Conflict

Definition

Conflict is the struggle between opposing forces that drives the narrative and character development in storytelling. It can be external, involving characters and their environments, or internal, focusing on a character's inner struggles. This tension creates stakes and engages audiences, making conflict a fundamental element in drama and character-driven narratives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conflict can take many forms, including person vs. person, person vs. self, person vs. society, and person vs. nature.
2. In character-driven narratives, conflict often reveals deeper aspects of a character's personality and motivations, allowing for growth and change.
3. The escalation of conflict typically follows a structure, leading to rising action, climax, and eventual resolution.
4. Effective scene construction hinges on presenting conflict clearly, ensuring that it drives the narrative forward and engages the audience.
5. Loglines and treatments must capture the essence of conflict to hook readers and effectively outline the stakes of the story.

Review Questions

• How does conflict function as a driving force in character-driven narratives?
  • Conflict serves as a catalyst for character development in character-driven narratives by presenting challenges that force characters to confront their fears, desires, or moral dilemmas. As characters navigate their conflicts, whether internal or external, they undergo transformation that reflects their journey. This not only propels the plot but also deepens audience engagement by allowing them to connect with the characters' struggles.
• What are the key elements to consider when constructing scenes that effectively showcase conflict?
  • When constructing scenes to showcase conflict, it’s crucial to establish clear stakes and objectives for each character involved. The scene should build tension through escalating obstacles or emotional confrontations, leading to a moment of crisis. Additionally, using subtext can enhance the impact of dialogue and actions, allowing underlying conflicts to simmer beneath the surface while maintaining engagement.
• Evaluate how understanding conflict enhances your ability to pitch a story effectively.
  • Understanding conflict is essential for pitching a story because it highlights the stakes involved and why the audience should care about the characters’ journeys. A compelling pitch should succinctly convey both the external conflicts faced by characters as well as any internal struggles that add depth. By articulating how these conflicts shape the narrative arc and character evolution, you can create an engaging pitch that resonates with potential producers or investors.

Related terms

Protagonist:

The main character in a story, often facing conflict and undergoing change throughout the narrative.

Antagonist:

The character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating tension and conflict within the story.

Resolution:

The conclusion of the conflict in a story, where tensions are resolved and the characters' journeys reach a climax.