3.1 The Importance of Conflict
5 min read•august 16, 2024
Conflict is the heart of any good story. It's what keeps readers turning pages, eager to see how characters will overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Without it, narratives fall flat.
In short stories, conflict drives the plot forward and reveals character. Whether internal struggles or external battles, conflicts create , , and emotional investment. They're essential for crafting compelling, memorable tales that resonate with readers.
Conflict in Narrative Momentum
The Driving Force of Conflict
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- Conflict propels a story forward, creating a sense of progression and development
- Without conflict, a narrative can feel stagnant and unengaging (a story about a character going about their daily routine without any challenges)
- Conflicts arise when characters face obstacles, challenges, or opposing forces that prevent them from achieving their goals or desires
- These obstacles can be external (a physical barrier, an antagonist) or internal (self-doubt, moral dilemma)
- The nature and intensity of conflicts can vary throughout a story, with smaller conflicts building toward larger, more significant ones that ultimately shape the story's trajectory (minor disagreements leading to a major confrontation)
Conflict as a Plot Driver
- As characters struggle to overcome conflicts, their actions and decisions drive the plot forward, creating a sense of momentum
- Each attempt to resolve a conflict leads to new developments, complications, or revelations in the story
- The of conflicts, whether successful or not, often signifies key turning points or climaxes in the narrative structure
- The climax of a story often involves the resolution of the primary conflict (the protagonist finally confronts and defeats the antagonist)
- Conflicts keep readers invested in the story's outcome, as they eagerly anticipate how the characters will navigate and overcome the challenges they face
Types of Conflict in Short Stories
Character-Centric Conflicts
- : Internal conflicts where a character struggles with their own thoughts, emotions, morals, or psychological issues
- Explores a character's inner turmoil, doubts, or personal dilemmas (a character grappling with guilt over a past mistake)
- Internal conflicts often involve difficult decisions, self-reflection, or personal growth
- : Interpersonal conflicts between two or more characters with opposing goals, beliefs, or personalities
- Manifests as rivalry, disagreements, power struggles, or emotional clashes (two siblings fighting over an inheritance)
- Character vs. Character conflicts can involve protagonists and antagonists, or conflicts between allies with differing perspectives
Societal and External Conflicts
- : Conflicts that arise when a character's actions, beliefs, or identity clash with the norms, expectations, or values of their society or community
- Explores themes of conformity, rebellion, or social justice (a character fighting against racial discrimination)
- Society can be represented by specific groups, institutions, or general societal expectations
- Character vs. Nature: Conflicts where characters face challenges posed by natural forces
- Involves survival in harsh environments, natural disasters, or physical limitations imposed by the natural world (a character stranded on a deserted island)
- Nature can be a literal force or a metaphorical representation of characters' internal struggles
- : Conflicts involving characters struggling against advanced technology, artificial intelligence, or supernatural elements
- Threatens characters' lives, humanity, or understanding of reality (a character battling an evil sorcerer)
- Explores the consequences and ethical implications of technological advancements or supernatural phenomena
Conflict and Reader Engagement
Creating Tension and Suspense
- Conflict introduces a sense of uncertainty or unpredictability, keeping readers engaged as they anticipate how the characters will navigate and resolve the challenges they face
- As conflicts escalate, the rising stakes and increasing pressure on characters create a sense of tension that intensifies reader investment in the story's outcome (a ticking clock scenario where characters must resolve a conflict before time runs out)
- Well-crafted conflicts can evoke strong reader emotions, such as suspense, anticipation, fear, or empathy, heightening the overall impact and memorability of the narrative
Character Development and Reader Connection
- Conflicts often reveal characters' true nature, testing their strengths, weaknesses, and values
- This character development deepens reader connection and emotional resonance (a character's bravery emerges when faced with a life-threatening situation)
- Conflicts that tap into universal human experiences, fears, or desires create a sense of relatability, allowing readers to see themselves in the characters' struggles
- Readers can empathize with characters facing conflicts such as loss, betrayal, or the pursuit of love and acceptance
Crafting Compelling Conflict
Identifying Sources of Conflict
- Identify your characters' goals, motivations, and desires, as these will often be the source of potential conflicts in your story
- Consider how your characters' goals and desires might clash with internal or external obstacles, creating a sense of opposition or tension (a character's desire for freedom conflicting with their family obligations)
- Develop conflicts that are relevant to your story's themes, genre, and intended emotional impact on readers
Balancing Conflict and Character
- Ensure that the conflicts you introduce are proportionate to your characters' abilities and the story's stakes, creating a sense of believability and authenticity
- A conflict that is too easily resolved or too overwhelming can undermine the story's credibility
- Use conflicts to reveal and develop your characters' personalities, backstories, and arcs, allowing readers to invest in their journeys
- Conflicts can serve as catalysts for character growth, self-discovery, or transformation
- Craft conflicts with clear, identifiable stakes that matter to your characters and readers alike (the potential loss of a cherished relationship, the threat of personal ruin)
Structuring Conflict in Plot
- Vary the types and scales of conflicts throughout your narrative to create a dynamic and engaging plot structure
- Combine internal and external conflicts, as well as conflicts of different magnitudes, to keep readers engaged
- Establish conflicts early in the story to set the narrative in motion and create a sense of direction
- The inciting incident often introduces the primary conflict that will drive the plot forward
- Escalate conflicts as the story progresses, raising the stakes and increasing the pressure on characters to confront and resolve the challenges they face
- This escalation builds toward the story's climax, where the conflicts reach their peak and resolution becomes imperative
Key Terms to Review (22)
Character Arc: A character arc refers to the transformation or inner journey of a character throughout a story, often involving a change in their beliefs, values, or personality as a result of the experiences they face. This growth or regression is closely tied to the plot and conflict, creating a deeper connection between the character's evolution and the overall narrative.
Character vs. character: Character vs. character is a type of conflict in storytelling where two characters oppose each other, leading to a struggle that drives the narrative forward. This conflict can manifest as physical confrontations, emotional battles, or ideological disagreements, showcasing the complexities of human relationships and motivations. It is essential for creating tension and developing characters, as their interactions often reveal their true natures and growth throughout the story.
Character vs. self: Character vs. self is a type of internal conflict where a character struggles with their own emotions, beliefs, or decisions. This form of conflict is essential for storytelling because it allows for deep character development and creates tension that drives the narrative forward. It often showcases a character's flaws, desires, and motivations as they confront their own thoughts and feelings, making it relatable to the audience and adding layers to the story.
Character vs. Society: Character vs. Society is a literary conflict where a character faces opposition from societal norms, values, or expectations. This type of conflict explores the struggle between an individual's desires or beliefs and the rules or customs imposed by society, often highlighting themes of individuality, morality, and social justice.
Character vs. Technology/Supernatural: Character vs. Technology/Supernatural refers to the conflict that arises when a character faces challenges or struggles against technological advancements or supernatural forces. This type of conflict highlights the tension between human emotions, moral choices, and the external pressures exerted by technology or supernatural elements. It often leads to character development as protagonists navigate these struggles, showcasing their resilience or vulnerabilities in the face of modernity or otherworldly influences.
Climactic Moments: Climactic moments are the critical points in a narrative where the conflict reaches its peak, leading to a turning point in the story. These moments are essential because they evoke intense emotions and propel the narrative towards resolution, often forcing characters to confront their greatest challenges. They serve as the culmination of the story's tension, making them crucial for character development and thematic depth.
Drama: Drama is a genre of literature that presents a story through dialogue and performance, often focusing on conflict and emotion. It is designed to be performed by actors in front of an audience, bringing the narrative to life through visual and auditory elements. The essence of drama lies in its exploration of human experiences, where conflict serves as a crucial driving force that propels characters into action and shapes their development.
Dramatic Irony: Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something that the characters in a narrative do not. This creates a sense of tension and anticipation as the audience waits for the characters to discover the truth. It often heightens emotional stakes, making conflicts more impactful as the audience can foresee outcomes that characters are oblivious to.
External Conflict: External conflict refers to the struggle between a character and an outside force, which can be another character, society, nature, or a physical obstacle. This type of conflict drives the plot forward and creates tension, as characters face challenges that test their resolve and influence their growth. Understanding external conflict is crucial in shaping the narrative structure and pacing, emphasizing the importance of conflict in storytelling, and developing narrative arcs that lead to resolution.
Foreshadowing: Foreshadowing is a literary device that hints at future events in a story, creating anticipation and tension for the reader. It allows authors to build suspense and prepares the audience for potential outcomes, making the narrative more engaging and cohesive.
Internal conflict: Internal conflict refers to the psychological struggle within a character, where they grapple with opposing desires, emotions, or beliefs. This kind of conflict is essential for character development and drives the narrative forward, often influencing decisions and actions that shape the plot.
Man vs. man: Man vs. man refers to a type of conflict in storytelling where one character opposes another, creating tension and driving the plot forward. This conflict can manifest in various forms, such as physical confrontations, ideological disagreements, or emotional struggles, and is crucial for character development and thematic exploration. Such conflicts not only highlight individual character motivations but also reflect broader societal issues and moral dilemmas faced by the characters involved.
Man vs. Nature: Man vs. Nature is a fundamental conflict in literature that explores the struggle between humans and the forces of nature. This type of conflict highlights the challenges individuals face when pitted against elements like weather, animals, or natural disasters, ultimately showcasing human resilience, vulnerability, and the quest for survival in the face of overwhelming odds.
Moral Dilemmas: Moral dilemmas are situations in which a person faces conflicting ethical choices, where the options available may lead to competing moral outcomes. These dilemmas often force individuals to weigh the consequences of their actions against their personal values and beliefs, making them a crucial component of character development and narrative conflict. The tension created by moral dilemmas can drive the plot forward and reveal deeper truths about human nature and societal norms.
Motivation: Motivation refers to the internal and external factors that drive a character's actions and decisions throughout a story. It serves as the engine of narrative, influencing plot dynamics, character development, and the overall pacing of the story. Understanding motivation is crucial for creating compelling conflicts and deeper character arcs, as it helps to explain why characters behave the way they do and how they evolve over time.
Psychological Perspective: The psychological perspective focuses on understanding the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of characters within a narrative. It emphasizes the internal motivations and conflicts that drive characters, highlighting how their psychological states influence their actions and interactions with others. This perspective is crucial in storytelling, as it adds depth to character development and helps to convey the emotional stakes involved in conflicts.
Resolution: Resolution is the part of a narrative where the conflicts are resolved, and the story reaches its conclusion. This crucial moment ties together the plot threads and provides closure for the characters, often revealing the consequences of their actions and decisions throughout the story.
Rising Action: Rising action is the series of events that create suspense and tension in a narrative, leading to the climax. It involves the development of conflict and complications that drive the story forward, engaging the reader and deepening their investment in the characters and plot.
Socio-political perspective: A socio-political perspective refers to the way in which social and political factors intersect and influence individual and group behaviors, beliefs, and values. This perspective emphasizes the importance of context, including the power dynamics, cultural norms, and societal structures that shape interactions and conflicts within a narrative.
Suspense: Suspense is the intense feeling of uncertainty and anticipation that grips readers as they wait for a story's outcome. It creates a heightened emotional state that keeps the audience engaged, making them eager to know what will happen next. The effective use of suspense intertwines with various elements of storytelling, enhancing conflict, pacing, character development, and overall narrative structure.
Tension: Tension refers to the mental or emotional strain that arises from conflicting forces within a narrative. This feeling creates suspense and keeps readers engaged, serving as a driving force in plot development and character arcs. The effective use of tension can enhance conflict, influence pacing, and contribute to the overall structure of a narrative.
Thriller: A thriller is a genre of literature, film, or other art forms that aims to provoke excitement, suspense, and tension in the audience. This genre often features a protagonist facing dangerous situations or conflicts, which escalate and keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The core of thrillers relies on conflict and the emotional responses it elicits, driving the narrative forward and maintaining high stakes throughout the story.