1. CONFLICT

2. Definition Conflict is any clash of ideas, actions, desires or wills. A conflict always involves a story’s protagonist (aka main character) There are two major types of conflict: Internal and External

3. How does it relate to plot? A story cannot exist without conflict Conflict adds excitement and suspense to a story The conflict usually becomes clear at the beginning of a story. As the plot unfolds, we start to wonder what will happen next and how the characters will handle the situation The CLIMAX of the story is when the main conflict is resolved In short stories, there is usually one major conflict. In longer stories, there could be several conflicts.

4. So, What are the different types of conflict? Internal: Person vs. Self External: Person vs. Person Person vs. Society Person vs. Society Person vs. Environment/Nature Person vs. Environment/Nature Person vs. Fate Person vs. Fate

5. Person vs. Self Internal Conflict This conflict exists inside the protagonist’s mind. It may involve making decisions, accepting their reality or overcoming other personal issues (like psychological issues)

6. Person vs. Person External Conflict The main character (protagonist) finds him/herself in conflict with another character (antagonist) The character can be either a human or an animal but must be a live being. This does not have to be a physical struggle!

7. Person vs. Society External Conflict Protagonist is in a conflict against a society, or group of people, a culture or system of set ideas This could be the society they come from or a new/different one Often times, the protagonist will disagree with the norms, or implied rules of that society/culture

8. Person vs. Environment External conflict Protagonist is in conflict with environment. This could be nature (weather, geographic location), technology, other elements of society

9. Person vs. Fate External conflict Protagonist is in a conflict against fate. This could include luck, God, spirits, or some other greater force outside the protagonist’s control Usually, this conflict is unpredictable

10. Time to Test Your Conflict Skillz Story: “Death by Scrabble” by Charlie Fish

11. Tying it all together How can an author’s conflict choices create a better story or make bigger impact on the reader?