Last Updated on May 25, 2026 by NEK Editing

Conflict is the heartbeat of any compelling story. It’s what propels the plot, challenges the characters, and keeps readers turning the page. Whether internal or external, conflict introduces tension and stakes that force characters to grow, adapt, or make difficult choices. Understanding the various types of conflict can help writers craft deeper, more dynamic narratives. We’ll explore how different types of conflict not only shape character arcs but also serve as the engine that drives your story forward.

Conflicts vs. Stakes

No matter what kind of story you’re telling — romance, thriller, fantasy, or even a children’s book — conflict is essential. Without some form of trouble, your novel doesn’t really have a heartbeat. Conflict is what gets the story moving. It might show up as a dramatic confrontation, like a gunfight or an argument, or it could be something much quieter, like a character torn between two deeply personal choices. Either way, conflict needs to be present in the plot and in each scene to keep readers engaged.

Now, the stakes are a little different, but they’re just as important. Stakes often grow out of conflict. While conflict tends to be immediate and situation-specific, the stakes run deeper. They tap into your character’s primal needs and fears — survival, love, revenge, safety, belonging. These are the things that keep your characters going when everything around them falls apart. When stakes are woven into your story, readers feel them at a gut level because they recognize those drives in themselves.

Your reader must understand what’s at stake — and sooner rather than later. If readers don’t know why your characters are struggling, they won’t know why they should care. You don’t have to lay everything out on the first page, but make sure the “why” behind your story becomes clear early on. Stakes give meaning to the journey and create emotional investment. By the end, they should matter so much to your character that they’d risk everything for them. When your character cares deeply, your reader will too.

What Is Conflict?

In storytelling, conflict is the struggle between opposing forces that prevents a character from achieving their goal. The character’s conflict creates tension, drives the plot forward, and forces the character to make difficult choices.

What Are the 3 Types of Conflict?

Generally, there are three main types of conflict: external, internal, and interpersonal. Understanding these conflict types helps writers craft more compelling, layered stories that keep readers emotionally engaged.

External Conflict

External conflict refers to a struggle between a character and an outside force. Here are four examples of external conflicts found in storytelling.

Man vs. Nature: Conflicts Between the Character and Natural Forces

The character (or group) faces challenges against the natural world, which could include weather, animals, disease, natural disasters, or survival in harsh environments.

An example of man vs. nature would be the film Cast Away (2000), starring Tom Hanks, which depicts a man stranded on a desert island after a plane crash and his struggle to survive against the elements.

Man vs. Society: Conflicts Against Societal Norms or Laws  

It is a literary conflict where a character struggles against the rules, beliefs, or expectations of their community. This conflict can arise from the protagonist’s opposition to societal norms, unjust laws, or oppressive systems. It’s a common theme in literature, often highlighting the protagonist’s struggle for individuality, freedom, or justice against a larger, often indifferent, force.

An example of man vs. society would be Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games, where Katniss Everdeen challenges the authoritarian regime of Panem by participating in and then rebelling against the Hunger Games.

Man vs. Technology: Conflicts Against Technology

This type of conflict involves a person or group of people confronting the challenges and consequences of technological advancements. This can range from physical battles against robots or machines to grappling with the moral and ethical implications of AI, surveillance, and automation. It’s a common theme in science fiction, but also appears in real-world debates about privacy, job displacement, and the nature of humanity.

Classic examples of man vs. technology are the movies The Terminator, where a cyborg assassin is sent from the future to kill a woman, Sarah Connor, and The Matrix, where humans fight against intelligent machines that control their reality. These narratives often explore themes of control, human identity, and the ethical implications of advanced technology.

Man vs. Supernatural: Conflicts Against Otherworldly Forces, Elements, or Beings    

This type of conflict is where a character faces off against entities or forces beyond the natural world, such as ghosts, demons, or magical beings. It is often found in genres like fantasy, horror, and sci-fi. It usually highlights the protagonist’s struggle against seemingly insurmountable odds. It can also explore deeper themes about human nature, fear, and the limits of human understanding.

Examples of man vs. supernatural include Ghostbusters, where a team of parapsychologists combats supernatural threats in New York City; Buffy the Vampire Slayer, where Buffy Summers battles vampires, demons, and other supernatural creatures; and Supernatural, whereSam and Dean Winchester hunt supernatural creatures and face God’s absence.

Internal Conflict

Internal conflict refers to a character struggling with their own desires, beliefs, or emotions. This type of conflict often involves the character making difficult choices. It also helps to reveal character depth, motivations, and personal growth.

Man vs. Self: Psychological Struggles within a Character

Examples include a character struggling with a sense of guilt, a hero battling self-doubt, or a character torn between love and duty.

In A Christmas Carol, Scrooge’s antisocial nature is challenged by his encounters with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, forcing him to confront his actions and his potential for redemption.

Interpersonal Conflict

This type of conflict refers to a disagreement or dispute between two or more people and can involve differing goals, values, or perspectives, leading to a perceived incompatibility or interfering with one another’s objectives. These conflicts can take place at work, within personal relationships, and in social interactions.

In addition, this type of conflict can be listed or classified as an external conflict since it arises from forces outside of a character’s own mind.

Man vs. Man: Conflicts Between Characters

The dynamic between Batman and the Penguin is a classic example of man vs. man conflict. This type of external conflict centers around the struggle between two characters, typically a protagonist and an antagonist, who have opposing goals and desires.

Batman represents justice and order, striving to protect Gotham City. The Penguin, on the other hand, embodies chaos, corruption, and the criminal underworld, constantly seeking to manipulate and exploit Gotham’s resources for his own gain. Their opposing objectives create direct conflict.

What Are the Stakes in Storytelling?

Stakes are the potential consequences or outcomes of the conflict for the characters. They answer the question “Why does this conflict matter?” They also create emotional investment from the reader or audience, making them care about the characters’ success or failure. 

Here are some types of stakes to consider when writing your book:

• Loss or Gain: What the character might lose or gain as a result of the conflict. 
• Consequences: The potential impact on the character’s life, relationships, or well-being. 
• Goals: Stakes can be directly tied to the character’s goals, making their pursuit more urgent and meaningful. 

Stories can have high or low stakes. An example of a high-stakes story could be about a doctor searching for a cure; the stakes could be the lives of everyone impacted in a town. An example of a low-stakes story could be about a student trying to get good grades; the stakes could be the loss of a scholarship or the inability to play in a sport.

A story that has conflict but doesn’t have any stakes or consequences is often viewed as boring and may feel irrelevant. However, revealing what a character is willing to risk or sacrifice tells the reader what their priorities and motivations are. When the stakes are high, the conflict becomes more compelling, and the reader is more invested in the outcome.

In essence, stakes are the emotional engine that drives conflict, making the story engaging and meaningful for the audience. 

Why Conflict and Stakes Matter to Your Writing

As a writer, you’re not just building scenes — you’re shaping experiences that resonate with readers. Conflict provides the friction that keeps your story alive, while stakes reveal why that friction matters. Together, they transform your narrative from a sequence of events into a journey that feels urgent, meaningful, and unforgettable.

When you show readers what your characters stand to lose or gain, every conflict becomes more than just a plot device — it becomes a test of values, identity, and resilience. By weaving stakes into each moment of tension, you invite readers to care deeply about the outcome. That’s the difference between a story that entertains and one that lingers long after the last page.

If you need help or have questions about writing your book, contact  NEK Editing.