2.2 Elements of a Story - Conflict and Point of View

Conflict

Conflict is the struggle between opposing forces. Below are the most common conflicts you 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.

  3. Character vs. Society
    The protagonist struggles against the ideas, practices, laws or customs of society.

  4. Character vs. Self
    The protagonist struggles with his or her sense of identity, with a decision he or she has made or has to make, physical limitations, etc.

Go to your Short Story Journal and do Journal #5: Worst Conflict.