Conflict is the engine that drives every story forward. Without it, characters have nothing to struggle against, nothing to learn, and nothing to change. Whether you’re writing fiction, memoir, or narrative nonfiction, understanding the different types of conflict helps you shape stronger plots and deeper emotional arcs. This guide breaks down the major conflict types in storytelling, how they work, and why they matter.
Why Conflict Matters in Storytelling
Conflict creates purpose and movement. It introduces obstacles, reveals character flaws, and pushes the story toward resolution. When conflict is clear and grounded in character motivation, readers stay engaged because they want to know what happens next.
The Major Types of Story Conflict
Most narrative conflicts fall into a set of recognizable categories. Each one provides a different lens through which tension and stakes can develop.
Character vs. Self
This conflict happens internally. The character struggles with fear, doubt, guilt, desire, or a belief that holds them back. Examples include:
- A protagonist afraid of commitment
- Someone struggling to forgive themselves
- A character learning to overcome insecurity
This type often creates the most emotional depth.
Character vs. Character
This is one of the most familiar forms of conflict. Two people have opposing goals, values, or needs. Examples include:
- Rivals competing for the same outcome
- A hero confronting an antagonist
- Family members clashing over expectations
The tension comes from opposing forces pulling in different directions.
Character vs. Society
Here, a character struggles against norms, expectations, laws, or systems. Examples include:
- A whistleblower exposing corruption
- A person challenging cultural restrictions
- A protagonist resisting an unfair rule
These stories often explore justice, identity, or freedom.
Character vs. Nature
This conflict arises when characters face environmental or natural forces beyond their control. Examples include:
- Surviving extreme weather
- Navigating dangerous landscapes
- Enduring illness or natural disaster
It tests resilience, adaptability, and willpower.
Character vs. Technology
A newer but rapidly growing category, this conflict examines tension between humans and their creations. Examples include:
- AI systems behaving unpredictably
- Characters losing control of their own inventions
- Technology disrupting human relationships
It often explores the boundaries between human and machine.
Character vs. Fate or Destiny
In this conflict, characters struggle against forces they cannot fully control—prophecies, predetermined outcomes, or existential limits. Examples include:
- Stories involving foretold events
- Characters resisting a role they are “meant” to play
- Narratives exploring chance, luck, or inevitability
This conflict often asks questions about choice, purpose, and free will.
How to Choose the Right Conflict for Your Story
Different types of conflict shape different kinds of narratives. Consider:
What your character wants
Conflict arises when something stands in the way of a desire, need, or goal.
What your character fears
Internal fears often influence the external obstacles they face.
What pressure the world puts on them
Social and environmental conditions shape external conflict.
What transformation you want to show
Conflict is the catalyst for change—your story’s theme often dictates which conflict fits best.
How Multiple Conflicts Work Together
Most compelling stories don’t rely on just one type of conflict. Instead, they layer conflicts to create richer tension. For example:
- A character may battle freezing temperatures (nature) while also struggling with self-doubt (self).
- A hero may fight a villain (character) while questioning their own moral boundaries (self).
Layered conflicts create emotional complexity and make the story feel more dynamic.
Common Mistakes Writers Make with Conflict
Avoiding these helps keep your narrative strong.
- Conflict that feels forced or artificial
- A character with unclear goals
- Obstacles that don’t raise real stakes
- Conflict introduced too late in the story
- Resolutions that appear without effort or growth
Strong conflict should feel inevitable based on character and circumstance.
| Type of Conflict | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Character vs. Self | Internal struggle with fears or desires | Fear of commitment, self-forgiveness |
| Character vs. Character | Opposing goals between characters | Rivals, hero vs. antagonist |
| Character vs. Society | Conflict with societal norms or laws | Whistleblower, cultural challenges |
| Character vs. Nature | Challenge against natural forces | Extreme weather, illness |
| Character vs. Technology | Tension with human-made systems | AIs, losing control of inventions |
| Character vs. Fate | Struggle against destiny | Foretold events, existential limits |
Understanding these conflict types allows writers to craft compelling narratives filled with tension and resonance. By choosing the right conflicts and layering them effectively, storytellers can draw readers in and keep them engaged from beginning to end.
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