Creating conflict

Definition

Creating conflict refers to the intentional development of tensions and struggles between characters in a narrative. This concept is essential in storytelling, as it drives the plot forward and helps to reveal character motivations, dynamics, and growth. Conflict often arises from differing goals, values, or relationships, making it a crucial element in character interactions and development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conflict can be internal (within a character) or external (between characters or forces), and both types are important for character development.
2. Creating conflict often involves introducing obstacles that characters must navigate, revealing their strengths and weaknesses.
3. Effective conflict encourages character relationships to evolve, showcasing how individuals respond under pressure or disagreement.
4. Conflict resolution is a critical part of storytelling; how characters resolve their conflicts can lead to meaningful conclusions and transformations.
5. Not all conflicts need to be dramatic; subtle disagreements or misunderstandings can create tension that enhances character dynamics.

Review Questions

• How does creating conflict influence character relationships within a story?
  • Creating conflict plays a vital role in shaping character relationships by forcing characters to confront their differences and work through tensions. This confrontation can lead to deeper understanding, growth, or even estrangement among characters. The way characters react to conflicts can also reveal their personalities and values, helping to establish their relationships more clearly.
• Discuss the role of antagonists in creating conflict and how they affect character dynamics.
  • Antagonists are crucial for creating conflict because they challenge protagonists and introduce obstacles that drive the narrative forward. Their opposing goals create tension that forces protagonists to adapt and grow. This dynamic not only highlights the strengths and weaknesses of both parties but also enriches the overall story by providing stakes and emotional investment for the audience.
• Evaluate how different types of conflict can shape a character's arc throughout a story.
  • Different types of conflict—be it internal struggles or external battles—significantly shape a character's arc by influencing their decisions and actions. Internal conflict may lead to self-discovery or personal growth, while external conflict can challenge a character's beliefs and relationships with others. The resolution of these conflicts often results in a transformed character who has learned valuable lessons, demonstrating the power of adversity in storytelling.

Related terms

Tension: The mental or emotional strain that arises from conflict in a story, keeping the audience engaged and invested in the outcome.

Character Arc: The transformation or inner journey of a character throughout a narrative, often influenced by the conflicts they face.

Antagonist: A character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict that propels the story's narrative.