The Right Writing

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Why I hate chase scenes

Do you know where I see the most filler in books?  Chase scenes.  Filler is inherent in their design.

There are basically two possible ways that a chase scene could end.  The person being chased could either get away or get caught.  Technically, something relevant to characterization or plot could happen during the chase, but we all know it never does.  The results should be reached as quickly as possible.  Otherwise, the author is just adding in “action” that doesn’t help the reader.  Action can be achieved in so many other, more useful ways that it boggles the mind.

Between getting chased and getting caught or escaping, the character does a lot of running, dodging, and hijacking that gives absolutely nothing to the readers.  It’s pure filler that can go on for pages and pages. 

Also, if you want a really ham-fisted way of getting your character from point A to point B, a chase scene is wonderful.  Nothing makes it more painfully obvious that the author is out of ideas than having somebody arrive in a plot-relevant area by being chased there.

The follower of the day is negative-euphoria-rabbit.

Filed under writing spilled ink spilledink write writer writers reading action chase scene chase scenes

  1. csquared225 reblogged this from shannahmcgill
  2. notfatshepard reblogged this from reyairia and added:
    This is quite an interesting point. I think it highlights one of the differences between the written media and film - in...
  3. rabidwerewolfie said: I must respectfully disagree. While it’s true there are a lot of ways to do it badly, a good chase scene in a book can heighten tension and bring the downfall of at least one character quicker. I’ve never done it myself but I’ve seen it done well.
  4. keyboardsmashwriters reblogged this from shannahmcgill and added:
    There are already a few good comments elucidating upon a bad chase scene versus a good chase scene. A bad chase scene is...
  5. flummoxygen said: And in movies, they HAVE to go out of their way to bump into way too many innocent passers-by. If autos are involved, then look out fruit stands and outdoor cafes. If cars and foot chase, escaping person must slide over the hood.
  6. the-dark-lord-stan reblogged this from shannahmcgill
  7. betterbemeta reblogged this from shannahmcgill and added:
    Agreeing-yet-would-also-like-to-add-something. I can abide chase scenes, but like all scenes they have to be relevant to...
  8. ka-atis said: Bad chase scenes are repetitive, i.e. when they do not *progess* in some way. Good chase scenes contain stuff which essentially *changes* the situation, like getting hurt, entering difficult environment, vehicle damage, running out of ammo ..
  9. derinthemadscientist reblogged this from shannahmcgill and added:
    A really, really good chase scene can be found in Ben Elton’s Gridlock. It does have a lot of action, but it’s brilliant...
  10. moaningatmidnight said: In books maybe, but in film chase scenes can be awesome. Look at Bullit. Still, someone had to write that scene in the screenplay.
  11. slywit said: I might disagree. I used a chase scene that was full of character development, because the sense of being hunted and helplessness was critical to her next stage of growth.
  12. anniessociety said: How could someone make a chase scene better? Because I totally understand and I do not like my scenes to be just fillers…
  13. dudewheresmymuse reblogged this from shannahmcgill
  14. reyairia reblogged this from shannahmcgill
  15. shannahmcgill posted this