Conflict = story fuel. It creates tension, stakes, and emotion.

🟡 External Conflict

Conflict with outside forces:

• Another person (rival, enemy, love interest)

• A system (law, society, nature)

• A physical challenge (time limit, illness)

Example: Katniss in The Hunger Games fights the Capitol’s brutal games.

🔵 Internal Conflict

The battle within:

• Fear, doubt, guilt, pride

• Moral dilemmas

• Choosing between two difficult paths

Example: Hamlet’s inner struggle with revenge vs. morality.

🔁 The best stories have both. A character who fights a villain and their own fear is more layered and powerful.