In this article, we provide an answer to the query how to describe a shooting in a story? Below we’ve included 10 adjectives you can use if you’re writing a scene in your novel where a character gets shot.
1. Deafening
Definition
Something that causes an extremely loud noise.
Examples
“The shooting was deafening. After the pistol fired, everyone’s ears were left ringing.”
“A deafening noise sounded from the gun. Everyone’s head turned in horror as the man shot at the target.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to build up some suspense around the shooting, “deafening” can help. This gives the reader a clearer picture of how startling the shooting is, and it can also imply it’s a scary scenario. “Deafening” can also show the effect the shot has on characters, and you can use this to develop their reaction to the shooting.
2. Dreadful
Definition
Something very unpleasant, bad, or negative.
Examples
“She thought about the dreadful shooting, and tears started to form in her eyes. She’d never forget that horrible day.”
“The guns are gone! We must find them, or a dreadful shooting could occur.”
How it Adds Description
Shootings are often linked to negative situations, and the adjective “dreadful” can help you emphasize how horrible the event is. In addition, if your character uses the term “dreadful” in their thoughts or speech, it can show their feelings about guns and shootings. This is a great way to develop their character and show their personal feelings.
3. Breathtaking
Definition
Something thrilling that takes your breath away.
Examples
“She watched the breathtaking shooting on the TV. But she wished she could be there to witness the shots in person.”
“Watching the cowboys shoot at targets is breathtaking. They’re so dedicated to their craft.”
How it Adds Description
Not all shooting events are bad, and you can show the more positive aspects of a shooting through “breathtaking.” This adjective can help you describe a character’s talent or accuracy. This could impress other characters, and they could earn more respect. It can also help your reader understand their skills as a marksman.
4. Alarming
Definition
Something that causes feelings of anxiety, fear, or danger.
Examples
“Suddenly, an alarming shot rang out. The crowd instantly backed away, and many started crying.”
“The sound of the gun was alarming. Who knew pistols were so loud when they fired?”
How it Adds Description
Shooting can cause fear, and “alarming” can emphasize the initial fear your characters feel after hearing the first gunshot. This is a great way to surprise your reader, as “alarming” can show something happened without any warning. This will entertain the reader and make them want to keep reading to know more.
5. Unlawful
Definition
Something that is against the law.
Examples
“She saw the unlawful shooting unfold through her window. But she kept her lights off to ensure they didn’t see her watching.”
“He didn’t want to be involved in an unlawful shooting. However, he had to protect his family’s honor.”
How it Adds Description
Shooting is usually against the law, but you can draw attention to your shooting’s illegality via “unlawful.” This adjective shows characters are knowingly breaking the law, and you can use this to show their moral compass. “Unlawful” can also be used to show the laws of your fictional land, giving your readers more information about the world.
6. Unforgettable
Definition
Something you won’t forget as it’s very impactful.
Examples
“She tried to sleep, but the unforgettable shooting looped again and again in her mind.”
“His first experience of shooting was unforgettable. He wished to go back and hold a gun again for the intense thrill of it.”
How it Adds Description
Some events may define a character’s life, and using the term “unforgettable” helps to show which occurrences affect your character the most. “Unforgettable” can show that your characters are seriously affected by the fictional shooting. You can use this in a positive and negative way, which is great if you’re looking for a versatile word.
7. Immoral
Definition
Behavior or actions that are morally wrong.
Examples
“The shooting was immoral, and everyone in the town knew it.”
“I don’t want to be part of an immoral shooting. Take your gun, and leave my property now!”
How it Adds Description
If the intent of your fictional shooting is to harm someone or their property, it can be described as “immoral.” This will show the shooter’s personality alignment/moral compass, showing your reader their true colors. “Immoral” can also highlight the strong morals of your fictional society, giving the reader more insight into the world.
8. Monumental
Definition
Something very notable and hard to ignore.
Examples
“The shooting was a monumental affair. The papers wouldn’t stop writing about it for weeks.”
“Every night, he tried to sleep, but the monumental shooting never left his mind.”
How it Adds Description
“Monumental” can show the prolonged presence the shooting causes after it’s happened. This adjective shows how individual characters and societies are affected by the incident, and you can use this to foreshadow upcoming plot points or retaliations to the event.
9. Frightful
Definition
Something very horrible or scary.
Examples
“She thought the shooting was a frightful event. Who in their sound mind would do such a terrible thing?”
“After the frightful shooting, half of the population left the town.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to emphasize how scary your shooting was to the nearby characters, the adjective “frightful” can help. “Frightful” stresses the fear caused by the shooting, and thus you can show how your society has been damaged by the violence.
10. Shocking
Definition
Something surprising and very bad.
Examples
“The shocking shots left everyone at a standstill. No one wanted to risk getting caught in the line of fire.”
“A shocking shooting is the last thing this town needs. We’ve already lost half of our tourism, and now we’ll be a ghost town over the summer!”
How it Adds Description
“Shocking” is an adjective that can show how your characters weren’t expecting a shooting. This conveys how a shooting isn’t commonplace in your fictional world, showing your reader what it’s like to be in your fictional setting. This adjective can also show that your characters are sensitive to loud noises or scary events, which can foreshadow future action-based plot points.