Analyzing Supernatural Battles in Paranormal Fiction
- Jennifer Rothstein
- Nov 20
- 6 min read
When I decided to write a story about a woman searching for her husband who has been missing for 40 years, I never imagined how deep I would end up diving into paranormal fiction. I set the story in my hometown of Boston, MA. I was immediately excited to place these characters, these supernatural siblings in epic clashes between forces that are beyond our human understanding. There’s something undeniably thrilling about watching Heaven and Hell duke it out in a cosmic arena. What makes these supernatural battles so compelling? And how do authors craft these scenes to keep us on the edge of our seats? Let’s unpack the art of analyzing supernatural battles fiction, exploring what works, what doesn’t, and why these conflicts resonate so deeply.
The Anatomy of a Supernatural Battle
Supernatural battles aren’t just about flashy powers and explosions. They’re a blend of mythology, character stakes, and thematic depth. When I think about the best battles I’ve read, they usually have a few key ingredients:
Clear stakes: What’s at risk? Is it the fate of the world, a soul, or something more personal? When my main character, Genevieve O'Mara, crushed in grief encounters and kills something she shouldn't, it sets off an entire host of problems for her and her family.
Unique powers: Each combatant should have distinct abilities that reflect their nature and backstory. As an author, this is the fun one, you can literally make up whatever you want here. My characters can teleport and heal each other. The nine siblings can use telepathy to communicate. There is no limit to what you can have your characters do and grow into.
Emotional weight: The fight should matter emotionally, not just visually. This is a tough one for writers but the more you emotionally connect the reader to your characters, the more invested they will be in the outcome. In the Exorcist, caring that the young girl be freed from the clutches of evil keeps us invested. Getting goosebumps when the demon inside her says the name of a priest she has never met, keeps us engrossed.
Strategic depth: Battles that feel like a chess match, not just a brawl, keep me hooked. Your characters cannot win every battle, otherwise there is nothing interesting to keep reading about. Put your characters in precarious situations and then write about what goes horribly wrong, it cannot always be smooth sailing.
In my series about Heaven & Hell, it’s not just about good versus evil; it’s about the clash of beliefs, the gray areas in between and the personal struggles of the fighters caught in the middle. I made my main characters siblings, it added a dimension to every encounter, increased the stakes. My characters are not just fighting for their brethren, they're fighting for each other.
Why I Keep Analyzing Supernatural Battles
I’m a big fan of stories like Supernatural, Constantine and The Punisher. There’s a certain escape in watching characters wield powers that defy reality. There is also a theme of justice, in these shows. Not always, but most of the time good wins out. This is the hope we hold onto as fans. Bad things happen to good people. In the end we want to believe that the bad guy gets what's coming to him/her.
As a writer I find myself asking when & why these battles work. Is it the pacing? The character development? The world-building? I suspect it’s a mix of all these elements. In my Heaven Sent series, the battles aren’t just about epic clashes. They’re about the eternal struggle between Heaven and Hell, but even more so about the siblings personal journeys. This layering adds depth and keeps me invested in writing about them. It’s a reminder that even in the most fantastical settings, we want a good story on a rollercoaster of a ride, with a great ending.
If you’re a writer looking to deepen your appreciation, try breaking down battles into these components. Ask yourself:
What motivates each side?
How do the powers reflect their nature?
What’s the emotional core of the fight?
What does it mean if the good guys win or lose here?
Crafting Memorable Supernatural Battles
Writing a supernatural battle that sticks with readers is no easy feat. I’ve tried my hand at it, and let me tell you, it’s a balancing act. Here are some tips I’ve picked up along the way:
Establish clear rules: Even supernatural powers need limits. Without rules, battles can feel chaotic or unfair. Have you ever watched a show/movie where the good guy lost every battle until the end? There is almost a frustration I experience when this happens. I think it's more interesting to have your main characters experience some wins and loses along the way. It allows for growth and gives the viewer a bit of hope to hold onto.
Build tension gradually: Don’t throw all the action at once. Let the stakes rise naturally. This is one of my weaknesses. I have to force myself to slow the action down. Doing so allows the characters to take a beat, reset, and learn from what just happened. The reader needs this too. If you want the rollercoaster effect, you cannot always drive a hundred miles an hour downhill. Eventually, the ride needs to bottom out and begin the slow ascent to the top once more.
Use the environment: A battle in a haunted cathedral feels different from one in a backlit alley. Setting can add flavor and challenge. Think of the setting as the unwritten words in your scene. If you need to have your character fight a demon, should it be out on a city street in broad daylight? It can be, but make sure that does not violate the rules of the world you setup.
Show consequences: Every punch, new power, or blast should have an impact on the characters and the world. If your character can suddenly see through walls, make sure it has meaning and not just a means to get through the scene.
Keep it character-driven: The fight should reveal something about the characters, not just their abilities. I am all for battling demons, but every encounter should leave a mark, both physically and figuratively.
One of my favorite examples is a battle where two of my main characters fight vampires in the house they have called home for the past several decades. The setting isn’t just a backdrop; it’s part of the story. The crumbling building mirrors the fragile alliance between Heaven & Hell and the stakes of their conflict.
The Role of Symbolism and Themes
Supernatural battles often carry heavy symbolism. They’re not just physical fights but represent larger themes like redemption, sacrifice, or the nature of good and evil. When I read these scenes, I try to peel back the layers to see what the author might be saying beneath the surface. As an author, make sure there is something for the reader to find under all the bloodshed.
A battle between light and darkness can symbolize the internal struggle between hope and despair. Sometimes, the outcome isn’t as important as the message it conveys. Every writer has a message, what are you trying to say? Consider how the battle fits into the story’s themes. Does it challenge the characters’ beliefs? Does it force them to grow? These questions can transform a simple fight into a meaningful moment.
Why These Battles Matter to Me
I can get lost in the spectacle and forget to think critically. But when I step back, I realize these battles are more than just entertainment. They’re a way to explore complex ideas that are accessible and exciting.
In my Heaven Sent series, for example, I want people to rethink the classic Heaven vs. Hell narrative. Life is not so black and white; it’s messy, complicated, with many shades of gray. To me that is the essence of the human condition, it's imperfect.
Next time you find yourself glued to a paranormal battle scene, take a moment to analyze what’s really going on. You might just discover a whole new layer of appreciation for the genre. And if you’re a writer, I hope these insights help you craft battles that are as meaningful as they are thrilling. It's what I continue to stive for in each and every book.
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