5 Different Types of Conflicts in Fiction Writing

Every story that one writes, involves some sort of conflict between two entities. Whenever you write a story, when you come up with your plot, do you often ask yourself, “Is something happening here?” This question is closely linked to the following statement: you need to have in mind a type of conflict, which will form the basis of your whole story. Once you put your characters in such a position, it not only provides for a better reading, but also gives rise to interesting scenarios and outcomes. Here is a list of 5 different types of conflicts in fiction writing you could use:

1. Conflict with Man

This kind of conflict can be used in any premise which involves a “hero” and a “villain”. In this conflict, your characters are against each other. Your central character can have a certain ideology which is in direct opposition with the negative character of your story, thus forming a basis of conflict between the two characters. Even though this conflict is more of an external conflict, the idea can be extended to an internal one too. A person’s struggle with his/her own ideas or prejudices or doubts, could also lead to a very interesting and novel storyline for your fiction writing. These internal conflicts may then, affect their interactions with other characters.

2. Conflict with Society

These conflicts point towards those where your character may disagree with certain norms or rules which are present in the society. It could be slavery, social evils, or discrimination based on gender, nationality, colour or creed. Any norm which is endorsed by a society as a whole, and opposed by a minority, could be the basis of such a conflict. It is a fight of your character against traditions of his/her culture, which are unacceptable to him/her.

3. Conflict with Nature

Though not widely used, this type of conflict can also provide an interesting premise to your story. This involves your character (or a group of characters) battling the forces of nature, like a tornado or a snow storm. This may not be limited to a type of storm though. Nature can also be represented in some other form, most commonly in the form of an animal (Moby Dick). The characters struggle with an animal, and subsequent victory, can also prove to be an interesting storyline.

4. Conflict with Supernatural

Introduction of supernatural elements in your story can provide a great source of conflict with your characters, typically because they instil a sense of fear and amazement in the readers. It also adds to the drama quotient of your story, and having entities that defy the laws of nature and are beyond scientific understanding make for a good read. One thing you should keep in mind, though, is the genre in which you are writing. Such conflicts may work wonders in sci-fi and fairy tales, but they have no business in real fiction. Conflict with a supernatural entity, can also be extended to conflict with God, or religion too. One’s battle with his/her own fate can also be incorporated here.

5. Conflict with Technology

Finally, one of the most interesting (and new) conflicts that you could use is the “man vs machine”, or man vs technology conflict. We are in a time where technology is so advanced, nothing seems impossible. There can be various conflicts which can be thought of here, ranging from a character’s fight against a robot army, to a super-villain who aims to use technology for his own personal advantage. This type of conflict will give your story a futuristic feel, and will also make it more enjoyable.

Image credit: Erich Ferdinand on flickr and reproduced under Creative Commons 2.0[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://writingtipsoasis.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Pranay.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Pranay Kanagat is a freelance writer who has a love for writing on various subjects. In particular, he enjoys creative writing. He is also studying for an Engineering degree.[/author_info] [/author]