Types of Conflict

Conflict

What would a story be without a conflict? It would be boring. Perhaps that is why all stories worth telling have a problem. Conflict in a story is a struggle between opposing forces. Characters must act to confront those forces and there is where conflict is born. If there is nothing to overcome, there is no story. Conflict in a story creates and drives the plot forward. Most scholars agree that there are six basic types of conflicts in literature. We will be learning about all 6 types today.

What is Conflict?

Character vs. Character

In this type of conflict, the central character clashes with another person. It doesn’t always have to be a person. It could technically be an animal. The main idea is two characters in the book are against each other in some way.

Example: Jimmy and Eric compete for the same position on the baseball team.

Character

vs

Character

Character vs. Self

When a story has a character vs. self conflict, the main character battles him or herself. He or she may lack confidence or ability. He or she may have to make a difficult choice. Or he or she may have to address a personal problem. The key here is that the battle occurs within the character, though it may involve and affect other characters.

Example: Alexa caught her friend Jamie stealing from a classmate. Now Alexa must choose between keeping her friendship with Jamie and doing the right thing.

Character

vs

Self

Character vs. Nature

When a story has a character vs. nature conflict, the main character fights to endure or overcome forces of nature. He or she may struggle to survive harsh elements, navigate through a disaster, or meet his or her basic needs. Stories with this type of conflict may occur in the wilderness often, but they can occur in urban settings too.

Example: Alex and Scott are out at sea on a small fishing boat when a large storm hits. After their boat flips over and sinks during the storm, Alex and Scott struggle to make it back to the shore. Just when they think that things can’t get any worse, they see a shark fin circling them.

Character

vs

Nature

Character vs. Society

With this type of conflict, the main character challenges a law, tradition, or institution. The main character or characters may battle against the forces that represent these institutions.

Example: Vanessa makes an art project protesting police brutality. Her art teacher loves the project and tries to feature it in the town art show, but the county commission rejects the project. Now Vanessa, her art teacher are going to fight for the freedom of expression.

Character

vs

Society

Character vs. Supernatural

Character

vs

Supernatural

In stories with this type of conflict, the main character resists forces that are not of this world. He or she may battle monsters or strange creatures. He or she may challenge beings with magical powers. Or he or she may encounter hostile aliens. The key to this conflict is that forces that are not of this world threaten the main character.

Example: Tammy and her friends accept a dare to sleepover in the old abandoned house on the hill. They acted brave at first, but when they started seeing ghosts they tried to run. Trapped in the haunted house, Tammy and her friends struggle to escape with their lives.

Character vs. Technology

In a story with this type of conflict, the main character resists technological forces. He or she may battle rouge robots or hostile computers. Or he or she may just struggle to accept or use the technology of a changing world.

Example: Bob is a salesman who never adapted to the new ways of doing business. Now he has a new boss who forces Bob to send text messages and emails. Bob struggles to use these technologies and fears that he will lose his job. But maybe some help from his youngest son will help Bob catch up to the pace of business today.

Character

vs

Technology

Practice Identifying Type of Conflict

1. As far back as Brendon could remember, he only wanted one girl, Alice Dailey. To Brendon, she was perfect in every way. There was just one problem: every time Brendon tried to talk to her, he felt butterflies in his stomach and then he threw up in his mouth.

2. Justin didn't want to get involved in the struggle for civil rights. He just wanted to go to school.

Unfortunately, many people in the community did not want Justin to go to their school because of his

African American heritage.

3. Kelly just wanted a cup of coffee, but the coffee machine in the office is on the fritz. This inconvenient

situation turns into an epic battle as Kelly won't take "It's broke" for an answer. Join Kelly as she spends the

better part of her workday fiddling with the coffee maker in a desperate attempt to get caffeinated

Practice