What Are the 7 Types of Conflict in Literature and How Can You Use Them?

Understanding the different types of conflict in literature is essential for any writer aiming to craft a compelling narrative. Conflict is the engine of a story, creating the obstacles that characters must overcome, which in turn reveals their depth and drives the plot forward. By deliberately choosing and weaving these conflicts into your narrative, you can enhance character development, maintain reader engagement, and give your story a clear sense of purpose. The seven primary conflict types, which can be internal or external, provide a framework for building tension and meaning in your writing.

What is Literary Conflict?

In narrative structure, literary conflict refers to the struggle between opposing forces. This challenge creates uncertainty about whether a character will achieve their goals. The force of opposition can be a situation, a belief, another character, or even an internal dilemma. Mastering conflict allows a writer to control the story's pace and emotional impact, making it a fundamental tool for creative writers.

What Are the 7 Types of Conflict in Literature?

Writers typically draw from seven core conflict types to build their stories. Introducing these conflicts skillfully is key to developing multi-dimensional characters and a gripping plot.

1. Person vs. Self?

This is an internal conflict that occurs within a character's mind. It stems from opposing thoughts, often related to self-doubt, ethical dilemmas, or a struggle between needs and wants. For example, a character choosing between a safe career path and a risky passion project exemplifies Person vs. Self conflict. This type is crucial for deep character development, making protagonists relatable and complex.

2. Person vs. Person?

This common external conflict pits one character against another. The opposition can manifest through arguments, physical confrontations, or clashing beliefs. The protagonist must find a way to overcome this direct opposition to achieve their goals. This classic "hero vs. villain" dynamic is a straightforward way to create immediate tension and drama.

3. Person vs. Society?

In this external conflict, a character challenges social norms, institutions, or traditions. The character is at odds with a larger group, fighting against injustices or systemic pressures. An example is an individual advocating for change in a repressive community. This conflict type is powerful for exploring themes of conformity, rebellion, and social justice.

4. Person vs. Nature?

Here, a character faces resistance from natural forces, such as a storm, a wild animal, or a disease. The conflict arises from the character's vulnerability against the indifferent, relentless power of nature. Survival stories often use this conflict to highlight human resilience and fragility.

5. Person vs. Technology?

This external conflict involves a character struggling against technological forces, like a rogue AI, a malfunctioning machine, or a dystopian surveillance system. Common in science fiction, it explores themes of humanity's relationship with technology, ethics in innovation, and the potential loss of control over our creations.

6. Person vs. Supernatural?

This conflict places a character against fate, gods, ghosts, or other supernatural forces. It is prevalent in fantasy, horror, and mythology. The protagonist must contend with powers beyond the laws of nature, which can create a sense of awe, mystery, and high stakes.

7. Person vs. Fate?

Often intertwined with the supernatural, this conflict involves a character battling a seemingly predetermined destiny. The core struggle is about free will versus inevitability, where the character strives to change their preordained path. This adds a layer of philosophical depth to the narrative.

Table: Key Characteristics of Literary Conflict Types

Why is Conflict Critical in a Story?

Conflict serves two primary functions that are vital to a story's success. First, it provides narrative structure, giving the plot direction and momentum from beginning to end. Without conflict, a story lacks purpose and forward motion. Second, it reveals character traits. The challenges a character faces force them to make decisions and act, showing the audience their true nature, values, and growth. Based on our assessment experience, stories with well-defined conflicts are more likely to resonate with readers and feel impactful.

How Can You Write Effective Conflict in Literature?

Here are practical tips for integrating conflict into your writing skillfully.

• Use Conflict Purposefully: Let your story's genre and theme guide your choice of conflict. A mystery novel might focus on Person vs. Person, while a dystopian story may emphasize Person vs. Society. Ensure each conflict advances the plot or deepens character understanding, rather than feeling like a random insertion.
• Keep the Core Narrative Simple: Even with multiple conflicts, a straightforward main plot helps readers stay engaged. Use subplots to introduce additional conflicts that escalate the central tension without confusing the audience. Planning your story's structure with a storyboard before writing can help maintain this clarity.
• Understand Your Characters' Motivations: To create believable conflict, define each character's goals, desires, and values. Conflict naturally arises when these motivations oppose each other. Avoid one-dimensional "good vs. evil" setups; instead, build conflicts where each party has relatable, if competing, reasons for their actions.
• Keep Your Protagonist Active: Ensure your main character is constantly working to overcome obstacles. A passive character to whom things simply happen is less engaging. The struggle against rising challenges is what creates compelling drama and reader investment.
• Sustain Momentum: Gradually increase the stakes and intensity of the conflict, especially in the middle of the story. Remind readers of what the character stands to lose. This sustained momentum keeps the audience focused and eager to see the resolution.

To effectively use conflict, writers should choose types that align with their genre, ensure conflicts reveal character and drive the plot, and maintain rising tension throughout the narrative. By studying classic literature and understanding human nature, you can craft conflicts that are not only entertaining but also meaningful and insightful.