In real life, we try to avoid conflict, but in a fictional reality, the writer feeds off the conflict that fuels the internal and external actions of the characters and creates tension and suspense. Drama is conflict. Conflict is the heart and soul of screenwriting.
Think of the latest film you saw, book that you read, or play that you watched, and you’ll find that what kept you involved in what happened, and offered a load of suspense, was conflict: there was:
- A problem that needed to be solved and ultimately resolved
- Obstacles that had to be overcome
- Threats to be handled
- Decisions that needed to be made
- Challenges had to be confronted and overcome
The ultimate test of all conflicts thrown at the character is whether they require courage. If the character is scared to death to achieve his ultimate desire, then the conflict isn’t big enough, and the audience will be watching the film rather than feeling it.
The conflict your Protagonist faces must be unique, powerful, and emotionally compelling.When you create conflict in your story, it’s like throwing a pebble into a pond, a ripple effect that sets causality (cause and effect) into motion.
In THE WRITE JOURNEY course we fully explore 22 ELEMENTS THAT DEFINE CHARACTERS and create conflict in the story, types of conflict, problems of conflict, and tips on creating conflict
