Key characteristics often include:
* Fast pacing: Events unfold quickly, often with little downtime for dialogue or exposition.
* High stakes: The characters face immediate and significant danger or challenge.
* Physical challenges: The characters are actively engaged in fighting, chasing, escaping, or overcoming obstacles.
* Visual dynamism: The segment is designed to be visually exciting and engaging, with lots of movement and potentially special effects.
* Limited dialogue: Dialogue is often brief, serving to heighten the urgency or punctuate the action.
For example, a car chase scene in a movie, a sword fight in a fantasy novel, or a level in a video game where the player must navigate a complex environment while battling enemies would all be considered action segments. They're not necessarily just about violence; they can encompass any situation involving intense physical activity and a clear goal or objective.