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What is Conflict?

A compelling story is made up of five essential elements. Previously, we looked at the first three elements of a story: Character, Setting, and Plot. If character is whom or what drives the plot the plot and plot is the skeleton on which the rest of the elements are supported, Conflict is the heartbeat of storytelling, the driving force that propels characters through their journey. It captivates audiences with its dynamic interplay of tension and resolution. Whether it's the clash of personalities, the struggle against nature, or the battle for one's beliefs, conflict is the crucible in which characters are forged, and narratives find their resonance. In this exploration, we delve into the significance of conflict in storytelling and how it shapes the narrative landscape.

 

The Essence of Conflict:

At its core, conflict embodies the fundamental struggle inherent in the human condition. The friction between character desire and the obstacles that stand in the way, the conflict between opposing forces gives rise to drama and narrative tension. Without conflict, stories would lack depth, remaining stagnant and meaningless. Through conflict, characters face trials and temptations and are tested; their strengths and weaknesses are laid bare for the readers to see.

 

Types of Conflict:

Conflict manifests in various forms, each offering unique challenges and opportunities for character development. The most common types of conflict include:

1. Character v. Self: The battle within oneself as characters grapple with their fears, desires, and moral dilemmas. Internal conflict often drives the character arc, leading to profound moments of self-discovery and growth.

 

2. Character v. Character: The clash between characters or forces outside the protagonist's control. This can be interpersonal conflicts, rivalries, power struggles, or external threats, such as natural disasters or societal oppression.

 

3. Character vs. Nature: The struggle against the elements, where characters are pitted against the raw forces of the natural world. This type of conflict highlights humanity's vulnerability in the face of nature's relentless power, often as a metaphor for larger themes of resilience and survival.

 

4. Character vs. Society: The conflict between individuals and the institutions or norms that govern society. This can include struggles against injustice, discrimination, or oppressive social structures as characters fight for their rights and dignity.

 

5. Character vs. Technology: The tension between humanity, science, and technology advancements. This type of conflict explores the ethical implications of technological progress, raising questions about the limits of human ingenuity and the consequences of playing God.

 

6. Character vs. Fate: A tension develops internally between the character’s desires and needs and the fate that appears to be thrust upon them. Likewise, the story may involve the character’s rebellion against a fate being thrust upon them by outside forces.

 

7. Character vs. Supernatural: Especially common in religious and inspirational stories or horror/fantasy stories, conflict of this kind involves a seemingly omnipotent supernatural force that the protagonist must vanquish to reach their goals or destiny.

 

The Role of Conflict in Storytelling:

Conflict serves as the engine that drives the narrative forward, propelling characters through a series of trials and tribulations that ultimately lead to transformation and resolution. It creates stakes, raising the audience's emotional investment and keeping them engaged in the story's outcome. Moreover, conflict fosters empathy, as audiences identify with characters facing similar challenges and root for their success.

 

Furthermore, conflict is essential for world-building, shaping the setting and context in which the story unfolds. Whether it's a post-apocalyptic wasteland or a utopian society on the brink of collapse, conflict adds texture and depth and grounds the fictional world in realism and authenticity.

 

When writing conflict into a story, such conflict must involve what Savannah Gilbo (savannahgilbo.com) calls progressive complications. These complications form the structure of the conflict in the story. Progressive complications keep readers on the edge of their seats, give insight into the protagonist's character development, and relate to the protagonist’s goal. As the protagonist faces barrier after barrier, complication after complication, they must intensify in difficulty as the story progresses until the conflict reaches a tension that, once it breaks at the point of the story’s climax, the reader experiences a feeling of relief and catharsis.

 

How a Writer Can Create More Conflict:

There are several ways in which a writer can create and build conflict in their stories. The following are some examples of how this can be accomplished:

1.     Give your protagonist two motives. The conflict comes into play when they must sacrifice one to achieve the other.

 

2.     Employ Murphy’s Law, where whatever can go wrong in a given situation will go wrong. Have your protagonist encounter Murphy’s Law around every corner and be compelled to find a way to break the law.

 

3.     Every round character must overcome flaws to reach their goals. To create conflict and tension, the protagonist’s flaw should act as a barrier in achieving their motive.

 

4.     In speculative fiction, put drawbacks on all magical or scientific objects. Allow these drawbacks to affect the protagonist negatively.

 

5.     Allow your protagonist’s decisions to become the direct cause of conflict, even if they believe such decisions would be for their benefit.

 

6.     Nobody is always right all the time. Allow the protagonist to make mistakes or be mistaken. Being wrong now and again helps add conflict and tension to the story.

 

7.     When the protagonist faces two or more choices, each should have positive and negative consequences. This dichotomy builds conflict.

 

Conclusion:

When weaving the tapestry of storytelling, conflict is the thread that binds together characters, settings, plotlines, and themes, weaving a rich and intricate narrative that profoundly resonates with readers. Through conflict, the protagonist finds their voice, purpose, and humanity. They rise above the boundary of the page and touch the essence of the human experience. As storytellers, we must not fear writing conflict or see it as a hindrance but as a catalyst for creativity and exploration, embracing its power to craft narratives that inspire, provoke, and endure. Next week, we will explore the fifth essential element of storytelling: Theme.

Thank you so much for reading this post and visiting my blog. Please sign up for my newsletter for a monthly update about the website and blog and exclusive access to the material on my Subscriber Content page at www.paulinejgrabia.com. I am honored that you have taken time out of your day to read what I have to offer, and I will endeavor to continue to post blogs that are worthy of your continued attention. May God bless you richly.

Pauline J. Grabia