A WRITER'S GUIDE TO MURDER: STABBING
TRIGGER-WARNING: Vivid descriptions of death and dead bodies.
Stabbings are a common and dramatic element in literature, from the tension-filled pages of thrillers to the brutal battles of historical epics. They can serve as pivotal plot points, character-defining moments, or shocking twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. However, writing a stabbing scene requires a delicate balance of realism, emotional depth, and narrative purpose.
This guide aims to equip writers with the tools needed to create authentic and easy to read (at least, so that it all makes sense) stabbing scenes. I'll show you the physical and psychological aspects of a stabbing, which kinds of blades do what (because believe it or not, there is a science behind the madness), and visuals, because you need to be able to describe what the scene looks like, especially when writing for example a detective novel. Whether you're penning a crime novel, a fantasy saga, or a suspenseful short story, understanding the nuances can enhance your storytelling and create a more immersive experience for your readers.
The Physical Aspect of Stabbings: Anatomy, Lethality, and Survival
When writing a stabbing scene, understanding the physical impact on the human body is crucial. Different areas of the body have varying degrees of vulnerability, and the effects of a stabbing can range from minor injuries to instant lethality. Here, we'll break down the key zones of the body, the potential damage they can incur, and the consequences of leaving a knife inside the body.
Lethal Zones
Heart and Major Blood Vessels
Location: Center-left of the chest.
Impact: A stab to the heart or major blood vessels (such as the aorta or vena cava) is often fatal. The heart's critical function and the high pressure in major vessels cause rapid blood loss.
Time to Death: Death can occur within seconds to a few minutes, depending on the severity of the injury and the speed of blood loss.
Carotid Arteries and Jugular Veins
Location: Both sides of the neck.
Impact: These vessels carry blood to and from the brain. Severing them leads to massive blood loss and a quick drop in blood pressure.
Time to Death: Unconsciousness within seconds, death within a couple of minutes.
Liver
Location: Upper right quadrant of the abdomen.
Impact: The liver is highly vascular, meaning it has a rich blood supply. A deep stab here can cause significant internal bleeding.
Time to Death: Minutes to hours, depending on the size of the wound and the speed of medical intervention.
Kidneys
Location: Lower back, on either side of the spine.
Impact: Kidney injuries can cause significant internal bleeding and shock, though not as immediately fatal as heart or neck wounds.
Time to Death: Hours without medical treatment, but generally not immediately fatal.
Groin
Severing major blood vessels such as the femoral artery can lead to rapid blood loss and death within minutes.
Non-Lethal Zones
Extremities (Arms and Legs)
Impact: Stabs to the arms or legs can be painful and may damage muscles, tendons, or bones, but they are rarely fatal unless a major artery (like the femoral artery in the thigh) is severed.
Time to Death: Generally non-lethal, but can lead to significant blood loss if an artery is hit, causing potential death within hours without treatment.
Torso (Avoiding Major Organs)
Impact: Stabs to the torso that miss major organs and blood vessels can cause painful injuries but are often survivable.
Time to Death: Non-lethal unless complications like infection occur.
Buttocks and Thighs
Impact: These areas have large muscle masses and, while painful and potentially disabling, are not usually fatal unless a major artery is hit.
Time to Death: Generally non-lethal; significant blood loss if a major artery is severed.
The Effect of Leaving the Knife Inside the Body
Leaving the knife inside a stab wound can sometimes reduce immediate blood loss. The knife can act as a plug, limiting the bleeding from major blood vessels. However, this is a temporary measure and does not stop internal bleeding or prevent other damage caused by the knife.
Advantages: Temporarily controls external bleeding; might increase survival time until medical help arrives.
Disadvantages: Continued internal damage and potential for infection; risk of causing more damage if the knife is moved.
The Effects of Different Types of Blades in Stabbing Scenes
The type of blade used in a stabbing can significantly impact the severity and nature of the injuries sustained. Different blades have varying shapes, sizes, and weights, each causing distinct types of wounds and damage. Understanding these differences can help you create more vivid and realistic stabbing scenes in your writing. Here, we'll explore the effects of several common types of blades, including normal knives, machetes, and others.
Normal Knife
Description: Standard kitchen or utility knife with a blade length typically ranging from 3 to 6 inches.
Impact:
Penetration Depth: Moderate. Can reach vital organs if thrust deeply.
Wound Type: Puncture wounds with potential for deep internal damage. The entry wound is usually narrow, but internal bleeding can be severe.
Lethality: High if vital organs or major blood vessels are hit. Otherwise, survival chances are better with prompt medical attention.
Injury Example: A stab to the abdomen with a kitchen knife can puncture the intestines or liver, causing internal bleeding and risk of infection.
Machete
Description: Large, broad blade, typically 12 to 18 inches long, used for cutting through dense vegetation.
Impact:
Penetration Depth: Shallow to deep, depending on the force used.
Wound Type: Large, gaping wounds with severe tissue damage. Can sever limbs or cause extensive cuts.
Lethality: Very high, especially with slashing attacks that can sever arteries, muscles, and bones.
Injury Example: A machete slash to the arm can sever the brachial artery, leading to rapid blood loss and potential limb amputation.
Dagger
Description: Double-edged blade, typically 6 to 12 inches long, designed for thrusting.
Impact:
Penetration Depth: Deep, capable of piercing through armor or thick clothing.
Wound Type: Narrow, deep puncture wounds with high potential for internal organ damage.
Lethality: High due to deep penetration and dual edges, which increase the likelihood of hitting vital organs or blood vessels.
Injury Example: A dagger thrust to the chest can penetrate the heart or lungs, leading to rapid internal bleeding and potential suffocation.
Switchblade
Description: Small, folding knife with a blade that springs out when a button is pressed. Blade length typically 3 to 4 inches.
Impact:
Penetration Depth: Moderate. Effective for close-range self-defense.
Wound Type: Small to moderate puncture wounds. Less severe than larger blades but still capable of causing significant damage.
Lethality: Moderate, depending on the location of the stab. Effective for quick, multiple strikes.
Injury Example: A switchblade stab to the thigh might hit the femoral artery, leading to significant blood loss if not treated quickly.
Bowie Knife
Description: Large knife with a long, fixed blade, typically 6 to 12 inches, with a pronounced clip point.
Impact:
Penetration Depth: Deep. Designed for hunting and combat.
Wound Type: Deep, large wounds with extensive tissue damage. The clip point increases the likelihood of deep penetration.
Lethality: Very high due to the size and design of the blade, which can cause severe internal damage.
Injury Example: A Bowie knife stab to the back can reach the kidneys or spine, causing severe bleeding and potential paralysis.
Pocket Knife
Description: Small, foldable knife with a blade length of 2 to 4 inches.
Impact:
Penetration Depth: Shallow to moderate.
Wound Type: Small puncture wounds. Limited in reach but can still cause damage if aimed at vulnerable areas.
Lethality: Lower than larger knives, but still dangerous if a vital area is targeted.
Injury Example: A pocket knife stab to the neck can sever the jugular vein, leading to rapid blood loss.
Combat Knife
Description: Military-style knife with a fixed blade, typically 5 to 7 inches, designed for tactical use.
Impact:
Penetration Depth: Deep, effective for combat situations.
Wound Type: Deep puncture and slashing wounds. Designed to cause maximum damage.
Lethality: High, due to the blade's design and intended use in combat.
Injury Example: A combat knife thrust to the abdomen can penetrate the intestines and liver, causing severe internal bleeding and trauma.
Characters’ Reactions to Being Stabbed: Contextual Responses
The way characters react to being stabbed can vary significantly depending on the circumstances. Understanding these reactions can add depth and realism to your writing, whether the stabbing occurs in a surprise attack, during a fight, or accidentally. Here, we'll explore the physical, emotional, and psychological responses of characters in different stabbing scenarios.
Unexpected Attack
Physical Reactions:
Immediate Shock: The character might experience a sudden, sharp pain followed by numbness. Adrenaline may initially mask the severity of the injury.
Blood Loss: Rapid loss of blood can lead to dizziness, weakness, and pallor. The character might feel lightheaded or faint.
Inability to Move: Depending on the location of the stab, the character might be immobilized, struggling to stay conscious or even falling to the ground.
Emotional and Psychological Reactions:
Fear and Panic: An unexpected stabbing can cause intense fear and panic. The character might scream, cry, or hyperventilate.
Confusion and Disbelief: There could be a moment of disbelief and confusion, with the character struggling to comprehend what has just happened.
Desperation: The character might become desperate, trying to escape or fight back despite their injuries.
Example: A character walking home at night suddenly feels a sharp pain in their side. They gasp, clutch their wound, and stagger, eyes wide with fear as they try to understand what has just occurred.
During a Fight
Physical Reactions:
Heightened Adrenaline: In a fight, adrenaline levels are already high, which can dull the immediate pain and allow the character to continue fighting momentarily.
Pain and Blood Loss: As the adrenaline wears off, pain intensifies, and blood loss can become more apparent, leading to weakness and impaired movements.
Shock Response: Depending on the injury's severity, the character might go into shock, characterized by cold, clammy skin, rapid heartbeat, and shallow breathing.
Emotional and Psychological Reactions:
Rage and Determination: In the heat of a fight, the character might react with rage, becoming more aggressive and determined to defend themselves or defeat their opponent.
Focus and Calculation: A skilled fighter might quickly assess the injury and strategize how to minimize its impact, looking for ways to gain the upper hand despite their wound.
Fear of Mortality: There may be a moment of realization about the seriousness of the injury, leading to a surge of fear about their survival.
Example: In the middle of a fierce battle, a character feels a blade pierce their abdomen. They grit their teeth, fueled by anger, and counterattack with renewed ferocity, but soon feel their strength waning as blood soaks their clothes.
Accidental Stabbing
Physical Reactions:
Immediate Pain: The character will likely feel sudden, intense pain at the injury site, possibly accompanied by a reflexive withdrawal from the source of the injury.
Bleeding: Depending on the depth and location, there may be significant bleeding, leading to dizziness and weakness.
Involuntary Movements: The character might instinctively clutch the wound, apply pressure to stop the bleeding, or try to remove the object if it’s still embedded.
Emotional and Psychological Reactions:
Surprise and Shock: An accidental stabbing often results in shock and disbelief. The character may be momentarily frozen, struggling to process the accident.
Guilt and Regret: If the stabbing was self-inflicted or involved another person, there may be immediate feelings of guilt and regret.
Panic and Anxiety: Realizing the severity of the situation can lead to panic, with the character frantically seeking help or attempting first aid.
Example: While preparing dinner, a character accidentally slips with a knife and stabs their own hand. They cry out in pain, staring in disbelief at the blood, and quickly wrap a towel around the wound, tears of shock and regret streaming down their face.
The Visual Impact of Stabbings: Blood Splatter and Streaming
When writing a stabbing scene, describing the visual elements can create a powerful and immersive experience for your readers. Blood is a key component in these scenes, and its behavior—whether it splatters, streams, or pools—can significantly enhance the realism and intensity of the scene. Here, we’ll explore how blood behaves in different stabbing scenarios.
Blood Splatter
Description: Blood splatter occurs when the force of the stabbing causes blood to be expelled from the wound in small droplets or sprays. This is often seen in high-impact or high-pressure situations, such as during intense fights or when major blood vessels are severed.
Key Characteristics:
Size and Shape: Blood droplets can vary in size, from fine mist-like sprays to larger droplets. The shape can be round or elongated, depending on the force and angle of the stabbing.
Pattern: The splatter pattern depends on the movement and position of the victim and attacker. For example, a quick, forceful stab might create a wide arc of blood, while a slower, deeper stab might result in more concentrated splatters.
Color: Fresh blood is typically bright red and darkens as it dries.
Example: As the knife plunged into the victim's chest, a fine spray of bright red blood arced through the air, spattering the walls and floor in a gruesome pattern. Each heartbeat sent another jet of blood spurting from the wound, painting the scene in vivid, horrific detail.
Blood Streaming
Description: Blood streaming occurs when blood flows continuously from a wound, creating rivulets or streams. This is common in deep stab wounds that affect arteries or major veins, where the blood flow is more consistent and less interrupted.
Key Characteristics:
Flow Rate: The rate of blood flow can vary from a slow trickle to a rapid gush, depending on the severity and location of the wound.
Direction: Blood typically follows the path of least resistance, streaming down the body, pooling at the feet, or soaking into clothing.
Color and Consistency: Streaming blood is usually thicker and more viscous than splattered blood, maintaining a continuous flow.
Example: Blood began to stream from the gaping wound in the character's abdomen, soaking their shirt and pooling at their feet. The steady flow created dark rivulets down their side, each drop adding to the growing puddle on the ground.
Blood Pooling
Description: Blood pooling occurs when blood accumulates in one area, usually on a surface such as the ground or a flat part of the body. This often happens when the victim is stationary or has collapsed.
Key Characteristics:
Spread: The size of the pool depends on the amount of blood lost and the surface area it covers. Larger pools indicate significant blood loss.
Thickness: Pooled blood is typically thick and coagulates over time, forming a darker, crusted surface.
Location: Pools of blood often form under wounds that are not elevated, such as a stab to the lower body or when the victim is lying down.
Example: As the character collapsed to the floor, a dark pool of blood began to form beneath them. The crimson liquid spread outwards, creating a stark contrast against the cold, white tiles.
Jake Zuurbier, born in 2002, is a writer with a broad background. With a degree in both Business and Management, his work in writing is combined with a business in books & home decor, sports clothing & gear and multiple forms of other output like music or meditations. He has worked jobs in retail and horeca, ranging from working kitchen in a hotel-restaurant to a floor manager position in a clothing store.
In his free time, he is just as occupied. Photography, weight lifting, kickboxing, cooking and reading are amongst his hobbies.
To learn more, or get in contact, visit www.apolloimperium.com/jakezuurbier
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