When writing a scene where two characters are arguing, it's easy to get caught up in the shouting match. But to make such a scene feel more like a battle and less like mere bickering, you need layers—emotions, stakes, and subtext. Let's break down how to create a fascinating argument scene that grabs your readers:

1. Understand the Stakes: No argument in fiction is genuinely about the argument itself. It's about what's at risk. Ask yourself: What do these characters stand to lose or gain at this moment? What does each character imply in an argument? High stakes—whether emotional, relational, or situational—will instantly heighten the tension. Consider this example: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. In the final scene, where Tom and Gatsby fight over Daisy, it's not just about who gets to be with her; more about the conflict touches on issues of power, social class, and identity. Gatsby's entire dream of recreating the past is on the line while Tom fights to maintain his dominance. These stakes add an undercurrent of tension that makes every line hit harder.

2. Make the Dialogue Sharp and Purposeful: When writing an argument, every word should pack a punch. Avoid fluff and lengthy explanations. Instead, aim for sharp exchanges that ramp up the tension. Also, the dialogue can have layers of meaning—the immediate argument and the deeper underlying conflict subtext. Look at the best scene in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: the fiery exchange between Harry and Hermione when Harry chooses to visit Godric's Hollow. Hermione's logical thinking clashes with Harry's emotional need to find closure, and their words capture their personalities. Here's a tip: Read the dialogue aloud as you write. Does it sound natural and intense? If something feels off, keep tweaking it until it hits the mark.

3. Use Body Language and Setting: Arguments don't take place in a vacuum. You can also add depth to your scene with your characters' physical actions, their facial expressions, and the setting. The environment or setting where the argument happens can increase its intensity. A small kitchen, a busy city street, or a quiet forest can add extra meaning. In Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns, when Laila and Rasheed fight, their small, oppressive home reflects their suffocating relationship. The setting becomes a silent participant in the conflict. Think about how the setting can affect your scene: Is it isolated or public? Does it make the tension worse or create a feeling of being exposed?

4. Leverage Subtext and Hidden Emotions: Arguments are not simply about what is being said — they are about what is not being said. During conflicts, people often hide their genuine emotions by letting words serve as subtext. The encounter between Briony and Cecilia in Ian McEwan's Atonement is more than a confrontation between past versions of itself — it's about guilt, betrayal, and the irreversible damage caused by Briony's childhood accusation. While Briony's search for forgiveness, Cecilia's responses expose the enduring scars, making the argument into something deeply emotional and charged.

To add depth to your scene: Add pauses or interruptions in which characters hesitate or struggle to express themselves. Show emotions through body language or actions.

5. Show Contrasting Perspectives: The best arguments don't have definitive winners or losers—they show two people with opposing points of view, each feeling right in their own way. That makes them complex and requires the reader to think. Take Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner. The confrontation between Amir and Hassan after the kite-flying incident is filled with subtext. Amir's guilt clashes with Hassan's loyalty, and the conflict between their worldviews propels the reader forward. Your job as a writer is to develop a strong, unique voice for every character. Make their motivations clear, even if one is morally wrong. A clash of those motivations is what makes your work magical.

6. Build the Tension Gradually: An argument that kicks off at full blast can seem overblown or exhausting. Instead, it's better to let the tension build up before it explodes. When you look at Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch's courtroom grilling of Mayella Ewell starts slow. He opens with questions that appear innocent, but the pressure mounts as he reveals the cracks in her testimony. Think about how you can build the tension gradually: Begin with a calm and cool tone, then gradually elevate. Allow each character to nudge the other closer to their limit.

7. End with Impact: How an argument ends is essential. It should resonate with the reader a sense of resolution — or its absence — that nudges the story along. Take the climax duel scene in Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games, where Katniss and Peeta fight after the announcement that there can be only one victor. Katniss's refusal to play along with the Capitol alters the fate of the story completely. Your ending could: Reveal something shocking. Forge a deep conflict between the characters.

To sum up, writing an argument in a story is not easy. It should include a blend of emotions, incisive dialogue, and deliberate pacing.