Understanding the Classic Types of Conflict in Fiction Writing
Conflict is the lifeblood of storytelling. Without it, there’s no tension, no challenge for the characters to overcome, and ultimately, no reason for the reader to turn the page. For writers, understanding the different types of conflict is key to crafting compelling narratives. Whether you’re outlining your next novel, fine-tuning a short story, or trying to deepen a character arc, mastering the various types of conflict will add richness and complexity to your work.
In this post, we’ll explore the classic types of conflict in fiction, providing examples and insights that will help you harness their power in your own writing.
What is Conflict in Fiction?
Conflict is the central struggle or opposition that drives the plot and motivates characters. It’s the friction between what a character wants and what stands in their way.
Conflicts can be internal (within a character) or external (between characters or forces), and they shape the emotional core of your story. Without conflict, characters would have nothing to fight for—or against—and readers would have nothing to invest in.
There are five classic types of conflict in fiction, though they can sometimes overlap. Each type adds a unique flavor and dynamic to the story. Let’s dive into each one.
1. Man vs. Man (Person vs. Person)
This is one of the most common types of conflict and often forms the backbone of traditional narratives.
In Man vs. Man, the protagonist faces off against another character, typically the antagonist. This conflict can take the form of a physical confrontation, an intellectual rivalry, or a battle of wits.
Example:
In J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, the ongoing battle between Harry Potter and Voldemort is a classic Man vs. Man conflict. The stakes are high, with the survival of the wizarding world in the balance. Their struggle isn’t just physical but also ideological: Harry represents love and sacrifice, while Voldemort symbolizes fear and domination.
How to Use It:
- Motivations matter: The best Man vs. Man conflicts arise when both characters have compelling reasons to oppose each other. Make sure both the hero and villain have understandable motivations, even if one is more morally grounded.
- Complex relationships: Consider adding layers to the conflict by complicating the relationship. Maybe the antagonist is a former friend or family member, which adds emotional depth to the struggle.
2. Man vs. Self (Person vs. Self)
In Man vs. Self, the protagonist’s primary struggle is internal. This conflict often revolves around a character’s internal fears, doubts, flaws, or moral dilemmas.
It’s deeply psychological and emotional, allowing readers to engage with a character’s innermost thoughts and struggles.
Example:
In Hamlet by William Shakespeare, Hamlet’s famous indecision and internal conflict about whether to avenge his father’s murder is a textbook example of Man vs. Self. His moral struggle, combined with his fear of the consequences of action, drives much of the drama in the play.
How to Use It:
- Embrace inner turmoil: For this conflict to work, you need to deeply explore your character’s emotional and psychological state. Think about what inner demons they face or the personal flaws they need to overcome.
- Create tension: Characters in Man vs. Self conflicts often hesitate, self-sabotage, or make irrational choices. Use this tension to show character growth (or failure), pulling the reader deeper into the protagonist’s journey.
3. Man vs. Nature
This conflict arises when the protagonist is pitted against natural forces, such as a storm, a desert, or the wilderness.
It often focuses on survival and showcases humanity’s fragility in the face of the untameable elements. Man vs. Nature is common in adventure or survival stories, but it can also explore deeper themes of isolation, mortality, and humanity’s relationship with the environment.
Example:
In The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway, the protagonist Santiago battles the sea, a marlin, and sharks. The story illustrates not just a physical struggle against nature but also a mental and emotional endurance test, reflecting themes of pride, resilience, and defeat.
How to Use It:
- Nature as antagonist: In this conflict, nature isn’t evil or vengeful—it just is. The struggle lies in the protagonist’s ability to adapt, endure, or overcome the forces that seem indifferent to their plight.
- Physical and emotional stakes: Often, Man vs. Nature stories are more than survival tales. Consider what the natural challenge symbolizes in your story: is it a test of faith, a battle for redemption, or a quest for self-discovery?
4. Man vs. Society
In Man vs. Society, the protagonist stands in opposition to the norms, expectations, or laws of their society. This type of conflict often explores themes of rebellion, conformity, justice, and social change.
The character may struggle against an unjust government, cultural norms, or systemic oppression, making it a popular choice for dystopian or social justice-themed stories.
Example:
In 1984 by George Orwell, Winston Smith’s conflict with the oppressive regime of Big Brother is a classic Man vs. Society scenario. His personal rebellion against the totalitarian government reflects the broader themes of control, freedom, and resistance.
How to Use It:
- Society as a character: Treat society almost like a character—an omnipresent force that shapes and constrains your protagonist’s actions. This will make the struggle feel more personal and relatable.
- Moral complexity: These conflicts often challenge your protagonist’s ethical beliefs, pushing them to question what’s right or wrong. Make the character’s rebellion meaningful, but also fraught with moral dilemmas.
5. Man vs. Fate (Person vs. Fate)
Also known as Man vs. God or Man vs. the Supernatural, this conflict occurs when the protagonist fights against a force that is beyond their control, whether it’s destiny, divine will, or the supernatural.
This type of conflict often examines themes of free will, destiny, and faith, where characters try to escape or change an inevitable fate.
Example:
In Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, Oedipus tries to escape the prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother, but despite his efforts, the prophecy comes true. The story examines the inevitability of fate and the futility of trying to escape it.
How to Use It:
- Inevitable outcomes: In this type of conflict, part of the tension lies in whether the character can truly alter their fate—or if their attempts to do so only hasten it. This creates a sense of tragic inevitability.
- Spiritual or supernatural forces: You can make this conflict feel otherworldly by incorporating gods, spirits, or prophetic elements. Alternatively, fate might be an abstract concept, such as the unchangeable nature of time or the laws of the universe.
Mixing and Matching Conflicts
In most stories, you’ll find that multiple types of conflict can exist at the same time. For example, a character may be struggling internally (Man vs. Self) while simultaneously battling another character (Man vs. Man) or societal expectations (Man vs. Society).
These layered conflicts create more dynamic and multifaceted stories.
Example:
In The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Katniss Everdeen faces Man vs. Society as she rebels against the Capitol’s oppression, while also engaging in Man vs. Man conflicts with other tributes. Her inner struggles (Man vs. Self) around survival, morality, and protecting her loved ones add further depth to the story.
Conclusion: Embrace Conflict to Drive Your Story
Mastering the different types of conflict is essential for any writer. Conflict isn’t just about throwing obstacles in your character’s path—it’s about revealing who they are, what they stand for, and how they change over time.
Whether your story centres on internal battles or epic struggles against the forces of nature, conflict will always be the engine that propels your narrative forward.
So next time you’re plotting a story, ask yourself: What’s at stake for my characters? And more importantly, What’s stopping them from getting what they want? Understanding the nuances of conflict will help you craft stories that are not only engaging but also deeply resonant with your readers.
By learning how to effectively use the classic types of conflict in your fiction, you’re well on your way to creating dynamic and emotionally rich narratives.
Happy writing!
© Colin Lawson Books