My childhood world was painted with the enchantment of books, a gift I owe to my ever-inspiring mother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The worlds and characters that came to life on the pages of my favourite fantasy novels (I particularly remember Terry Brooks\u2019 The Sword of Shannara<\/strong>) transported me to places beyond my imagination.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n I remember those winter evenings, under the warm covers of my bed when I passionately lived the adventures of elves, gnomes, and trolls in the woods and castles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My passion for reading has never abandoned me, and inspired by these stories, as a boy, I had a burning desire to become a writer myself. However, I soon realized that creating compelling stories was no easy task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, I approached the study of dramaturgy, and it was only when I understood the concept of characters\u2019 conflict<\/strong> that I truly understood what makes stories really work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this article, we will explore the different types of conflicts in a story, the role of conflict in driving storytelling, and how conflict enhances character development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Conflict is the driving force behind a story. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Without conflict, we don\u2019t have a story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Conflict creates tension, raises stakes, and keeps readers engaged by presenting challenges the characters must overcome<\/strong> to change the condition of things.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Every story is the story of a change in the condition of things <\/strong>and of the evolution of characters during this process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are two main types of conflicts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s examine some examples of external conflict and their impact on storytelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This occurs when two or more characters have opposing goals or beliefs<\/strong> that directly clash with one another. The clash of personalities and motivations creates tension and drives the plot forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Terry Brooks\u2019 Shannara series<\/strong>, the protagonist must confront an antagonist who seeks to unleash dark forces upon the world. The conflict between these two characters fuels the narrative, as the protagonist must find a way to overcome their adversary and save the world from destruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This conflict occurs when a character\u2019s desires or beliefs are at odds with the norms and expectations of the society<\/strong> in which they live. The character must navigate the challenges and obstacles presented by societal norms, often facing resistance and opposition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Mark Twain\u2019s \u201cThe Adventures of Tom Sawyer\u201d<\/strong>, Tom, a mischievous young boy, rebels against the rules and expectations of his small town. His desire for freedom and adventure clashes with the structured society he finds himself in, leading to numerous conflicts throughout the story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Character vs. nature conflict arises when a character must battle against the elements, natural disasters, or the harsh realities of the natural world. <\/strong>This form of conflict highlights the character’s vulnerability and struggle to survive and overcome the forces of nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Jack London\u2019s \u201cTo Build a Fire\u201d<\/strong>, the protagonist faces the brutal cold of the Alaskan wilderness. The struggle against the freezing temperatures and treacherous conditions becomes a central conflict, highlighting the fragility of human existence in the face of nature\u2019s power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Internal conflicts are as crucial as the external battles characters face. Let\u2019s explore various types of internal conflicts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This type of conflict occurs when a character is at odds with themselves<\/strong>. It may involve doubts, insecurities, or personal issues that challenge the character. This conflict often explores the deeper facets of the protagonist, leading to personal growth and self-discovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In F. Scott Fitzgerald\u2019s \u201cThe Great Gatsby\u201d<\/strong>, Jay Gatsby finds himself entwined in a ceaseless wrestle with his shadowy past, a consuming passion for Daisy Buchanan, and the elaborate fa\u00e7ade he has meticulously crafted to assimilate into the upper echelons of high society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This conflict involves the contrast between a character\u2019s fear or uncertainty and their ambition or goals. <\/strong>In the crucible of this inner turmoil, the character is compelled to confront the shadows of their own apprehensions while steadfastly pursuing their dreams and aspirations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In J.K. Rowling\u2019s \u201cHarry Potter\u201d<\/strong> series, Harry, faced with the omnipresent dread of the evil Lord Voldemort, must summon his unwavering courage and resilience, all the while relentlessly pursuing his noble ambition to defeat the dark wizard and safeguard the wizarding world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This type of conflict delves into the character\u2019s feelings of guilt and their quest for redemption <\/strong>through corrective or altruistic actions. The character\u2019s conscience becomes a battleground, tormented by the weight of remorse yet driven by a desire to atone for their past actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Charles Dickens\u2019s \u201cA Tale of Two Cities\u201d<\/strong>, Sydney Carton is entwined with the theme of redemption. Consumed by the guilt stemming from his dissolute past, he is compelled to seek redemption through a singular, selfless act that will alter the course of his life and the lives of those around him.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n This conflict revolves around the intricate interplay between personal love or relationships and the pursuit of ambition, success, or revenge.<\/strong> The character is trapped in the conflicting currents of their heart\u2019s desires and overarching personal goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Emily Bront\u00eb\u2019s \u201cWuthering Heights\u201d<\/strong>, Heathcliff grapples with the relentless tempest within his soul, torn between the all-encompassing love he harbours for Catherine Earnshaw and an unquenchable thirst for vengeance against those who have inflicted deep wounds upon his spirit.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this type of conflict, the character grapples with an identity crisis, embroiled in a profound struggle to fathom their true essence. <\/strong>This internal turmoil is frequently marked by the presence of duality or intricate layers within the character\u2019s identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Robert Louis Stevenson\u2019s \u201cThe Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde\u201d<\/strong>, Dr. Jekyll confronts an identity crisis that directly results from his transformation into Mr. Hyde. This metamorphosis plunges him into an inner conflict and serves as a thought-provoking examination of the dual nature within us all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moral conflict is a compelling form of internal conflict that explores the clash between a character\u2019s sense of right and wrong. This conflict arises when a character faces ethical dilemmas or must make difficult choices that challenge their values and beliefs.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In \u201cRomeo and Juliet\u201d<\/strong>, Shakespeare presents a character vs. moral conflict as the star-crossed lovers navigate their forbidden love. The conflict between their intense passion for one another and the feuding families they belong to creates a moral dilemma that drives the play’s tragic events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When characters face challenges and conflicts, they are forced to confront their fears, weaknesses, and flaws. <\/strong>This process of self-discovery and growth adds depth and complexity to the characters, making them more relatable and compelling to readers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Conflict reveals a character\u2019s true nature.<\/strong> In times of crisis, characters are pushed to their limits, and their actions and choices define who they really are. For example, a character who faces a moral dilemma may reveal their values and principles through their choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, conflict allows characters to transform. As they navigate through challenges and overcome obstacles, characters evolve and change.<\/strong> They learn from their mistakes, acquire new skills, and develop resilience. This transformation adds depth to the characters and gives readers a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a writer, to create compelling conflicts, consider the following techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe role of conflict in driving storytelling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Exploring the different types of external\u00a0conflict<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Character vs. Character Conflict<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Character vs. Society Conflict<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Character vs. Nature Conflict<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Exploring the different types of internal\u00a0conflict<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Character vs. Self Conflict<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Character\u2019s Fear vs. Ambition Conflict<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Character\u2019s Guilt vs. Redemption Conflict<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Character\u2019s Love vs. Ambition Conflict<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Character\u2019s Self-Identity Crisis Conflict<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Character vs. Moral Conflict<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How conflict enhances character development<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Creating compelling conflicts in your\u00a0writing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n