Conflict is a crucial element of writing fiction, emerging when two forces clash. It can be external or internal, and today, I'd like to tell you a bit about their types. Enjoy!
1. Man vs man
Conflict between two or more characters. The conflict can be caused by differences in morals, motivations, desires etc. It doesn't have to end with one character defeating the other; they can also try to resolve the conflict.
This type of conflict can look like two friends having an argument and not talking to each other or two artists competing to win a painting contest.
This conflict typically creates the popular protagonist-antagonist dynamics.
2. Man vs society
It's a conflict of a character with an institution, community, religion etc. It's often used to show the injustice and harm caused by many societal issues.
An example could be a character trying to run from a cult, a marginalized character fighting to get a job or a character unable to look the way they would like because of societal expectations.
3. Man vs self
This type of conflict, as opposed to others, is an internal one. It describes the internal battle of the character, often involving self-doubt, conflicting desires or trouble accepting parts of self. Most of the time it forces the character to make a different decision which then shapes their growth.
Examples: character denies being harsh with their partner, character is accused of loving one of their kids more, character has to choose between hobbies to set as a priority.
4. Man vs technology
This is typical for sci-fi: robots gained consciousness, and are now trying to overthrow humans. That's one of the scenarios of course. This conflict often poses questions like what it means to be human or where are the boundaries of technology vs humanity.
5. Man vs nature
In this type of conflict, a human character has to face a threat from nature. This doesn't have to be anything drastic - being caught outside without an umbrella while it's raining is an example. Other examples would be animals or just nature in general, where the character is forced to survive without the usual help of technology.
This conflict can remind us that nature also holds a bunch of mysteries not all of which are best discovered.
6. Man vs supernatural
Ufo, ghosts, possessions... Whenever character has to fight something not quite worldly, it's this type of conflict. So even gods or other deities.
This kind of conflict often poses questions about our deepest fears and weaknesses.
7. Man vs fate
In this conflict, the character struggles against a predetermined destiny or future, often revealed through a prophecy or divine wil.
"A fate conflict happens whenever a character is struggling with a destiny - something is predetermined or foreordained, and the character somehow opposes that. What is foretold need not always be tragic or lead to a dreadful end. Arguably, it need not always even be otherworldly" - septembercfawkes.com
I find best stories contain four or more conflict types. Some of them are easier to write, like man vs man, and some are harder - like man vs fate. Nevertheless, I encourage you to try writing each of them, either as a challenge or as a part of your journey to become a better writer.
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