Prey

While the predator vs prey conflict is classic and easily understood, it isn’t always the easiest to write.  We take the simplicity for granted at times, which means we can make mistakes that mess up the dynamic.  Here are some tips that I came up with that might makes things easier.

1. Regardless of the side you pick as the POV, you’re going to need tension.  The prey will be scared about getting killed, which makes it easy to create tension from their end.  It becomes more difficult for predators who we see as the powerful sides that are in control.  Yet, their POV can have tension in a ‘will they succeed’ vibe.  Being on the prowl or preparing to strike aren’t calm moments.  The reader should get a sense that victory is not a guarantee.
2. Predators typically are the stronger side within this power dynamic.  That is because they are seen as the ones in control.  Prey reacts to them.  A predator doesn’t have to be physically strong either.  Think of bison and wolves.  The former is definitely more powerful and can destroy the latter.  That doesn’t make them the predator because they aren’t the ones who hunt and attack.  Predator could be seen as more about the role than the abilities.
3. Prey is not always defenseless.  As in nature, prey should have some abilities that give them a chance at survival.  It could be a built-in weapon, a keener mind, friends, or a tool that they carry.  This shouldn’t be something that will end the conflict as soon as it is used in any situation.  For example, a zebra has a powerful kick and is fast.  These are great defenses, but only if it gets to use them.  A situation should be created to give them the upper hand.
4. A predator will do whatever it takes to create the optimal situation for victory.  As I said, this is the character who will be directly the action.  Even if they are chasing the prey, they initiated the activity knowing this would happen.  A smart predator will try to eliminate all possible problems before striking or at least know how to counter them if they can’t be avoided entirely.  Nature has an example with predators hunting in packs and getting in positions before striking.
5. Predators don’t always have to go for anyone who stumbles into the fight.  If they are after a specific prey then they might ignore everything else.  Sure, they’ll attack if they are threatened by the other target.  Don’t really see why they would go out of their way to kill a person that isn’t a danger though.  I say this because I’ve see a lot of these stories turn their focused predator into a random murder machine at some point.
6. The prey doesn’t always have to be an idiot when scared.  Yes, I’m looking at you, horror genre.
7. Escape by the prey is a perfectly viable finale.  The predator doesn’t always have to die for the story to end.  It could be that they no longer wish to pursue or they completely lose track of their target.  Maybe they’re arrested, but aren’t crazy enough to die fighting the police.  This can allow for another story to occur later on if you’re so inclined.  Either way, having both parties survive can open up a lot more endings than ‘predator is dead and prey is fine’, which is typically what you see.