Writing Q&A #101: Conflict with Elizabeth Prybylski eatsleepwrite.net/qa101 Question: Im trying to figure out how to write conflict effectively. Is there a particular technique I should use? In writing there are three basic types of conflict: internal conflict, environmental conflict, and interpersonal conflict. Yes, you could argue that there may be others, but those three categories cover most of the types of conflict in our world. Your book should contain a minimum of two of these types of conflict. Lets discuss each kind with a little more depth to help you understand both what each entails and where to use it in your book. Internal Conflict Internal conflict is between the character and themselves. I think we have all experienced this at times in our lives when we are struggling with an important decision, know we have made a mistake and arent really sure what to do next, or many other instances in our lives. This kind of conflict is often the basis for character development. Other types of conflict often trigger this kind of struggle beneath the surface. Whether your character grows or not from this kind of situation it is one of the deepest levels of struggle a person can face. You shouldnt have your character struggling with mundane things, however. The internal conflict for the chapter shouldnt revolve around whether or not to purchase the low-fat muffin or the Boston creme doughnut (unless its a metaphor for something deeper). Internal conflict sets the stage for the heavy hitting issues: addiction, mental illness, loss, anger, guilt, and so on. It should be a transformational kind of struggle that will have significant impact. That isnt to say you cant have your character waver a little about whether or not to buy the doughnut, but dont try and over-stress the personal conflict angle in that decision. READ THE REST ON eatsleepwrite.net/qa101
Posted on: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 14:25:21 +0000
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