struggling to survive and overcome the calamity.

Espionage Thriller — Involves spies, intelligence agencies, and undercover operations with a focus on espionage and counterintelligence.

Exploration/Expedition Adventure — Characters journey to uncharted territories, discovering new lands, creatures, or civilizations.

Heist/Caper Adventure — Focuses on heists, elaborate thefts, grifts, or intricate schemes to pull off daring crimes.

Historical Adventure — Set in historical time periods, featuring real or fictional characters navigating through significant events and adventures.

Lost World Adventure — Characters discover isolated and prehistoric worlds filled with dinosaurs and primitive civilizations.

Military Adventure — Stories centered around military operations, battles, and soldiers, often involving special forces or covert missions.

Robinsonade — A subgenre of survival adventure where characters are stranded on a deserted island or isolated location away from civilization.

Superhero Adventure — Features super-powered individuals facing off against powerful foes while saving the world or their city.

Survival Thriller — Characters fighting to survive in extreme environments like jungles, deserts, or other inhospitable places.

Swashbuckler — Historical adventure with daring sword fights, sea voyages, and noble heroes.

Time Travel Adventure — Involves characters traveling through time to alter history or solve mysteries from different eras.

Treasure Hunting Adventure — Protagonists embark on quests to find hidden or lost treasures, encountering challenges along the way.

Underwater Adventure — Stories set primarily underwater, featuring deep-sea exploration, submarine warfare, or underwater civilizations.

Western Adventure — Set in the American Old West, featuring cowboys, outlaws, and lawmen engaged in epic quests or battles.

Wuxia Adventure — Originating from Chinese literature, it features martial arts heroes on quests for justice and honor.

Action & Adventure Writing Techniques and Hallmarks

The following section includes all the writing hallmarks of action and adventure fiction. These are the quintessential narratives and writing techniques that writers have used for ages to develop the adventurous spirit of their stories.

Here you will find the most common scenes and narratives that come up when you think of the genre. Consider these things when you are writing your own story.

You don’t have to incorporate them, but do examine why and how these elements have remained so popular for so long and why some of the best action adventure books include them.

Related Post >>> A Must-Read List If You Want to Write Great Action & Adventure Novels

Action & Adventure Writing Techniques and Hallmarks Glossary

Adrenaline-Pumping Rivalries — Developing intense rivalries between characters, leading to epic confrontations.

Ancient Prophecies — Fulfilling or defying ancient prophecies that shape the course of events.

Buddy Team-Ups — Pairing characters with contrasting personalities and skills to create engaging dynamics.

Bounty Hunting — Characters pursuing bounties or rewards for capturing criminals.

Car Chases — Creating thrilling sequences featuring high-speed car pursuits and daring maneuvers.

Character Intuition and Instinct — Portraying characters with remarkable instincts and intuition that guide them in critical situations.

Chase Scenes — Writing intense and dynamic sequences where characters are pursued or are pursuing others.

Clever Use of Surroundings — Having characters utilize the environment creatively to gain advantages, like fire escapes or vines.

Cliffhangers — Ending chapters or sections on suspenseful notes to keep readers engaged and eager to continue reading.

Death-Defying Stunts — Describing daring and dangerous feats that push characters to their limits.

Desperate Last Stands — Crafting moments where characters must make a final stand against overwhelming odds.

Double-Crosses and Betrayals — Incorporating twists involving characters betraying one another to increase tension.

Dynamic Action Verbs — Using strong and vivid action verbs to energize action scenes.

Dynamic Set Pieces — Creating memorable and visually striking settings that leave a lasting impact on readers.

Economy of Language — Using concise and impactful language to describe action and keep the narrative tight.

Epic Battle Scenes — Writing large-scale battles with multiple combatants, showcasing the chaos and intensity of war.

Epic Quests — Detailing quests for legendary artifacts or quests to save the world from impending doom.

Escapes and Rescues — Writing tense scenes where characters must escape captivity or save others from dangerous situations.

Exploration and Uncharted Lands — Characters exploring unknown territories and encountering wonders or dangers.

Explosive and Exaggerated Destruction — Crafting high-octane scenes involving explosions, and dangerous weaponry or fighting that destroys everything around it.

Fast-Paced Narration — Employing quick and efficient prose to maintain a sense of urgency and momentum throughout the story.

Fear and Courage — Exploiting characters' fears and showcasing their bravery in the face of danger.

Flash Explosions of Action — Breaking up slower-paced moments with sudden bursts of intense action.

Foreshadowing — Dropping subtle hints about future events to build anticipation and intrigue.

Framed or Wrongfully Accused — A character falsely accused of a crime, seeking to clear their name.

Guardians of Ancient Artifacts — Characters tasked with protecting ancient relics or powerful artifacts.

Hand-to-Hand Combat — Describing intricate fight sequences with various fighting styles and techniques.

Heroic Sacrifices — Depicting characters making selfless acts to protect others or achieve their goals.

Hidden Identity — A character concealing their true identity, leading to tension and intrigue.

Hidden Traps and Snares — Placing characters in perilous situations with traps or hidden dangers.

High-Stakes Scenarios — Placing characters in situations with dire consequences, creating tension and emotional investment.

In Medias Res — Beginning the story in the midst of action, then revealing (if revealed at all) the events leading up to that point through flashbacks.

Infiltration and Heists — Writing stealthy and high-stakes infiltration missions or heists.

Intense Training Montages — Illustrating characters' rigorous training to enhance their skills and prepare for challenges. (This one is probably rare in fiction if used at all but I had to shout out to the film industry here because training montages are really my only memories of the 80's and 90's.)

Interwoven Plotlines — Crafting multiple intertwining storylines that converge at key action sequences.

Multi-Location Adventures — Taking characters on globe-trotting escapades to various exotic or dangerous locations.

Mythical Creatures and Monsters — Featuring encounters with legendary creatures and mythical beasts.

One-on-One Showdowns — Crafting intense confrontations between the protagonist and the main antagonist.

Parkour and Freerunning — Incorporating acrobatic movements and athleticism in action scenes.

Perilous Climbs — Describing challenging climbs, whether on mountains, buildings, or other structures, to heighten tension.

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Pulse-Pounding Openings — Starting the narrative with an action-packed or thrilling scene to hook readers from the outset.

Race Against Time — Imposing time limits or deadlines on characters to create urgency and drive the plot forward.

Raising the Stakes — Gradually increasing the challenges and dangers faced by the characters as the story progresses.

Redemption Arcs — Crafting storylines where flawed characters seek redemption through heroic actions.

Religious Quests — Characters on quests to find or protect sacred relics or fulfill religious prophecies.

Resourcefulness and MacGyvering — Demonstrating characters' ability to improvise and use their surroundings to their advantage.

Reversals and Surprises — Incorporating unexpected plot twists and surprises that challenge the characters' expectations.

Seemingly Unsolvable Puzzles — Incorporating challenging puzzles that characters must solve to progress in their adventures.

Ticking Time Bombs — Using literal or figurative ticking time bombs to create constant pressure for the characters.

Unconventional Weapons — Featuring unique and unexpected weapons or tools used by characters. Related to "MacGyvering."

Underwater Action — Describing intense underwater sequences, such as deep-sea exploration or submarine battles.

Unpredictable Obstacles — Introducing unexpected challenges and hurdles for the characters to overcome.

Unrelenting Antagonists — Portraying formidable villains who relentlessly pursue the protagonists.

Use of Gadgets and Technology — Incorporating innovative gadgets or technology to aid characters during action scenes.

Weapons Expertise — Character displaying a talent for and deep understanding of different weapons and their usage.

Wit and Banter — Integrating humorous and snappy dialogue during action scenes to add personality to characters.

Research Terms for Action & Adventure Writing

Like every writer, action & adventure writer’s must do their due diligence before setting out into the publishing world. Fiction requires a lot of research and with this genre, that research is probably going to center around weaponry, combat techniques, survival techniques, and like.

I can’t give you all the answers in a post like this (and hell, I’m not gonna do your research for you) but this section is the place to start and discover where you might need to dig deeper.

Just remember to never skimp on the research. This is one of the most common mistakes action adventure writers make.

Related Post >>> Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Action Adventure Fiction

Action & Adventure Writing Research Glossary

Sword & Dagger Terminology

Blade — The sharp-edged portion of the sword or dagger used for cutting and thrusting.

Hilt — The handle of the sword or dagger, usually including the grip and guard.

Guard/Cross guard — The cross-shaped or circular part of the hilt that protects the hand.

Pommel — The knob at the end of the hilt, often used for balance and grip.

Edge — The cutting side of the blade.

Point — The tip of the blade used for thrusting attacks.

Tang — The part of the blade that extends into the hilt.

Fuller — A groove or channel running down the blade, reducing weight and maintaining strength.

Ricasso — The unsharpened portion of the blade just above the guard.

Quillon — The arms of the guard extending at right angles to the blade.

Scabbard — A sheath or case that holds the sword or dagger.

Parrying — The act of deflecting or blocking an opponent's attack with the blade or guard.

Thrust — An attack made by driving the point of the blade forward.

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Cut — An attack made by slashing the blade.

Draw — The act of removing the blade from the scabbard.

Sheathe — To put the blade back into the scabbard.

En garde — The stance taken by a fencer, ready to engage in combat.

Riposte — A quick counter-attack made immediately after parrying the opponent's attack.

Lunge — A forward movement with an extended arm to reach the opponent.

Foil — A type of sword used in fencing practice.

Épée — A heavier type of fencing sword, with the entire body being a valid target.

Sabre — A curved sword used in fencing, emphasizing cutting attacks.

Dagger — A short-bladed weapon used for close combat and often as a secondary weapon.

Doublet — A defensive move involving two quick parries in succession.

Feint — A deceptive or false attack to trick the opponent.

Master-at-arms — An expert in swordsmanship who instructs others in combat techniques.

"On guard" — A warning given by the referee to prepare for the bout to begin.

Pierce — To penetrate the opponent's defense with a thrust.

Salute — A gesture of respect made before or after a duel or fencing match.

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Firearms Terminology

Action — The mechanism that loads, fires, and ejects cartridges from the firearm.

Automatic — A firearm that continuously fires as long as the trigger is held down.

Barrel — The long, metal tube through which the bullet travels.

Bolt Action — A manually operated firearm where the bolt must be cycled between shots.

Breech — The back end of the barrel where the cartridge is loaded.

Bullet — The projectile fired from the firearm.

Caliber — The diameter of the bullet or the internal diameter of the barrel.

Cartridge — A complete round of ammunition, consisting of a bullet, casing, primer, and propellant.

Casing — The metal container that holds the primer, propellant, and bullet.

Chamber — The part of the firearm where the cartridge is loaded before firing.

Clip — A device used to quickly load cartridges into a magazine.

Double Action — Cocking the hammer and firing the gun can be done with a single trigger pull.

Firing Pin — A small, spring-loaded pin that strikes the primer to ignite the propellant.

Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) — A type of bullet with a soft lead core covered by a harder metal shell.

Hammer — The part that strikes the firing pin, initiating the firing sequence.

Hollow Point — A bullet designed to expand upon impact, causing more damage.

Magazine — A storage compartment for cartridges that feeds them into the firearm's chamber.

Muzzle — The front end of the barrel from which the bullet is expelled.

Primer — A small, sensitive explosive that ignites the propellant when struck.

Propellant/Powder — The chemical used to propel the bullet out of the barrel.

Recoil — The backward force experienced when the firearm is fired.

Safety — A mechanism that prevents accidental firing of the firearm.

Scope — An optical device attached to the firearm to enhance accuracy and magnify the target.

Semiautomatic — A firearm that automatically loads a new cartridge from the magazine after each shot.

Sights — The devices used for aiming the firearm, typically including the front and rear sights.

Single Action — Requires the hammer to be cocked manually before the trigger is pulled.

Suppressor/Silencer — A device attached to the muzzle of a firearm to reduce the noise of firing.

Trigger — The lever that releases the firing pin to ignite the primer.

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Survival Skills

Animal Behavior — Understanding animal behavior for hunting, avoiding encounters, and identifying potential dangers.

Campsite Selection — Choosing appropriate locations for setting up camp, considering safety and resources.

Edible Insects and Invertebrates — Identifying and consuming insects and other invertebrates as a food source.

Emergency Shelter — Techniques for quickly building emergency shelters in dire situations.

Emergency Signaling Devices — Tools like whistles, mirrors, or flares to signal for help in emergencies.

Fire Starting — Techniques for igniting fires using various methods, such as friction, sparks, or chemical reactions.

Firearm Handling — Skills related to safe and effective use of firearms for hunting and self-defense.

First Aid — Basic medical skills to treat injuries and illnesses in survival situations.

Foraging — Identifying and gathering wild edible plants, fruits, and nuts for sustenance.

Improvised Fishing — Creating fishing tools and techniques to catch fish for food.

Knot Tying — Knowing how to tie various knots for securing shelters, building traps, and other purposes.

Natural Cordage — Making ropes and cords from plant fibers for various survival needs.

Navigation — Using natural cues like the sun, stars, and landmarks to find direction or the use of modern technology for the same means.

Primitive Hunting — Techniques for hunting and trapping animals using primitive tools and methods.

Psychological Resilience — Mental strategies for maintaining composure and staying positive in challenging situations.

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Self-Defense — Techniques for protecting oneself from potential threats in the wild.

Shelter Building — The process of constructing temporary or improvised shelters for protection from the elements.

Signaling — Using signals, such as smoke, mirrors, or sounds, to attract attention or communicate with others.

Survival Kit — A compact and essential set of tools and supplies for survival situations.

Tool Crafting — Creating tools and implements from natural materials found in the environment.

Tracking — Identifying animal tracks and signs to hunt for food or avoid dangerous creatures.

Water Collection — Gathering rainwater or dew for drinking in areas with limited water sources.

Water Purification — Methods to make water safe for consumption by removing contaminants and pathogens.

Water Sourcing — Identifying and procuring water from natural sources like streams, rivers, and rainwater.

Weather Forecasting — Reading natural signs and patterns to predict changes in weather.

Wilderness Cooking — Preparing food using natural resources and primitive cooking methods.

Wilderness Hygiene — Maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in a wilderness environment.

Wilderness Medicine — Medical knowledge specific to treating injuries and illnesses in remote areas.

Wilderness Rescues — Procedures for conducting wilderness rescues or assisting others in need.

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Combat Moves

Punch — A straight strike delivered with the fist.

Jab — A quick, straight punch aimed at the opponent's face.

Cross — A powerful punch thrown from the rear hand, crossing the body to strike the opponent.

Hook — A circular punch thrown horizontally to the side of the opponent's head or body.

Uppercut — An upward punch aimed at the opponent's chin or body from a crouched position.

Slap — A strike delivered with an open hand.

Palm Strike — Striking with the palm of the hand, often directed at the opponent's face.

Elbow Strike — Using the elbow to deliver a powerful blow to the opponent.

Knee Strike — Striking with the knee, usually directed at the opponent's midsection.

Headbutt — A forceful strike using the forehead, targeting the opponent's head, usually the nasal area.

Front Kick — A kick delivered with the front foot, aimed at the opponent's chest or abdomen.

Roundhouse Kick — A powerful circular kick aimed at the opponent's head or body.

Side Kick — A kick delivered sideways, targeting the opponent's midsection.

Back Kick — A kick delivered backward, usually aimed at the opponent behind you.

Hook Kick — A kick delivered in a circular, hooking motion, targeting the opponent's head or body.

Axe Kick — A downward kick, targeting the opponent's head or collarbone.

Crescent Kick — A sweeping kick following a crescent-shaped trajectory.

Spin Kick — A spinning kick, typically aimed at the opponent's head or body.

Sweep — A low kick aimed at the opponent's legs to knock them off balance.

Takedown — A move to bring the opponent to the ground, gaining a dominant position.

Throw — Using leverage and force to throw the opponent to the ground.

Chokehold — Applying pressure to the opponent's neck to restrict airflow and render them unconscious.

Joint Lock — Manipulating and locking a joint to control or immobilize the opponent.

Ground and Pound — A technique where a grounded fighter strikes their opponent on the ground.

Clinch — Close-range grappling to control the opponent and set up strikes or takedowns.

Sweeping Block — Blocking and redirecting the opponent's attack to create an opening for a counter.

Parry — Deflecting the opponent's attack away using a controlled motion.

Evade/Dodge — Moving out of the way of an opponent's attack to avoid getting hit.

Feint — A deceptive move to mislead the opponent before executing an actual attack.

Counter — Responding to the opponent's attack with an immediate and calculated move.

Clinch Break — Techniques to break free from a clinch or close-range grappling situation.

Ground Escape — Methods for escaping from a disadvantageous position on the ground.

Sprawl — A defensive technique used to counter takedowns and maintain balance.

Shoot — Initiating a takedown attempt by driving forward to grasp the opponent's legs.

Tiger Claw — A hand strike resembling a claw, often directed at the opponent's face or eyes.

Kip Up — A dynamic move to quickly get back on one's feet from a supine position.

Rolling Breakfall — A technique used to minimize the impact when falling or being thrown.

Back Roll — A backward rolling movement to evade attacks or reposition oneself.

Scissor Sweep — A sweep technique using the legs to unbalance the opponent, taking them to the ground.

Back Mount — Attaining a dominant position on an opponent's back for grappling control.

Ground and Pound Defense — Techniques to defend against strikes while on the ground.

Switch Kick — A sudden change of kicking leg in the middle of an attack to surprise the opponent.

Superman Punch — A flying punch delivered while leaping forward to generate power.

Sprawl and Brawl — A fighting strategy that emphasizes avoiding takedowns and keeping the fight standing.

Wrist Lock — A joint lock applied to the opponent's wrist to control or submit them.

Pendulum Sweep — A sweeping technique used to unbalance an opponent from a seated guard position.

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Types of Fighting Styles

Boxing — A sport that involves using punches to defeat an opponent, typically while wearing gloves, though that will probably not be the case in your story.

Muay Thai — A striking martial art from Thailand known for its powerful kicks, knees, elbows, and clinch techniques.

Karate — A Japanese martial art that focuses on striking techniques using punches, kicks, and knee strikes.

Taekwondo — A Korean martial art emphasizing high and fast kicks, as well as hand strikes.

Judo — A Japanese martial art that focuses on throws and takedowns to subdue opponents.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) — A ground-fighting martial art that emphasizes grappling and submissions.

Wrestling — A combat sport involving takedowns, pins, and grappling techniques.

Catch Wrestling — A grappling style originating in Europe and popular in the United States, emphasizing submissions and joint locks.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) — A combination of various fighting styles, allowing for both striking and grappling techniques.

Krav Maga — A self-defense system developed for the Israeli military, combining strikes, throws, and defensive tactics.

Kung Fu — A traditional Chinese martial art that encompasses a wide range of fighting techniques and styles.

Capoeira — A Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music with kicks and strikes.

Aikido — A Japanese martial art that focuses on redirecting an opponent's energy to subdue them.

Kendo — A Japanese martial art that uses bamboo swords (shinai) for practice and competition.

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Fencing — A sport that involves swordplay with various types of swords, such as the foil, epee, and sabre.

Kickboxing — A combat sport that combines elements of boxing with kicking techniques.

Kali/Eskrima/Arnis — Filipino martial arts that emphasize weapon-based fighting, often using sticks and knives.

Hapkido — A Korean martial art that incorporates strikes, joint locks, and throws.

Sambo — A Russian martial art that combines elements of judo, wrestling, and submission grappling.

Systema — A Russian martial art focused on breath control, relaxation, and practical self-defense techniques.

Silat — A Southeast Asian martial art known for its fluid and fast movements.

Vale Tudo — A Brazilian style of mixed martial arts, also known as "anything goes."

Savate — A French martial art that combines boxing with kicking techniques.

Shotokan — A style of karate characterized by powerful strikes and deep stances.

Wing Chun — A Chinese martial art known for its close-range striking and trapping techniques.

Kyokushin — A full-contact style of karate that emphasizes tough training and powerful techniques.

Jeet Kune Do — A martial art philosophy developed by Bruce Lee, emphasizing simplicity and directness in combat.

Vovinam — A Vietnamese martial art that combines striking, grappling, and self-defense techniques.

Themes and Motifs in Action & Adventure Writing

There are various themes and motifs that pop up again and again in action and adventure fiction.

In this section, we dive into the core elements that breathe life-into any story: Themes and Motifs. This list includes the most common and popular themes and motifs in the genre with both writers and readers.

Take this list as either inspiration, or a list of things that have been played out, it's up to you.

Related Post >>> How to Add Depth to Your Action Adventure Story with Themes and Motifs

Themes and Motifs in Action & Adventure Glossary

Hero's Journey — The protagonist embarks on a transformative quest, facing challenges and growth along the way.

Good vs. Evil — The classic battle between the forces of good and those of evil, often with high stakes and dramatic confrontations.

Redemption — Characters seeking redemption for their past actions and striving to become better individuals.

Survival and Perseverance — Characters facing extreme conditions or dangerous situations, displaying resilience and determination to survive.

Revenge — A character seeking vengeance for a perceived wrong or injustice done to them or their loved ones.

Fight for Freedom — Characters fighting against oppressive regimes or tyrannical rulers to attain freedom and justice.

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Underdog Story — A less powerful or skilled character rising against all odds to achieve victory.

Friendship and Camaraderie — Deep bonds between characters, relying on teamwork and loyalty to overcome challenges.

Coming of Age — Young characters maturing and finding their place in the world through adventurous experiences.

Conspiracy — Characters uncovering a secret plot or conspiracy that has significant ramifications.

Technology and Innovation — Exploiting advanced technology or innovative devices to gain an advantage.

Environmental Themes — Addressing the impact of human actions on the environment and the need for preservation.

The Price of Power — Exploring the consequences of seeking or wielding great power.

Family Ties — The importance of family bonds and relationships in the midst of perilous adventures.

Temptation and Redemption — Characters facing moral dilemmas and the choice between the path of darkness or redemption.

Uncharted Frontiers — Exploring new frontiers, whether it's unexplored territories or uncharted planets.

Rite of Passage — Characters going through a challenging and transformative rite of passage to prove their worth.

Power Struggles — Conflicts arising from struggles for power and dominance between individuals or factions.

Cultural Clashes — Interactions and conflicts arising from clashes between different cultures and civilizations.

Legacy and Heritage — Characters carrying on the legacy of their ancestors or lineage, with ancient knowledge or skills.

Facing Fear — Overcoming personal fears or phobias in the midst of danger and adversity.

Lost in Time — Characters transported to different time periods, navigating unfamiliar historical settings.

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Noble Sacrifice — Characters making a heroic sacrifice for the greater good.

Chaos and Order — The struggle to restore or maintain order in a chaotic world, or find freedom within strictly ordered one.

Endurance and Willpower — Characters relying on inner strength to endure extreme challenges.

Cursed or Haunted — Characters dealing with curses or haunted pasts, seeking to break the curse or find redemption.

Legacy of Heroes — Following in the footsteps of legendary heroes of the past.

Criminal Underworld — Exploring the seedy criminal underworld with its own rules and hierarchy.

Conquering Fear of the Unknown — Characters venturing into the unknown, facing the fear of the unfamiliar.

Types of Characters in Action & Adventure Writing

Besides common themes, there are certain character archetypes the genre is known for that come up time and time again.

From the heroes who set off on daring quests to their trusty sidekicks, wise yet jaded veterans, dangerously sexy women, and more, these characters manage to hook in readers no matter how many times they pop up.

It will be a good move on your part to consider why that is.

Related Post >>> How to Write Large Casts of Complex Characters in Adventure Fiction: Full Guide and 7 Step Process

Action & Adventure Character Types Glossary

The Sidekick — A loyal companion or assistant to the protagonist, providing support, camaraderie, and often humor.

The Mentor — A wise and experienced figure who guides and trains the protagonist on their journey.

The Femme Fatale — A seductive and mysterious character who often manipulates others for her own goals.

The Mercenary — A character motivated by money or personal gain, willing to take risks for profit.

The Brute — A physically imposing and aggressive character, often used for muscle or intimidation.

The Rogue — A cunning and unpredictable character known for their craftiness and wit.

The Spy — A skilled covert operative, proficient in espionage and undercover missions.

The Explorer — A character driven by curiosity and a desire for discovery, exploring uncharted territories.

The Reluctant Hero — Initially hesitant to embark on an adventure, but eventually rises to the challenge.

The Outlaw — A character who operates outside the law or societal norms, often with a code of honor.

The Inventor/Tinkerer — A character skilled in creating and using gadgets and technology to aid in their adventures.

The Archaeologist — An expert in ancient civilizations and artifacts, seeking lost treasures and knowledge.

The Survivalist — A character with exceptional survival skills, adapting to extreme environments and challenges.

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The Avenger — Motivated by a desire for revenge against those who wronged them or their loved ones.

The Mystic/Sorcerer — A character with mystical or magical abilities, adding an element of fantasy to the story.

The Aristocrat — A character from a noble or privileged background, often navigating a different world during their adventure.

The Hacker — A skilled computer expert who uses their technical prowess to aid in their endeavors.

The Tough Chick — A woman whose brash personality acts as armor to protect her from punches to the face.

The Outcast — A character who doesn't fit into society, finding purpose and belonging through their adventure.

The Rebel — A character challenging authority or oppressive regimes, fighting for freedom and justice.

The Soldier/Warrior — A highly trained combatant, skilled in martial arts and weaponry.

The Navigator — An expert in navigation and direction, guiding the group through challenging terrains.

The Leader — A charismatic character who takes charge and inspires others during the adventure.

The Healer/Medic — A character with medical skills, providing aid and healing to others in times of need.

The Orphan — A character with a mysterious or tragic past, seeking answers to their identity.

The Master Thief — An expert in stealth and theft, often pulled into adventurous heists or capers.

The Explorer — A character driven by curiosity and a desire for discovery, exploring uncharted territories.

The Brawler — A character who excels in hand-to-hand combat, using their physical strength and skills.

The Veteran — A seasoned and experienced character with a history of past adventures and battles.

Action & Adventure Tropes

Now, I have a different view of tropes than most people do. I don’t write them off as something negative immediately, and I actually think they can be useful in many cases, built upon, or reimagined in creative ways.

However, these are also things that have been done to death, and writers can easily find themselves in trouble if they are not careful.

So in this list, I will review some of the most common offenders, but keep in mind that just because something has been done before does not mean it is bad or you can’t incorporate it into your story.

Tropes come up a lot when people ask me questions about writing any genre. I think because people are so worried about not being creative enough. Learn more and worry less. As long as you know what has been done, you are less likely to make something derivative, in my opinion.

Related Post >>> The Most Asked Questions About Writing Action & Adventure Fiction Answered

Action & Adventure Tropes Glossary

Damsel in Distress — A female character in need of rescue or protection, often serving as a plot device to motivate the protagonist.

MacGuffin — An object or goal that drives the plot and motivates characters, often sought after by both heroes and villains.

Last-Minute Escape — Characters narrowly escaping danger or imminent threats just in the nick of time.

Chase Sequence — High-speed pursuit scenes involving vehicles, on foot, or other means of transportation.

Unlikely Alliance — Characters with conflicting interests or backgrounds forced to work together for a common goal.

One-Man Army — A single character taking on numerous opponents and overpowering them.

Undercover Mission — Characters infiltrating enemy territory or disguising themselves to gather crucial information.

Epic Showdown — A climactic battle between the protagonist and antagonist, often with significant consequences.

Hidden Traps — Characters encountering and overcoming traps and obstacles while on their adventure.

Wise Old Guide — A knowledgeable and mystical figure providing guidance and wisdom to the protagonist.

Escape from Captivity — Characters breaking free from imprisonment or capture.

Stealthy Infiltration — Characters sneaking past guards and security to reach their objective.

Brawl in a Bar — A classic trope where a fight breaks out in a rowdy bar setting.

Running on Rooftops — Characters engaging in fast-paced parkour-style movement across rooftops.

Crossing the Abyss — Characters must get across a large chasm on a rickety bridge, risking a long contemplative fall to their death.

Hidden Passageways — Characters discovering secret passages or entrances to reveal new routes or hideouts.

Heroic Sacrifice — A character willingly sacrificing themselves for the greater good or to save others.

Final Monologue — An antagonist giving a dramatic speech before the final confrontation.

The Big Score — Characters planning and executing a heist or caper for a valuable reward.

Action & Adventure Dialogue

Now you know what action and adventure is and isn’t, now for some tips on writing it. These are general techniques and best-practice strategies for writing dialogue in the action adventure genre.

This genre requires fast-paced and punchy dialogue to keep up the momentum. Perhaps more so than any other genre of fiction. This list will help you create the perfect voice and rhythm for the dialogue in your story.

Action & Adventure Dialogue Techniques Glossary

Concise and Impactful — Keep the dialogue concise, especially during action scenes. Use short sentences and impactful words to convey urgency and intensity.

Reveal Character Traits — Use dialogue to reveal character traits and personalities. Show how characters react under pressure or in dangerous situations.

Use Subtext — Include subtext in the dialogue to add depth and hidden meaning to the conversations between characters.

Inject Humor — Incorporate humor and wit, even during action sequences, to provide moments of relief and add dimension to the characters.

Avoid Exposition — Minimize direct exposition in dialogue. Instead, reveal information through actions and interactions.

Show Emotions — Use dialogue to show emotions and feelings rather than telling them explicitly.

Action and Reaction — Have characters react to the action and events happening around them, showing their responses in the dialogue.

Authenticity — Create authentic dialogue that fits the characters' backgrounds and personalities, whether they are soldiers, spies, explorers, or thieves.

Avoid Clichés — Steer clear of clichéd action movie one-liners. Instead, focus on unique and organic dialogue that suits the situation.

Use Body Language — Accompany dialogue with body language and gestures to enhance the scene's impact.

Keep it Realistic — While some level of dramatization is expected in action scenes, ensure the dialogue remains believable and grounded in reality.

Purposeful Dialogue — Every line of dialogue should serve a purpose, whether it advances the plot, reveals character, or builds tension.

Create Tension — Use dialogue to create tension and suspense in dangerous situations or confrontations.

Give Characters Distinct Voices — Each character should have a unique way of speaking, reflecting their background, personality, and motivations.

Avoid On-the-Nose Dialogue — Steer clear of direct and explicit statements that spell out character emotions or intentions. Instead, use more subtle and nuanced language.

Capture the Rhythm — Consider the rhythm of the dialogue to match the pace of the action, creating a dynamic and engaging flow.

Internal Monologues — Incorporate internal monologues during action scenes to showcase the characters' thoughts and decision-making process. Keep it brief.

Natural Interruptions — Add interruptions or overlapping dialogue to emulate real-life conversations, especially during tense moments.

Leave Room for Imagination — Allow readers to fill in the gaps and imagine the action based on the dialogue and scene descriptions.

Action & Adventure Story Structure

Like dialogue, action adventure story structure is fast-paced and needs to provide the required momentum for the genre.

This list will hopefully give you some ideas on where to start or what to include in your own story. Plus make you familiar with some of the terminology you might encounter in researching action and adventure plot mechanics.

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

Action & Adventure Story Structure Terms and Techniques Glossary

Approach to the Inmost Cave — The build-up to the most significant challenge or confrontation of the story.

Call to Adventure — The moment when the protagonist receives the initial invitation or challenge to embark on their quest.

Cliffhanger — Ending a chapter or section on a suspenseful note to keep the reader engaged and eager for the next part.

Climactic Showdown — The final and most intense confrontation between the protagonist and the antagonist.

Crossing the Threshold — The moment when the protagonist commits to the adventure and leaves their ordinary world behind.

Decisive Moment — The critical turning point where the protagonist makes a significant choice that impacts the outcome of the story.

Epic Battle — A grand and intense battle or confrontation between opposing forces.

Final Chase — A high-stakes chase scene sometimes leading to the story's climax or resolution (also like a Race to the Finish).

Flashback — Inserting scenes or events from the past to provide context or insight into the current situation.

Foreshadowing — Hints or clues about future events that create anticipation and suspense.

Inciting Incident — The event that sets the story in motion, propelling the protagonist into their adventure.

MacGuffin Chase — The pursuit of a central object or goal that drives the plot and motivates the characters.

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Meeting the Mentor — The protagonist encounters a wise figure who provides guidance, training, or advice.

Ordeal — The protagonist's central and most challenging trial or conflict they must overcome.

Plot Twist — Unexpected turns or revelations in the story that add complexity and intrigue.

Race Against Time — A sense of urgency created by a deadline or impending disaster that the protagonist must avert.

Refusal of the Call — The protagonist's initial hesitation or reluctance to accept the adventure.

Resurrection — The final, climactic battle or confrontation where the protagonist faces the main threat or adversary.

Return with the Elixir — The protagonist returns to the ordinary world, bringing back the lessons or rewards from their adventure.

Reversal of Fortune — A significant change in the protagonist's situation, often turning success into failure or vice versa.

Reward — The fruits of the protagonist's efforts or growth attained after facing the ordeal.

Tests, Allies, and Enemies — The protagonist faces challenges, finds allies, and encounters adversaries during their journey.

The Road Back — The return journey from the adventure's climax to the ordinary world.

Final Words

And there you have it—the great big, fat glossary of everything action & adventure fiction.

We’ve covered subgenres, fighting and combat, dialogue, structure, and more. But hold on, this wasn’t just a bucket full of terms and definitions.

Now, you—yes, you—go and use this list to narrow down on what you still need to know, research, and explore deeper in the genre.

Rev up that imagination, and get going. This is just the beginning, you need to decide where the real work needs to start for your story.

From crafting epic battles to designing high-speed chase scenes, you should now be armed with at least an idea of where to head to next.

Just always keep in the back of your mind that the essence of action adventure is not just about the action, but really the human spirit rising to face challenges, showcasing bravery, and perseverance.

Time to get writing.

If you are ready to dive deeper, continue on to one of these action & adventure topics below.