Explore how well-crafted conflict, both internal and external, creates compelling narratives and elevates storytelling to unforgettable heights.
Conflict is the driving force that makes characters evolve, the plot thicken, and the audience care. It takes characters on a journey—physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Without conflict, your narrative becomes flat, and without stakes, the audience loses interest. This truth has been echoed across genres, from classic films to modern blockbusters. Whether it’s James Bond versus his nemesis, Captain America versus the forces of evil, or a protagonist facing their inner demons, conflict gives characters the chance to grow and arc.
Conflict also creates a proving ground for characters. It's in the struggle, the failures, and the eventual triumphs that we become emotionally invested. Watching characters overcome internal and external hurdles makes them relatable and inspiring, giving the audience something or someone to root for.
In storytelling, conflict can be divided into two primary categories: internal and external. Both are essential in creating layered, compelling narratives, and the strongest stories weave them together seamlessly.
Internal Conflict
This occurs when a character struggles with their own desires, fears, or flaws. Whether it's battling self-doubt, addiction, or a fear of commitment, internal conflict brings depth to a character. A powerful example can be found in The Lord of the Rings, where Frodo struggles against the corrupting power of the One Ring. It’s not just the external quest to destroy the ring that makes Frodo’s journey compelling; it's his inner conflict as the ring gnaws away at his spirit. These internal battles humanise characters and make their triumphs more rewarding.
External Conflict
On the other hand, external conflict pits the character against forces outside of themselves, such as other characters, society, or nature. From Indiana Jones racing against Nazis in Raiders of the Lost Ark to Jaws’ man-versus-nature showdown, external conflict provides the visceral thrills that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. But it's more than just action for action's sake—external conflict mirrors and amplifies the internal struggles of the characters, allowing for richer storytelling.
Conflict comes in many forms, and it’s the variety and depth of conflict that separates a good story from a great one. Here are a few classic conflict types and examples of how they’ve been used effectively in storytelling:
Man vs. Man
The simplest form of conflict is a clash of wills between two characters with opposing desires. Think of The Dark Knight, where Batman faces off against the Joker in a philosophical and physical battle over the soul of Gotham.
Man vs. Nature
Characters pitted against the elements or wild creatures often represent the timeless human struggle for survival. Films like The Revenant exemplify this, where Leonardo DiCaprio's character must overcome the brutality of nature to survive.
Man vs. Society
This conflict sees a character going against societal norms, institutions, or expectations. Films like Selma or 12 Angry Men explore characters who challenge the status quo to fight for justice and change.
Man vs. Self
Some of the most emotionally compelling stories involve a protagonist facing their own inner demons. Black Swan showcases a dancer whose ambition and obsession drive her to the brink of psychological collapse.
Man vs. Fate
A more existential form of conflict, where characters are fighting against predetermined outcomes, can be found in films like The Matrix or Oedipus Rex. These characters often question the forces that shape their destinies, making for powerful, philosophical storytelling.
Elevating Conflict Beyond the Tropes
While understanding basic conflict types is important, emerging filmmakers must learn how to make these conflicts original and dynamic. Rather than sticking to formulaic depictions, explore new ways to create tension and drama. Here’s how:
Make It Personal
Audiences are drawn to conflict that feels real and relatable. The more personal the stakes for your characters, the more invested the audience becomes. In A Beautiful Mind, the external conflicts of academia and personal relationships are heightened by the internal conflict of John Nash’s schizophrenia, making for a powerful and layered narrative.
Create Complexity
The best stories don’t deal in black-and-white conflicts. Layered characters and complex situations keep the audience guessing. In Breaking Bad, the conflict is both external (Walt versus the law) and internal (Walt versus his own moral decay). This complexity makes for gripping, unpredictable storytelling.
Raise the Stakes
Conflict should escalate. If the stakes remain low, the tension dies. As the story progresses, the obstacles your characters face should grow more formidable. Die Hard is a classic example of how external conflict escalates from a lone cop against a few terrorists to a full-scale showdown with increasingly higher stakes.
Find the Right Balance
The most engaging stories balance internal and external conflict, allowing the two to inform and amplify each other. Consider Titanic, where the external conflict of the sinking ship is juxtaposed with the internal conflict of Rose’s emotional awakening. As the external danger grows, so does her internal transformation, resulting in a powerful emotional payoff.
For filmmakers and storytellers, conflict is the essential fuel that powers the narrative engine. It’s what keeps audiences glued to their seats and emotionally invested in the characters’ journeys. Whether through explosive external battles or quiet, internal struggles, conflict drives character development, deepens the stakes, and ultimately makes the story unforgettable.
For emerging filmmakers, mastering the art of conflict in storytelling isn’t just a skill—it’s a necessity. The more adept you are at crafting nuanced, layered conflicts, the more dynamic and impactful your stories will become.
So, ask yourself: What’s at stake in your story? What forces—internal and external—are pushing your characters to their limits? Only by truly exploring these questions can you create narratives that resonate deeply and stand the test of time.
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