How to Create Central Conflict in Your Fiction Novel -

Good stories, the kind that keep you awake because you can’t bear to put them down, rely on conflict. Without some form of struggle or problem (the central conflict), a story simply can’t evolve into something gripping or engaging.

Often, new and inexperienced writers find it challenging to introduce conflict. However, the key is to embrace it wholeheartedly and not avoid it. Embracing conflict in a story allows you to work through the problem and find a resolution. It’s during the tough times that your characters truly show who they are.

In this post, I will provide a comprehensive overview of a central conflict, its significance in storytelling, and the various types that commonly arrive in narratives. Understanding the central conflict is essential for crafting engaging and compelling stories that captivate the audience’s attention and drive the plot forward.

What is central conflict?

The central conflict in a story is the main struggle or problem that the characters face. It’s the driving force that propels the plot forward and creates tension and interest for the reader.

Typically, a significant event early in the narrative sets the stage for this key struggle. According to conventional literary structure, the rising action brings forth the conflict, and by the conclusion, the falling action works towards its resolution.

The central conflict shapes the path and development of your character’s journey. Often, the central conflict is used to expose a deeper meaning in a story, while stressing the characters’ weaknesses, motivations, and values.

Why is it important for a story to have a central conflict?

Conflict in a story is important because it pushes the plot forward. A crucial step in figuring out what keeps the story moving is pinpointing the main problem. If there’s nothing at risk, the characters’ choices won’t matter much, and readers might lose interest. If you always let your characters get what they want, the story won’t have any suspense. Conflict and suspense are what make characters grow.

The central conflict of a story can take make forms, depending on what your characters want and what’s standing in their way. It isn’t always about action scenes or fighting. The key thing to keep in mind is that the conflict should escalate as the story unfolds.

Types of Conflict in Fiction

There are essentially two main types of conflict: external and internal. Over time, people have come up with various ways to categorize and define them. Let’s take a look at seven different types of central conflict for you to think about.

External Conflicts

1. Person vs. Person

Often referred to as protagonist versus antagonist, this is the most common type of external conflict. Person versus person is a central conflict where two characters have opposing opinions, perspectives, or objectives. The narrative gains depth when both characters believe in their own righteousness or when there isn’t a clear-cut right or wrong in their differences.

Illustrative instances could range from a feud between neighbors or a falling out among friends to something more intense like a clash between a hero and a supervillain.

Examples:

Dorothy facing off against the Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz
Angela and Oscar arguing over Angela’s poster of two babies playing saxophones in The Office

How to Create Person vs. Person Conflict in Your Fiction Novel

To create meaningful person-versus-person conflict, consider the driving forces behind your characters and how they clash with one another. For instance, your main character may be obligated to provide for their family, while the antagonist is primarily motivated by greediness. Or, within a circle of friends, two girls may both be fiercely determined to become prom queen.

Next, consider the various factions within your narrative, such as political parties, social classes, and other societal divisions, which can create opposition between your character’s respective groups. Create a list by first pinpointing the aspirations of each character. Then list possible sources of conflict that may arise from these opposing desires.

Editor’s Tips:

When creating person-versus-person conflicts in your story, avoid limiting it to just physical confrontations or verbal disputes. Expand your understanding and engage in some creative brainstorming. Consider that competition serves as an effective framework for external conflict. Whether it is a race, a job interview, or vying for a romantic interest, competition can set your characters against each other without requiring ill will.

Consider also the potential for misunderstandings instead of outright fights. What initial and misguided assumptions might your characters make about each other when they first meet? Let these misconceptions spark conflict until they take the time to reassess and correct their assumptions. Or, one character might accidentally pick up another character’s drink, mistaking it for their own. This could lead to a disagreement or negative reaction in response to the error.

2. Person vs. Nature

Person versus nature occurs when a character struggles with natural elements, like harsh weather conditions or daunting wildlife. This struggle is essentially about survival. Picture a character stranded on a desolate island, battling with an unrelenting dust storm, or navigating the wild after a plane crash encountering untamed creatures.

This type of conflict exposes a character’s vulnerability in the face of Mother Nature, emphasizing a sense of powerlessness. It serves as an emotional way to show the unpredictability of the human experience. Person versus nature conflicts also bring out basic human instincts, as characters are frequently thrown into tough situations.

Examples:

The great white shark that terrorizes a small island community in Steven Spielberg’s Jaws
A fishing boat caught in a massive storm at sea in Sebastian Junger’s The Perfect Storm

How to Create Person vs. Nature Conflict in Your Fiction Novel

If you’re creating a person versus nature conflict in your story, ask yourself these questions:

How is this leaving its mark on my story?
How does it change the landscape?
How does it change the characters?
How does it affect my plot?

Not every person versus nature conflict will have a profound and enduring impact on your story. At times, this type of conflict can spark a subsequent, more significant conflict. For instance, a sudden flood may fill a basement with water, compelling two characters to work together to pump out the water. This situation may force them to confront their feelings of attraction, anger, or dislike towards one another, all due to the person versus nature conflict.

When using a minor person versus nature conflict, consider how it directly contributes to the unfolding plot. It should be part of the plot, rather than a random occurrence. Or think about how this conflict with nature prompts your character to gain self-awareness or take a small step in their personal growth.

Editor’s Tips:

When using person versus nature in your story, ask yourself this question: “What could be worse?” The goal is to make sure it’s interesting enough to hold the reader’s attention. To do this, make a list of all the things that could make the conflict worse to add conflict and tension. Remember: challenges that characters can overcome easily are boring.

For example, weather makes an excellent nature conflict, but how can you make it worse? Add a unique storm in which your characters can’t simply step into a shelter to avoid it. Or choose a different nature conflict altogether.

3. Person vs. Society

Person versus society conflict occurs when the main character is in direct conflict with society (a group of people who work as a unit). “Society” in a story can be as small as a club at school or as big as a government. Some common themes include racism, religious beliefs, being ousted from society, abuse of power, and being wrongly accused of something.

Dystopian fiction is a common story type that often features person versus society conflicts. The character acts against society by rebelling or even starting a rebellion.

Examples:

Katniss is pitted against Panem’s government in The Hunger Games
Hester Prynne is subjected to public shaming and religious punishments in The Scarlet Letter

How to Create Person vs. Society Conflict in Your Fiction Novel

To create person versus society conflict in your story, focus on crafting key plot points that emphasize your protagonist’s battle against well-known social norms. These critical points may include instances of defiance, rebellious actions, or dangerous choices that defy the prevailing order. By weaving these occurrences into your narrative, you’ll create a dynamic and compelling story that reveals the clash between the character and society.

Editor’s Tips:

Give your characters clear reasons to oppose their society. Are they being punished, disapproved of, or shunned? Do they stand out from the crowd? Do they hold strong values or personal beliefs? Make the risks for their disobedience high. For example, instead of your character taking on a few opponents, change it to an entire police force or schooling system.

4. Person vs. Technology

Also known as person versus machine, this type of central conflict is when a character is in a struggle with technology. Typically we think of robots in this case, but it can also be something simpler, such as a character battling social media or learning how to fly a UFO.

Usually in this scenario, the main character has to find a way to save the world (or themselves) from destructive technology. A more uncommon scenario is a character who cannot keep up with the advances in technology either physically or mentally. Or the advances exasperate them.

Examples:

Humans fighting against a computer program in The Matrix
The government uses psychic technology that catches criminals before they commit crimes in Minority Report

How to Create Person vs. Technology Conflict in Your Fiction Novel

When using person versus technology conflict in your story, ask yourself: “What could go wrong with this technology?” Imagine that your character is captured on tape engaging in illicit activities. In this scenario, the technology would have fulfilled its purpose, potentially prompting the character to urgently try to erase the incriminating evidence before it’s discovered. Or consider what happens when an invention malfunctions and wreaks havoc, such as a runaway tractor tearing through a farm. Or what if the foundational elements of your story fail? A pipe might burst, placing your character’s life or cherished belongings in jeopardy.

Editor’s Tips:

Technology is a huge part of our everyday lives, so if you’re writing contemporary fiction, your story needs it. It may seem as though technology could ruin your story. What if all the best horror books included technology that could be used for characters to simply call for help? There wouldn’t be much of a story. That’s where you can get creative as an author. Imagine if the “help” isn’t so helpful.

5. Person vs. Supernatural

Typically, person versus supernatural is often a misunderstood conflict type. In this scenario, the main character is battling supernatural forces, which operate outside the laws of nature. These forces may have special powers or abilities and can be something magical (witches, wizards) or paranormal (ghosts, vampires). A god or gods can also appear in person versus supernatural stories.

Examples:

Eleanor becoming possessed by a haunted house full of paranormal activity in The Haunting of Hill House
Ferocious dinosaurs created from prehistoric DNA take over a popular island theme park in Jurassic Park

How to Create Person vs. Supernatural Conflict in Your Fiction Novel

To create person versus supernatural conflict in your story, first, you need to decide if it’s an internal or external conflict. Internal conflict in person versus supernatural is when a character struggles to have faith in their god/goddess or doesn’t want to fulfill their fate or prophecy. External conflict would involve a character clashing with a supernatural villain.

Next, decide if your character is struggling with the fact that their destiny is sealed by fate and there’s nothing they can do about it. Think about whether or not they have the power to change the outcome.

Also, set some rules about the supernatural elements in your story:

Are they characters (ghosts, monsters) or forces (fate)?
What powers do they have?
What human rules do they break or abide by?

Editor’s Tip:

Think about how a supernatural conflict can manifest both internally and externally. Unlike the other conflicts, person versus supernatural is a combination of internal and external forces that your character struggles with. Afterlife stories are a great example of stories that include a strong mix of both components.

Internal Conflicts

Internal conflict in a story occurs when a character struggles with their inner turmoil, which can have a profound impact on their mental and emotional well-being. This turmoil involves their emotions, values, aspirations, personality traits, and areas of interest. Ultimately, these internal struggles often serve as obstacles that hold the character back from reaching their desired goal.

6. Person vs. Self

Person versus self is a conflict in a story where a character grapples with inner struggles, be it inner demons, moral dilemmas, or a quest for personal growth. These conflicts add depth and a sense of intimacy to the story, often evoking the most empathy from readers.

Examples:

In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden struggles with his identity, his depression, and his anxieties about growing up
Dr. Jeckyll’s battle with his darker alter ego, Mr. Hyde, symbolizes an internal conflict between his desire for respectability and his immoral inclinations. In The Strange Case of Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde

How to Create Person vs. Self Conflict in Your Fiction Novel

The key to creating person versus self conflict in your story lies in consequences – mainly negative ones. When your character is stuck in a hard position, negative consequences are what create tension. Readers will be kept on the edge of their seats because they will have a ton of questions about the character’s well-being and what they are going to do to get out of the situation.

Eventually, your character will have to come to a decision – take action or avoid it. Either way, this serves as your character’s motivation, which is a key element of great storytelling. Experiences such as fear, unhappiness, and peer pressure are relatable to humans, and that’s what hooks readers into your story.

Editor’s Tips:

To use person versus self conflict, try using more than one type of conflict. Just like in real life, we have to deal with multiple conflicts at once sometimes. Consider using an external conflict as a metaphor for the internal conflict.

Also, don’t just tell your readers how your character is feeling. Illustrate it with action.

7. Person vs. Destiny (Fate/Luck/God)

Person versus destiny often gets broken down and placed into other categories. For example, some writers define it as “person versus self” because accepting fate can be seen as an inner personal struggle.

In this scenario, the character struggles with a predetermined destiny, grappling against what has been destined for them. In fantasy, prophecies often provide this information, while in horror, it might manifest as a curse. It can also tie into the idea of the universe following a specific law or order, possibly parallel to the concept of dharma that must be honored or fulfilled.

Examples:

Simba is destined to be the king to fulfill the Circle of Life but later rejects the idea in The Lion King
Harry struggles with accepting the prophecy that was revealed to him earlier in Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince

How to Create Person vs. Destiny Conflict in Your Fiction Novel

The key to creating a person versus destiny conflict in your story is to depict the future in a way that feels likely to be true. For example, maybe your main character is visited by a prophet who tells them their life will soon end. In this scenario, a higher power holds the source of the character’s destiny.

Editor’s Tip:

Don’t reveal all the answers to your reader. Show them glimpses of the future, instead. Telling the reader everything that happens next will remove the suspense and mystery from your story, which is boring. Give readers just enough to draw them in, but not so much that they know what’s going to happen next.

How to Create a Central Conflict in Your Fiction Novel

Conflict and tension serve as the vital energy propelling your story forward, steering the plot and captivating the reader’s attention. Should this driving force diminish, there’s a risk the reader might lose interest. Conflict typically takes the form of obstacles obstructing the character’s path to their desires, while tension is the apprehension and suspense experienced by the reader. To heighten these elements in your story, consider the following tips:

Make sure your main character is relatable.

If your readers can’t root for your main character, it becomes challenging for them to genuinely care about the character’s fate. No amount of conflict or tension can salvage a protagonist who is dull or unlikable. While they need not be flawless, they should also not border on being dreadful.

Have at least three conflict levels.

If you find that your conflict is losing its impact or becoming less engaging, it may be because you’ve focused too heavily on a single element. Take a moment to reflect on what additional conflicts could naturally precede or follow the central conflict, and incorporate them into the story. This strategic approach will breathe new life into your storyline and hold the reader’s interest.

Have a diversity of personalities.

A story where everyone simply agrees can quickly become boring. While it would be great in real life, it’s not very interesting in storytelling. To add oomph to your story, make sure that even characters with shared objectives possess distinct approaches to achieving them. This diversity in viewpoints adds depth to the plot and invites engaging conflicts that propel the story forward.

Don’t be so nice to your characters.

In real life, kindness is admirable, while in fiction, a touch of psychopathy can add an intriguing edge. Characters effortlessly obtaining their desire can lead to a dull narrative, whereas denying them what they want can create captivating tension. Challenge your characters by subjecting them to the worst possible scenarios. Even when positive outcomes occur, twist them in a way that defies expectations. Keep success teasingly close yet frustratingly vague, reserving its full realization for the end of the story. This constant ebb and flow of fates keeps the reader completely engaged.

Spice up the explanation scenes with conflict and tension.

Including the occasional scene where a character explains something is acceptable, but overdoing it or stringing too many of these scenes together can risk lulling your reader into boredom. While people often offer explanations for no reason in real life, in stories, these details must seamlessly tie into the plot. One effective approach is to infuse the explanation with conflict or tension, ensuring it feels relevant and engaging for the reader.

Add internal and external conflicts.

While many stories center around an external conflict (a menacing figure arriving in town), heightening the conflict and tension can be achieved by including an internal struggle. For example, the menacing figure in town might turn out to be the protagonist’s father, complicating their decisions. In the same way, if your story primarily revolves around internal conflict, introducing an external challenge can add a new layer of depth and intrigue.

Never lower the stakes.

It’s crucial to ensure that the tension and conflict in your story steadily build up leading to the climax. Introducing a scene with lower stakes than a preceding one can disrupt the flow and feel awkward to readers. For instance, if your character has recently prevented a world-ending catastrophe, it may be difficult for readers to believe that they are now deeply concerned about a measly bully. Consistency in the level of tension maintains the narrative’s credibility and keeps readers engaged.

Add a tense subplot that connects to the main plot.

Keep in mind that before implementing this, it’s essential to ensure that your main plot already has a good amount of conflict and tension. Introducing a gripping subplot can serve to improve the main plot, providing additional challenges for the protagonist to face (a long-buried family secret). However, it’s crucial to maintain a clear connection between the two storylines. This combination ensures that the subplot seamlessly complements and enhances the overall narrative.

Conclusion

In creating a compelling fiction novel, the central conflict emerges as the driving force that propels the plot forward, captivating the reader’s attention and evoking a sense of suspense and anticipation. The types of conflicts, whether external or internal, serve as essential elements in shaping the characters’ journeys and exposing deeper layers of meaning within the story. From person versus person to person versus destiny, each conflict type brings its unique dynamics, offering a rich tapestry of challenges for the characters to struggle with.

To create a central conflict that resonates, it’s important to ensure relatable protagonists, a diverse range of personalities, and a functional balance of internal and external struggles. By following these tips and keeping a steady escalation of risks, a well-crafted central conflict will fill the story with the tension and intrigue necessary to keep the reader captivated until the very end.

Remember, a story without conflict is like a ship without a sail – it may be afloat, but it won’t get very far. Embrace conflict wholeheartedly, and let it steer your story towards the shores of captivating storytelling.