Good stories, the kind that keep you awake because you can’t bear to put them down, rely on conflict. Without some form of struggle or problem, a story simply can’t evolve into something gripping or engaging.
Often, new and inexperienced writers find it challenging to introduce conflict. However, the key is to embrace it wholeheartedly and not avoid it. Embracing conflict in a story allows you to work through the problem and find a resolution. It’s during the tough times that your characters truly show who they are.
In this post, I will provide a comprehensive overview of a central conflict, its significance in storytelling, and the various types that commonly arrive in narratives. Understanding the central conflict is essential for crafting engaging and compelling stories that captivate the audience’s attention and drive the plot forward.
What is central conflict?
The central conflict in a story is the main struggle or problem that the characters face. It’s the driving force that propels the plot forward and creates tension and interest for the reader.
Typically, a significant event early in the narrative sets the stage for this key struggle. According to conventional literary structure, the rising action brings forth the conflict, and by the conclusion, the falling action works towards its resolution.
The central conflict shapes the path and development of your character’s journey. Often, the central conflict is used to expose a deeper meaning in a story, while stressing the characters’ weaknesses, motivations, and values.
Why is it important for a story to have a central conflict?
Conflict in a story is important because it pushes the plot forward. A crucial step in figuring out what keeps the story moving is pinpointing the main problem. If there’s nothing at risk, the characters' choices won’t matter much, and readers might lose interest. If you always let your characters get what they want, the story won’t have any suspense. Conflict and suspense are what make characters grow.
The central conflict of a story can take make forms, depending on what your characters want and what’s standing in their way. It isn’t always about action scenes or fighting. The key thing to keep in mind is that the conflict should escalate as the story unfolds.
How to Create a Central Conflict in Your Fiction Novel
Conflict and tension serve as the vital energy propelling your story forward, steering the plot and captivating the reader’s attention. Should this driving force diminish, there’s a risk the reader might lose interest. Conflict typically takes the form of obstacles obstructing the character’s path to their desires, while tension is the apprehension and suspense experienced by the reader. To heighten these elements in your story, consider the following tips:
Make sure your main character is relatable.
If your readers can’t root for your main character, it becomes challenging for them to genuinely care about the character’s fate. No amount of conflict or tension can salvage a protagonist who is dull or unlikable. While they need not be flawless, they should also not border on being dreadful.
Have at least three conflict levels.
If you find that your conflict is losing its impact or becoming less engaging, it may be because you’ve focused too heavily on a single element. Take a moment to reflect on what additional conflicts could naturally precede or follow the central conflict, and incorporate them into the story. This strategic approach will breathe new life into your storyline and hold the reader’s interest.
Have a diversity of personalities.
A story where everyone simply agrees can quickly become boring. While it would be great in real life, it’s not very interesting in storytelling. To add oomph to your story, make sure that even characters with shared objectives possess distinct approaches to achieving them. This diversity in viewpoints adds depth to the plot and invites engaging conflicts that propel the story forward.
Don’t be so nice to your characters.
In real life, kindness is admirable, while in fiction, a touch of psychopathy can add an intriguing edge. Characters effortlessly obtaining their desire can lead to a dull narrative, whereas denying them what they want can create captivating tension. Challenge your characters by subjecting them to the worst possible scenarios. Even when positive outcomes occur, twist them in a way that defies expectations. Keep success teasingly close yet frustratingly vague, reserving its full realization for the end of the story. This constant ebb and flow of fates keeps the reader completely engaged.
Spice up the explanation scenes with conflict and tension.
Including the occasional scene where a character explains something is acceptable, but overdoing it or stringing too many of these scenes together can risk lulling your reader into boredom. While people often offer explanations for no reason in real life, in stories, these details must seamlessly tie into the plot. One effective approach is to infuse the explanation with conflict or tension, ensuring it feels relevant and engaging for the reader.
Add internal and external conflicts.
While many stories center around an external conflict (a menacing figure arriving in town), heightening the conflict and tension can be achieved by including an internal struggle. For example, the menacing figure in town might turn out to be the protagonist’s father, complicating their decisions. In the same way, if your story primarily revolves around internal conflict, introducing an external challenge can add a new layer of depth and intrigue.
Never lower the stakes.
It’s crucial to ensure that the tension and conflict in your story steadily build up leading to the climax. Introducing a scene with lower stakes than a preceding one can disrupt the flow and feel awkward to readers. For instance, if your character has recently prevented a world-ending catastrophe, it may be difficult for readers to believe that they are now deeply concerned about a measly bully. Consistency in the level of tension maintains the narrative’s credibility and keeps readers engaged.
Add a tense subplot that connects to the main plot.
Keep in mind that before implementing this, it’s essential to ensure that your main plot already has a good amount of conflict and tension. Introducing a gripping subplot can serve to improve the main plot, providing additional challenges for the protagonist to face (a long-buried family secret). However, it’s crucial to maintain a clear connection between the two storylines. This combination ensures that the subplot seamlessly complements and enhances the overall narrative.
Conclusion
In creating a compelling fiction novel, the central conflict emerges as the driving force that propels the plot forward, captivating the reader’s attention and evoking a sense of suspense and anticipation. The types of conflicts, whether external or internal, serve as essential elements in shaping the characters’ journeys and exposing deeper layers of meaning within the story. From person versus person to person versus destiny, each conflict type brings its unique dynamics, offering a rich tapestry of challenges for the characters to struggle with.
To create a central conflict that resonates, it’s important to ensure relatable protagonists, a diverse range of personalities, and a functional balance of internal and external struggles. By following these tips and keeping a steady escalation of risks, a well-crafted central conflict will fill the story with the tension and intrigue necessary to keep the reader captivated until the very end.
Remember, a story without conflict is like a ship without a sail – it may be afloat, but it won’t get very far. Embrace conflict wholeheartedly, and let it steer your story towards the shores of captivating storytelling.