Creating Conflict in a Story
by Mary Kole | Former literary agent, now a freelance editor, writing teacher, and IP/story developer for major publishers and creators.
Creating conflict in a story involves weaving together a lot of different writing elements: internal and external conflict, characterization, and high stakes. Plot combines all of these together, so make sure your writing toolbox is stocked. Here’s how.
Obstacles Make for Conflict in a Story
Ideally, to create conflict in a story, your protagonist should face a problem that appears to be insurmountable, but will ultimately be solved (in a fresh and unexpected way, if possible). On the scale of obstacles, there are two extremes to avoid: conflict in a story that is too simple to overcome (as this doesn’t hook the reader), and conflict in a story that appears to be absolutely impossible to beat (which will discourage characters and readers from getting truly invested).
The first option here is not ideal, as it should always be a writer’s goal to ramp up tension as a protagonist moves toward the climax (the maximum moment of conflict in a story). If the antagonist is defeated with one punch or a missing journal is easily found in the attic and explains the mystery, this robs your readers of a satisfying resolution to what you’ve been creating as conflict in a story for the entirety of the plot. Introducing a little low stakes writing throughout your story is fine, but too many problems that are easy to solve will leave the reader feeling dissatisfied.
The opposite is true of story obstacles that seem impossible to overcome. While it’s great when writers are creating conflict for their characters, the protagonist must have at least a small chance of success, or else readers will give up. (If the conflict in a story has been out of reach the entire time, and then there’s a simple solution, readers might balk because it will seem too good to be true.)
Sure, impossible dreams make for an interesting story, but your protagonist must stand a chance at achieving their character objective. (Another problem writers run into when attempting to generate conflict in a story is when the protagonist needs something from another character and that person simply says no. This also doesn’t offer much room for trying to reach the goal and usually feels arbitrary.)
Strike a balance: Establish a difficult barrier but give your character a chance to triumph for the best of all worlds for conflict in a story.
Adding Conflict In a Story To Your Middle
Many manuscripts tend to falter in the dreaded “Muddy Middle,” so to ensure your story sizzles with excitement, make sure you provide your characters with both a goal and a driving force for maximum impact. These two elements are essential for a successful plot, so take the necessary steps to keep your conflict in a story on track and your readers spellbound.
Right from the start, your protagonist's objectives and motivations need to be crystal clear—a promise to your readers that they'll be able to follow your protagonist through conflict in a story as they strive to reach their goals! Of course, there can always be diversions and digressions along the way, but the middle of the story should have a very clear throughline in the middle.
It can be challenging for writers to stay true to the heart of their story, often leading them astray with unimportant writing subplots. Not every attempt to create conflict in a story is going to dovetail with the main plot. This can make readers feel like they are errand-running with the protagonist, instead of joining in on a thrilling quest that’s rising toward a climax. So why do writers find themselves going down unproductive paths with subplots and secondary characters who feel like tangents?
The writer could have an immense fondness for a certain scene or character that prevents them from prioritizing conflict in a story, which would make their work better. Everything should also be cohesive with the character need and book themes, instead of a plot that’s stuffed with events that don’t connect. Remember, a situation is not a plot. Your individual bouts of conflict in a story have to build toward something.
Cohesive and Engaging Conflict in a Story
Keep your character and story’s ultimate goal in sight. Action is what propels the narrative and forces your characters closer to or further away from their ambitions. Visualize the bullseye and don't get derailed by distractions that could result in a passive action and lower stakes.
If your plot is hitting a wall, urge your protagonist to stay focused on the goal and don't let any tangential matters that are not directly linked to the outcome sway them from their mission. Stay the course and you'll be on your way to creating powerful conflict in a story, which is what will drive readers to remain engaged.
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