Seeking a specific syntax solution

Authoring Inform 7
1

I have a basic fighting engine planned, and am having some trouble second-guessing I7’s syntax.

Is there anyway I can wedge “Instead of a person (called a) attacking a person (called b):” and “Instead of attacking a person (called b):” together, while labelling the player as ‘a’?

I ask because apparently the first doesn’t cover the player (even though he’s technically a person.)

2

Instead of an actor attacking someone (called b):

It seems you can’t used “(called …)” on the actor, but you can refer to the actor as “actor” anyway. This is covered in section 12.14 of the manual.

3

Many many thanks.