How to Write Believable Underdogs

Summary

This video script delves into the iconic David vs. Goliath trope, exploring how underdog fights are made believable and satisfying. It breaks down five strategic elements—Synergy, Surroundings, Sneak Attack, Sacrifice, and Weak Spot—that make such victories compelling. Using examples from films and shows like *The Incredibles*, *Real Steel*, and *Jujutsu Kaisen*, the script highlights how careful planning and execution can turn the tide in a seemingly impossible fight. The analysis offers valuable insights for writers on crafting memorable underdog victories without relying on lazy plot armor.

Takeaways

• 😀 The underdog trope is a powerful storytelling device, but it must be executed with a clear strategy to avoid becoming implausible or unsatisfying.
• 😀 A successful David vs. Goliath fight requires a clear win condition, which must be evident to the audience by the end of the battle.
• 😀 The 'slingshot' metaphor represents strategy, and each underdog victory relies on using a particular strategic element.
• 😀 The five 'S's of strategy—Synergy, Surroundings, Sneak Attack, Sacrifice, and Weak Spot—are key to crafting believable underdog victories.
• 😀 Synergy involves teamwork, where each character's unique strengths are combined to form a powerful and coordinated effort.
• 😀 Surroundings can be used to turn the tide in a fight, either by exploiting a home court advantage or taking an opponent out of their comfort zone.
• 😀 A sneak attack is one of the simplest strategies, relying on concealing information or creating misdirection to gain the upper hand.
• 😀 Sacrifice is a high-stakes strategy where a character willingly gives something up to achieve victory, and it must be a calculated trade-off.
• 😀 Attacking a weak spot is a classic strategy, where discovering the opponent's vulnerability becomes the key to victory.
• 😀 The script emphasizes how character-driven strategy enhances action sequences, turning a simple fight into an unforgettable moment of triumph.

Q & A

What is the key requirement for writing a believable David vs. Goliath fight?

The key requirement is strategy. A successful David vs. Goliath fight hinges on the underdog's use of a clear, identifiable strategy that the audience can understand, even if the exact plan isn't revealed until the end of the fight.

What are the five S's of strategy in a David vs. Goliath fight?

The five S's of strategy are: Synergy, Surroundings, Sneak Attack, Sacrifice, and Weak Spot. Each of these strategies helps an underdog overcome seemingly impossible odds.

Why is 'Synergy' considered an important strategy in these types of fights?

Synergy is important because it involves teamwork where each member uses their unique strengths in concert. It's not just about coordinating attacks, but about utilizing individual traits to cover weaknesses, making it a powerful and earned victory.

How can 'Surroundings' be used as a strategy in a fight?

Using surroundings as a strategy involves leveraging the environment to the underdog's advantage. This can include familiarity with the terrain, using it to outmaneuver an opponent, or even forcing the opponent into an unfamiliar or disadvantageous situation.

What makes a 'Sneak Attack' an effective strategy in a David vs. Goliath fight?

A sneak attack works by taking the opponent off guard, often through concealment or misinformation. It exploits the moment when the stronger opponent's defenses are down, allowing the weaker side to strike unexpectedly.

Why is 'Sacrifice' a risky but potentially powerful strategy?

Sacrifice is a powerful strategy because it involves a calculated trade-off where the character willingly gives up something valuable in order to win. However, it carries high risk, and if something goes wrong, it may turn into a casualty rather than a strategy.

What role does targeting a 'Weak Spot' play in a David vs. Goliath fight?

Targeting a weak spot is central to the strategy because it identifies the vulnerable point that, when attacked, can lead to victory. The challenge is discovering the weak spot, which makes it feel like solving a puzzle, with the payoff being a satisfying win.

Can you provide an example of Synergy in action from the script?

An example of Synergy is seen in 'The Incredibles' during the fight with the omnibot. The family uses their unique powers together—Bob uses strength, Helen uses her elastic arms, and Frozone uses his ice powers to defeat the robot, showcasing teamwork and strategy.

How does the fight in 'Real Steel' demonstrate the use of strategy?

In 'Real Steel,' Adam, the underdog robot, uses Synergy with his operator Charlie. Together, they activate a sparring feature that combines offense and defense to match Zeus, the superior robot. This strategic move helps Adam close the power gap, leading to a close, crowd-pleasing fight.

What is the significance of Gon landing a punch in his fight with Hisoka in 'Hunter x Hunter'?

The significance of Gon landing a punch on Hisoka is that it represents his victory in earning respect, not in defeating Hisoka. Gon’s use of his surroundings and a sneak attack with the concrete floor highlights how the underdog can close the gap on a stronger opponent.