1. Conflict
is when two sides are in opposition
with one another (against each
other), when there is a struggle of
some kind, OR when there is a
problem that needs to be dealt
with or solved.

2. Why does it matter?
There is no story without a conflict.
Conflict is the foundation of plot. If
there is no conflict, the writing is only
a description or a list of events.

3. Types of Conflict
Character vs. Character
Character vs. Nature
Character vs. Society
Character vs. Self
Character vs. the Divine

4. Breaking Down
Types of Conflict
There are five main types of conflicts found
in stories. Three are external, which means
they happen outside the character between
a character or characters and
something/someone else.
Two are internal, which means they happen
inside a character.

5. External Conflicts

6. Physical Conflict:
Character vs. Character
This type of conflict is when one character or group of
characters is in opposition with another.
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7. Elemental Conflict:
Character vs. Nature
This type of conflict finds the main character in conflict
with the forces of nature: disease, animals (non-
characterized), or natural elements such as weather.
Survival stories
are elemental
conflicts!
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8. Societal Conflict:
Character vs. Society
This type of conflict has the main character in conflict
with a group’s values, beliefs, traditions, etc.
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Note: Some people confuse a societal
conflict with a physical conflict, but they
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9. Internal Conflicts

10. Mental Conflict:
Character vs. Self
In this type of conflict, the main character experiences
some kind of inner conflict often because the character
needs to make a decision.
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11. Spiritual Conflict:
Character vs. the Divine
In this type of conflict, the main character experiences
some kind of inner conflict related to belief in the Divine.
This is NOT the same as a conflict where the “god” or
“God” is a character, such as mythology.
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