Types of Conflict in Stories to Know for Intro to Creative Writing

Conflict drives stories, creating tension and engaging readers. From battles between characters to internal struggles, nature's challenges, societal pressures, and supernatural forces, understanding these conflicts helps writers craft compelling narratives that resonate with universal human experiences.

1. Person vs. Person

   • Involves direct conflict between characters, often leading to tension and drama.
   • Can manifest as physical confrontations, verbal disputes, or ideological clashes.
   • Highlights character motivations, desires, and moral dilemmas.
   • Often serves as a catalyst for character development and plot progression.

2. Person vs. Self

   • Centers on internal struggles within a character, such as doubts, fears, or moral conflicts.
   • Explores themes of identity, personal growth, and self-acceptance.
   • Can lead to significant character transformation and resolution of inner turmoil.
   • Often reflects universal human experiences, making it relatable to readers.

3. Person vs. Nature

   • Involves characters facing challenges posed by natural forces, such as storms, animals, or landscapes.
   • Highlights the struggle for survival and the limits of human control over the environment.
   • Can symbolize broader themes of resilience, vulnerability, and the human condition.
   • Often serves to create tension and suspense in the narrative.

4. Person vs. Society

   • Focuses on characters confronting societal norms, laws, or cultural expectations.
   • Explores themes of individuality, conformity, and social justice.
   • Can lead to significant commentary on political, social, or ethical issues.
   • Often results in characters feeling alienated or marginalized.

5. Person vs. Technology

   • Involves conflicts arising from the use or impact of technology on human life.
   • Explores themes of dependence, ethical dilemmas, and the consequences of innovation.
   • Can highlight the struggle between human values and technological advancement.
   • Often raises questions about the future of humanity in a tech-driven world.

6. Person vs. Supernatural

   • Centers on conflicts with supernatural elements, such as ghosts, deities, or mythical creatures.
   • Explores themes of fear, belief, and the unknown.
   • Can serve as a metaphor for personal or societal fears and challenges.
   • Often blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, enhancing the story's intrigue.

7. Person vs. Fate/God

   • Involves characters grappling with predetermined outcomes or divine intervention.
   • Explores themes of free will, destiny, and the search for meaning.
   • Can lead to profound philosophical questions about human existence and purpose.
   • Often results in characters facing moral dilemmas and existential crises.