The Role of Conflict in Storytelling: Why Every Great Story Needs It

Merriam-Webster defines conflict as the clash, competition, or mutual interference of opposing or incompatible forces, such as ideas, interests, or wills. In storytelling, conflict arises as disagreements, struggles, and friction that keep your protagonist from achieving their goal. It can come from another person, society, the environment, or even the protagonist’s own internal struggles. Without conflict, a story lacks the tension and momentum needed to captivate readers.

Why Is Conflict So Essential?

At its core, conflict is what drives a story forward. Imagine a protagonist who simply gets everything they want—there’s no tension, no stakes, no reason for readers to care. Conflict introduces challenges and obstacles, creating a journey filled with highs and lows. It transforms a flat narrative into an engaging, emotional experience that readers can’t put down.

Here’s how conflict enhances storytelling:

• Reveals Character: Stressful situations push characters out of their comfort zones, revealing who they truly are. Does your protagonist rise to the occasion, or do they crumble under pressure? Conflict provides opportunities for growth, failure, and transformation.

• Builds Empathy: When readers see the protagonist struggle against adversity, they begin to care about the outcome. A well-crafted conflict makes readers root for your characters and invest in their journey.

• Creates Tension: Tension is the heartbeat of storytelling. Conflict keeps readers turning pages, eager to see how the protagonist will navigate their challenges.

• Delivers Payoff: The satisfaction of watching a protagonist overcome obstacles—or face consequences for their actions—gives readers a sense of resolution and reward. Victory feels sweeter after a hard-fought battle.

Types of Conflict

Conflict can come from various sources, each bringing a unique flavor to your story:

1. External Conflict:

   • Person vs. Person: Rivalries, betrayals, or power struggles between characters.

   • Person vs. Society: The protagonist challenges societal norms, laws, or prejudices.

   • Person vs. Nature: Battling the environment, such as surviving a storm or escaping a dangerous predator.

2. Internal Conflict:

   • Person vs. Self: Inner struggles, such as overcoming fear, guilt, or indecision. These conflicts deepen the emotional resonance of your story.

Using Conflict to Keep Readers Hooked

Great fantasy writers use conflict not only to propel the plot but also to create an immersive experience. By weaving conflict into your story, you heighten the stakes and keep readers on the edge of their seats. The key is to balance tension with moments of relief, allowing the story to build toward a satisfying resolution.

Here are some tips for crafting compelling conflict:

• Raise the Stakes: Make the consequences of failure significant. The higher the stakes, the more invested readers will be.

• Make It Personal: The conflict should matter deeply to your protagonist. Generic challenges won’t resonate; readers need to feel the weight of the struggle.

• Vary the Types of Conflict: Layer external and internal conflicts for a richer story. For example, a protagonist battling an enemy might also wrestle with self-doubt, adding depth to their journey.

• Resolve with Purpose: When the conflict is resolved, it should feel earned. The resolution should reveal growth, learning, or change in your protagonist.

Conflict: The Engine of Storytelling

At the heart of every great story lies conflict. It challenges characters, builds empathy, and keeps readers engaged from the first page to the last. Without it, a story lacks energy and direction. So, as you craft your narrative, remember: it’s the friction that creates the spark. Use conflict to challenge your characters, raise the stakes, and deliver a story your readers won’t forget.