How to Write Major Conflict in Story

What is a conflict in a story? How to write the final outcome of the main conflict? How to make the main conflict a banger? Why is my turning point in the story’s main conflict not giving?

These are a few bullet-point questions I am currently facing in my writing students’ group. As a rule, in my class, every student must first conduct their own research when they have a question before bringing it to me. I believe that the human brain absorbs more knowledge through self-discovery compared to spoon-feeding. When you research, you gain valuable insights and key points that no teacher in the world can provide simply by explaining things.

So, just like this time, when I noticed they were struggling to move forward with their first novel draft, I assigned them a task to research it first. Some groaned, some nodded, and a few just stared at me, waiting for me to break and give them the answer. As it was really a tough research this time 😂 But I wasn’t going to. Not this time.

But the matter of fact is, that story conflict is a tough topic to understand, unlike other topics like story structures or plot structure. In literature, we learn writing from the great writers of the past—those who have written incredible stories that have stood the test of time. They didn’t just write; they built worlds, shaped emotions, and created story conflicts that felt so real, that they still resonate today. But story conflict in my opinion is the only or on-top concept in writing that doesn’t rely on any structure or idea but it’s a pure art and understanding.

In-depth Article on Story Main Conflict

As I said, story conflict is a form of pure art and understanding of what you are writing and why you are writing. These questions lead you to the main conflict of your story. I know every fundamental of your story takes questions and visions to create them whether it’s the story’s beginning, story’s end, or its formation of narratives. However, the story’s major conflict is entirely buckled up with all these elements in the story.

In this blog, I’m going to cover everything from A to Z about a story’s main conflict—from its definition to examples of great novel conflicts. I’ll also address major FAQs and common confusions, such as:

• What is story conflict?
• How can you write the greatest main conflict for your story?
• How to write the final outcome of the main conflict
• How to craft a powerful turning point in the story’s main conflict
• What’s the difference between internal and external conflict?
• What makes a conflict memorable and impactful?

By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to create gripping, high-stakes major conflicts that keep readers hooked until the very last page. I promise! 🦋

What is Conflict in a Story

Conflict in a story is the central challenge or problem that drives the story plot. It’s the struggle between opposing forces that creates tension, drama, and movement in the narrative. Conflict forces characters to make choices, face obstacles, and grow, ultimately shaping the entire story.

Types of Major Conflicts

There are two main types of conflict in most stories:

External Conflicts

This happens outside the character, often involving other people, society, nature, or supernatural forces. For example, a character might battle an antagonist, struggle with societal expectations, or try to survive a dangerous environment.

Example: A clear example in real life can be a car accident dispute. Two drivers collide at an intersection, and both claim the other is at fault. One insists they had the right of way, while the other argues the light was in their favor. What starts as a minor accident escalates into heated arguments, insurance claims, and possibly legal action. The tension is driven by external circumstances, making this a classic case of person vs. person issues.

Internal Conflicts

This takes place within the character’s mind or heart. It involves personal struggles, such as fear, guilt, or a moral dilemma. An example would be a character wrestling with self-doubt or deciding between what is right and what is easy.

Example: Imagine your character dreams of becoming an artist but is stuck in a high-paying corporate job. Every day, they wrestle with self-doubt—should they risk financial security for their true calling, or is it wiser to stay where they are? This internal battle between desire and responsibility creates a deep emotional struggle, one that can shape their entire future.

How Can I Write the Greatest Conflict for My Story?

As I said, writing about conflict is itself an art because there are no certain parameters to guide you. You have to choose the inner and outer tensions and disasters your characters will go through. But I can help you to follow some steps where you can ensure that how you not going to write your story conflicts.

Signs that Your Main Story Conflict is Weak

Weak story conflicts can manifest in several ways. Here are some signs to watch out for:

1. Lack of Stakes: If the outcome of the conflict doesn’t significantly impact the characters or the story’s outcome, it may feel inconsequential. It should impact on characters in somewhat stages to change their life, mindsets, or points of view.
2. Easily Resolved: If the conflict resolves too quickly or without effort, it might not create enough tension or interest for the reader. (Remember, readers hate to see their characters struggle but they enjoy it!)
3. Unmotivated Characters: Characters may lack clear motivations or their actions don’t align with their goals, making the conflict seem forced or artificial.
4. Lack of Emotional Investment: If readers don’t feel emotionally invested in the outcome of the conflict, they may lose interest in the story.
5. Predictability: If the conflict follows a predictable path or feels clichéd, it can fail to engage readers who seek fresh and compelling narrative twists.
6. Unbalanced Power Dynamics: When one side of the conflict has overwhelming advantages or disadvantages, it can diminish tension and make the conflict seem less impactful.
7. Absence of Internal Conflict: Characters should struggle internally as well as externally. If characters lack internal conflicts or growth, the conflict may feel one-dimensional.
8. No Escalation or Complexity: Conflict should escalate over time and become more complex, testing characters’ abilities and pushing them to grow.
9. Lack of Opposition: A strong conflict typically involves a worthy opponent or opposing force that challenges the protagonist’s goals and beliefs.

How Do I Know I am Writing a Good Conflict?

A strong conflict is nothing but meaningful! If you are going great with your story pacing and it makes sense it’s a good main conflict. You’ll know you’re on the right track with your conflict if you can confidently answer YES to most of these questions:

Are your characters struggling in a meaningful way?

• Does the protagonist face real obstacles that test their limits?
• Is the conflict forcing them to make difficult decisions?

Are the stakes high enough?

• What happens if the protagonist fails? (If the answer is “not much,” the stakes might be too low.)
• Is there an emotional, physical, or moral consequence tied to the conflict?

Does the conflict escalate naturally?

• Does the tension build throughout the story?
• Are there unexpected twists or complications that make the problem harder?

Does the antagonist (or opposing force) feel strong and believable?

• Is there a worthy challenge or opponent standing in the protagonist’s way?
• Do they have valid reasons for their actions, making the conflict feel real?

Is the resolution uncertain?

• Does it feel like there are multiple possible outcomes?
• Will the reader stay engaged, unsure of how the conflict will resolve?

Does the conflict push the protagonist toward growth or change?

• Does the struggle force them to evolve, rethink their values, or make sacrifices?
• Is their arc tied directly to overcoming the conflict?

Do readers care about the outcome?

• If a reader stopped midway, would they feel the need to continue?
• Would they be emotionally invested in seeing how it ends?

Final Check: How to Test Your Conflict

• Describe your conflict in one sentence—does it sound aimful?
• Have someone read it and ask if they’re intrigued—if not, what’s missing?
• Remove the conflict from your story—does the story still work? (If yes, your conflict might be weak.)

How to Write the Final Outcome of the Main Conflict?

1. Make It Feel Earned

• The protagonist should actively resolve the issue, not just by luck or outside help.
• Their growth, choices, or sacrifices should directly lead to the outcome.

2. Tie It to the Character’s Arc

• If your protagonist has changed throughout the story, the final conflict should reflect that change.
• Example: If they struggled with self-doubt, the resolution should show them stepping into confidence.

3. Deliver Emotional Payoff

• Whether it’s victory, tragedy, or something in between, make the audience feel something.
• If there’s a moral dilemma, show the consequences of the protagonist’s decision.

4. Resolve Key Questions, but Leave Some Mystery (If Needed)

• Answer the main questions driving the story.
• If you’re setting up a sequel or want a thought-provoking ending, leave some elements open-ended.

5. Show Consequences

• What changed because of the outcome? How are the characters different now?
• Readers want to see how the world (or protagonist’s world) is different because of the resolution.

6. Avoid Deus Ex Machina

• The solution shouldn’t feel forced or unrealistic. It must fit naturally within the story’s logic.
• If a twist occurs, plant hints throughout the story so it doesn’t feel out of nowhere.

7. Keep It Tense Until the End

• The best resolutions don’t happen too easily—there should be a final challenge or moment of uncertainty.
• Make the protagonist struggle to the last moment before achieving (or failing) their goal.

Why is My Turning Point in the Story’s Main Conflict not Giving?

Now let’s come to the point of the turning point and how is this connected to your main conflict? But to crack all these questions we really need to know what is the role of the turning point in the concept of storytelling.

What Is a Turning Point in a Story’s Main Conflict?

A turning point is a pivotal moment in the story when the direction of the conflict shifts dramatically. It often:

• Forces the protagonist to make a crucial decision
• Reveals new information or changes stakes
• Increases tension, making the outcome more uncertain
• Pushes the story toward the climax or resolution

It’s the moment when everything changes—the point of no return.

Why Your Turning Point in a Story’s Main Conflict is Weak & How to Fix It

1. It Doesn’t Change the Game

1. A strong turning point alters the course of the story.
2. Fix: Ask, What’s different before and after this moment? If nothing major changes, the moment may be too weak.
3. It’s Predictable or Too Subtle

2. Readers should feel surprised yet satisfied.
3. Fix: Add an unexpected twist, a betrayal, or a revelation that forces the protagonist to act differently.
4. The Stakes Stay the Same

3. The turning point should raise the stakes, making success or failure feel more urgent.
4. Fix: Ask, How does this moment make the protagonist’s goal harder or riskier?
5. Your Protagonist Doesn’t React Strongly

4. If they don’t struggle or change, the moment won’t feel impactful.
5. Fix: Make them confront a fear, lose something important, or realize a truth that forces action.
6. It Comes Too Late or Too Early

5. If it’s too early, there’s no buildup; if too late, it might feel rushed.
6. Fix: Place it where it naturally builds toward the climax while still surprising the audience.

Test Your Turning Point:

• Does it change the character’s actions from this point forward?
• Would the story be fundamentally different without it?
• Does it heighten tension and make the outcome uncertain?

5 Iconic Novels Iconic Major Conflicts of All Time

Let’s take a tour of some unforgettable conflicts that made these novels legendary in history. Each one is unique, showing how diverse and meaningful conflicts can be!

Good vs. Evil in Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

• Conflict: Harry Potter faces off against the dark wizard Voldemort, representing the timeless battle between good and evil.
• Why It Works: The conflict is deeply personal, with Harry’s own identity and loved ones at stake, creating high emotional and moral stakes.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

• Conflict: Elizabeth Bennet vs. Mr. Darcy’s pride and her own prejudice.
• Why It’s Iconic: Their internal and external conflicts drive the romantic tension, exploring themes of class, reputation, and personal growth.

Man vs. Self in Hamlet by William Shakespeare

• Conflict: Hamlet grapples with indecision and moral dilemmas, debating whether to avenge his father’s death.
• Why It Works: The internal struggle makes Hamlet’s conflict relatable and complex, examining themes of revenge, madness, and mortality.

1984 by George Orwell

• Conflict: Winston Smith vs. The Party (totalitarian government).
• Why It’s Iconic: The terrifying struggle between individual freedom and oppressive control highlights the dangers of totalitarianism and the loss of personal autonomy.

Moby-Dick by Herman Melville

• Conflict: Captain Ahab vs. Moby Dick (the white whale).
• Why It’s Iconic: This external man vs. nature conflict is layered with Ahab’s internal obsession and madness, symbolizing humanity’s struggle against the unknown and the uncontrollable.

Common Threads That Make These Conflicts Work:

• High Stakes: The outcomes deeply affect the characters’ lives and values.
• Relatable Themes: Love, power, justice, obsession—universal and timeless.
• Character-Driven: The protagonists are active participants in their conflict, not passive observers.
• Resolution (or Lack Thereof): The way each issue is resolved (or isn’t) leaves a lasting impression on the reader, prompting reflection or emotional response.

Conclusion

Story conflict is the spice of any great novel, shaping the narrative, developing characters, and keeping readers engaged. A strong conflict isn’t just about obstacles—it’s about meaningful struggles that test the protagonist’s limits and force them to change. By ensuring high stakes, emotional depth, and a well-structured turning point, writers can create conflicts that feel real and compelling. Whether it’s an internal battle or an external clash, the key is to make it unpredictable, personal, and deeply connected to the character’s journey. When done right, a well-crafted conflict leaves a lasting impact, making the story unforgettable for readers.