2.3 Writer's Workshop: Short Stories
What is conflict?
Conflict is the struggle between opposing forces.
Why is conflict important?
Conflict connects characters and plot.
Conflict "drives" the story forward.
Types of Conflict:
Below are the most common conflicts y
ou find in stories.
1) Character vs. Character
The protagonist has a conflict with another person, animal or creature (like space aliens!).
2) Character vs. Nature
The leading character struggles against a force of nature like a storm, earthquake, being lost in a forest, etc. Sometimes the force is the "bad guy" in the story - a character itself.
3) Character vs. Society
The protagonist struggles against the ideas, practices, laws or customs of society.
4) Character vs. Self
The protagonist struggles with sense of identity, with a decision that has to be made, physical limitations, or big personal decisions, etc.
Quiz Yourself:
Test your conflict identification skills. Figure out the answer. Then check your answer using the drop down menu below each statement.
1) The banker took money illegally from my bank account.
2) Marcus rallied with the protestors outside the government office demanding equal pay for women.
3) The ocean waves threw the boat violently, and Surya paddled harder to reach the shore.
4) The prime minister wondered if she made the right decision.
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Open your Writer's Notebook and complete 4. Conflict. |