Definition
What is conflict?
A struggle between opposing forces, often the central element of a plot.
On the page
Conflict examples
“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
“Man versus nature. Man versus man. Man versus himself.”
Famous examples in literature
Les Misérables
Victor Hugo
Multiple layers of conflict: Jean Valjean vs. Javert (man vs. man), vs. society's injustice (man vs. society), vs. his own past (man vs. self).
The Old Man and the Sea
Ernest Hemingway
The purest man vs. nature conflict in literature—one man, one fish, the entire sea.
Crime and Punishment
Fyodor Dostoevsky
The external murder mystery is secondary to Raskolnikov's internal psychological conflict and guilt.
For writers
How writers use conflict
- Layer conflicts: external (villain) + internal (self-doubt) = rich story
- Escalate throughout — each obstacle should be harder than the last
- Make both sides have valid perspectives for complex conflict
- Every scene needs micro-conflict, even if the main conflict is distant
Why it matters
- Conflict creates tension that keeps readers engaged
- Reveals character through how they handle opposition
- Drives the plot forward — every scene needs something at stake
- Makes resolution satisfying when obstacles are finally overcome
Across different genres
External: families disapprove. Internal: fear of vulnerability after past hurt
External: monster hunting them. Internal: survivor's guilt about who they couldn't save
External: dark lord rising. Internal: hero doubts they deserve power
External: killer still free. Internal: detective's methods crossing ethical lines
Types and variations
Person vs. Person
The most common conflict type. Protagonist faces a human antagonist with opposing goals.
Sherlock Holmes vs. Moriarty, Harry vs. Voldemort, Elizabeth vs. Lady Catherine
- Both sides should have understandable motivations
- The antagonist should be a worthy opponent
- The conflict should force the protagonist to grow
Person vs. Self
Internal conflict—the protagonist struggles with their own beliefs, desires, fears, or moral choices.
Hamlet's indecision, Raskolnikov's guilt, any addict fighting their addiction
- Internal conflict adds depth to any external conflict
- Show the struggle through action and choice, not just thought
- The internal and external conflicts should relate thematically
Person vs. Society
The protagonist struggles against social norms, institutions, or cultural expectations.
1984, The Handmaid's Tale, To Kill a Mockingbird
- The society must feel real and oppressive
- The protagonist's rebellion should have genuine consequences
- Often carries strong thematic or political messages
Person vs. Nature
The protagonist faces environmental challenges—storms, wilderness, animals, disease.
The Revenant, Life of Pi, The Perfect Storm
- Nature is indifferent, not malicious—this can be terrifying
- Survival stories focus on resourcefulness and will
- Nature can be metaphor for larger forces
Common pitfalls
- Easily solved conflicts: If the solution is obvious, tension dies
- No internal conflict: Pure external conflict feels shallow
- Unrelated conflicts: Internal and external should connect thematically
- Conflict without stakes: If failure doesn't matter, readers won't care
Try it in your own writing
- Romance: Create a conflict where both characters want the same thing but can't both have it
- Horror: Design a monster that represents the protagonist's internal struggle
- Fantasy: Write a scene where the hero must choose between two people they love
Quick answers
Conflict FAQ
What is conflict?
A struggle between opposing forces, often the central element of a plot.
What are some examples of conflict?
The examples on this page include Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Writing Principle. Each one shows how the device works in context.
How can writers use conflict effectively?
Layer conflicts: external (villain) + internal (self-doubt) = rich story Escalate throughout — each obstacle should be harder than the last Make both sides have valid perspectives for complex conflict