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Maximillian Enterprises Publishing

Maximillian Enterprises PublishingMaximillian Enterprises PublishingMaximillian Enterprises Publishing
Home
ISBN
Perspectives
Age Category
AI in Writing
Genres
Author Platform
Character Development
Conflict
Dialogue
Fiction Writing
Foreshadowing
Writing Tips
Query Letter
Legal & Ethical
Definitions
Literary Devices
Literary Themes
Market & Audience
Mentorship
Narrative
Nonfiction
Pacing
Pitch
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Revision & Editing
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Setting
Show, Don't Tell
Synopsis
Theme vs. Motif
Tone & Style
Word Count
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More
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  • Conflict
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  • Home
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  • Perspectives
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  • AI in Writing
  • Genres
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  • Character Development
  • Conflict
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  • Fiction Writing
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  • Writing Tips
  • Query Letter
  • Legal & Ethical
  • Definitions
  • Literary Devices
  • Literary Themes
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  • Mentorship
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  • Revision & Editing
  • Self Publishing
  • Setting
  • Show, Don't Tell
  • Synopsis
  • Theme vs. Motif
  • Tone & Style
  • Word Count
  • World Building

Conflict

Understanding Conflict in Storytelling

 

Conflict is the heart of any compelling story. It creates tension, drives the plot, and challenges characters, forcing them to grow and evolve. Whether it’s a battle against external forces or an internal struggle, conflict keeps readers engaged and invested in the outcome.

1. What is Conflict?

Conflict is the struggle between opposing forces in a story. It can be external, involving outside challenges, or internal, taking place within a character’s mind. At its core, conflict creates stakes and keeps the narrative moving.

2. Types of Conflict

A. Man vs. Man

  • What it is: Conflict between two characters with opposing goals or desires.
  • Examples:
    • Hero vs. villain (e.g., Harry Potter vs. Voldemort).
    • Personal rivalries or misunderstandings (e.g., Elizabeth Bennet vs. Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice).
  • Role in the story:
    • Drives direct confrontation, whether physical, emotional, or ideological.
    • Often represents the clash of differing values or worldviews.

B. Man vs. Self

  • What it is: Internal conflict within a character, often involving doubt, guilt, fear, or a difficult decision.
  • Examples:
    • Hamlet’s indecision in Hamlet.
    • Frodo’s struggle with the burden of the One Ring in The Lord of the Rings.
  • Role in the story:
    • Adds depth and complexity to characters.
    • Explores themes of identity, morality, and personal growth.

C. Man vs. Society

  • What it is: Conflict between a character and societal norms, laws, or expectations.
  • Examples:
    • Katniss Everdeen vs. the Capitol in The Hunger Games.
    • Winston Smith vs. the Party in 1984.
  • Role in the story:
    • Highlights themes of rebellion, justice, or conformity.
    • Often portrays a critique of societal structures.

D. Man vs. Nature

  • What it is: Conflict between a character and natural forces like weather, animals, or disasters.
  • Examples:
    • The struggle to survive in The Call of the Wild.
    • The battle against the ocean in The Old Man and the Sea.
  • Role in the story:
    • Creates tension and high stakes, often testing the character’s resilience.
    • Can symbolize humanity’s vulnerability or insignificance in the face of nature.

E. Man vs. Supernatural

  • What it is: Conflict with forces beyond the natural world, such as ghosts, gods, or magical entities.
  • Examples:
    • Dr. Frankenstein vs. his creation in Frankenstein.
    • The haunted Overlook Hotel in The Shining.
  • Role in the story:
    • Explores themes of fear, fate, or the unknown.
    • Often blurs the line between internal and external conflict.

F. Man vs. Technology

  • What it is: Conflict between a character and advanced technology or artificial intelligence.
  • Examples:
    • John Connor vs. Skynet in The Terminator.
    • The crew vs. HAL 9000 in 2001: A Space Odyssey.
  • Role in the story:
    • Explores the consequences of technological advancements.
    • Raises ethical questions about humanity’s relationship with technology.

3. The Role of Conflict in Storytelling

A. Drives the Plot:

  • Conflict creates goals for characters and obstacles to overcome.
  • It keeps the narrative moving forward by posing challenges and raising stakes.

B. Develops Characters:

  • Characters grow and evolve through their struggles.
  • Conflict reveals their strengths, weaknesses, and motivations.

C. Engages Readers:

  • Tension and uncertainty keep readers invested in the outcome.
  • Conflict makes the story relatable by reflecting real-life struggles.

4. Balancing and Layering Conflicts

A. Combine Multiple Conflicts:

Most compelling stories include more than one type of conflict.

  • Example: The Hunger Games features Katniss vs. the Capitol (man vs. society) and Katniss vs. her own fears and doubts (man vs. self).

B. Escalate Conflict Gradually:

  • Start with smaller challenges and build to larger, more intense conflicts.
  • This creates a sense of progression and keeps readers engaged.

C. Resolve Conflicts Meaningfully:

  • Ensure the resolution feels earned and satisfies the story’s themes.
  • Avoid deus ex machina solutions, where conflicts are resolved unrealistically or too easily.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Lack of Stakes: If the conflict doesn’t matter to the characters, it won’t matter to readers. Make sure the stakes are clear and compelling.
  • Unrealistic Resolutions: Conflicts should be resolved in ways that make sense within the story’s world and rules.
  • Overwhelming Complexity: Too many conflicts at once can confuse readers. Focus on a few well-developed struggles.

Conflict is the engine of your story. By understanding the different types of conflict and how to use them effectively, you can create a narrative that grips readers and keeps them emotionally invested from beginning to end.

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