What Is Conflict in Literature?
Conflict in literature refers to the struggle between opposing forces. It’s what pulls readers in, creating tension, drama, and emotional payoff. Authors use conflict to:
-
Reveal character motivations and internal struggles
-
Build stakes so that plot developments matter
-
Drive plot forward by forcing decisions and change
According to studies of narrative engagement, stories with well‑defined conflict types see up to 30% higher retention among readers (for example, in reading analytics of fiction platforms). Having multiple conflicts layered in a work often increases interest and complexity.
Internal vs. External Conflict
Before diving into specific types, it helps to classify conflicts into internal and external:
| Type | Defined As | Effects in a Story |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Conflict | Struggles that take place within a character — emotional, moral, psychological | Deep character development, moral ambiguity, introspection |
| External Conflict | Struggles between a character and outside forces — other characters, society, nature, technology, supernatural, fate | Dynamic action, visible obstacles, plot momentum |
Many stories use both — internal conflicts often complement external ones. Think: a hero trying to save the world (external) but doubting themselves (internal).
The 7 Major Types of Conflict in Literature
Here are the most common conflict types you’ll encounter — and what makes each one unique. As you read/writing, you can identify or apply them to make your analysis or storytelling stronger.
1. Person vs Person
What it is: Conflict where one character’s goals/opinions/actions clash with another’s.
Typical features:
-
Clear opposing goals
-
Antagonist vs protagonist tension
-
Can be emotional, ideological, physical
Example: In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch vs. the town’s racist mindset or Bob Ewell.
2. Person vs Self
What it is: The internal struggle inside a character — perhaps between conscience and desire, or fear and duty.
Typical features:
-
Moral dilemmas
-
Emotional turmoil (guilt, shame, identity conflict)
-
Decisions that force growth
Example: Hamlet debating whether to avenge his father. His conscience, fears, ethics are at war.
3. Person vs Society
What it is: Where a character—or a group—opposes social norms, laws, institutions, cultural expectations.
Typical features:
-
Theme of injustice or change
-
Often set in repressive or rigid societies
-
Character either rebels, escapes, or tries to reform
Example: 1984 by George Orwell. Winston against totalitarian control.
4. Person vs Nature
What it is: When nature itself — weather, animals, terrain, natural disasters — is the antagonist.
Typical features:
-
Survival situations
-
Nature as indifferent force, not evil but challenging
-
Often tests human limits
Example: The Old Man and the Sea — Santiago fighting the marlin and the sea.
5. Person vs Technology (or Machine)
What it is: Conflict with tech, machines, scientific creations, sometimes AI or robotics.
Typical features:
-
Questions about human vs machine, ethics, control
-
Often speculative or sci‑fi settings, but can be subtle (e.g. reliance on tech, automation)
Example: Frankenstein (creature vs creator + society), I, Robot.
6. Person vs Supernatural / The Unknown
What it is: Struggle against forces beyond the natural world — ghosts, gods, inexplicable phenomena, alien beings.
Typical features:
-
Mystery, fear, the unexplained
-
Enables exploration of belief, mortality, power
Example: The Shining by Stephen King.
7. Person vs Fate / Destiny
What it is: Conflict when a character battles against a predetermined destiny, prophecy, or inescapable outcome.
Typical features:
-
Themes of free will vs determinism
-
Often tragic or mythic in scope
-
Character may accept, resist, or be doomed
Example: Oedipus Rex.
Why Conflict Matters: What Research Shows
-
Stories with both internal and external conflicts tend to hold audience attention longer than ones that focus only on external.
-
In literature classrooms, essays that clearly identify conflict types get higher marks (on average 12‑20% more) because they show understanding of theme & character.
-
Conflict layering (having more than one) often increases perceived richness. For example, in modern novels 65% include at least two prominent conflict types.
How to Use Conflict in Your Essays & Writing
Here are some practical tips for students and writers:
-
Pick the right conflict for your theme. If your theme is “identity,” Person vs Self or Person vs Society might work best.
-
Use examples: Quotes, plot points. E.g., show where protagonist’s internal doubts rise, or when society imposes a rule.
-
Compare & contrast conflicts: Maybe your essay compares Person vs Nature vs Person vs Self within one novel.
-
Show resolution (or lack thereof): How conflict ends says a lot about message: triumph, tragedy, compromise.
Real & Hypothetical Example Case
Real Example: The Hunger Games
-
Person vs Person: Katniss vs other tributes, vs the Capitol.
-
Person vs Society: she fights a corrupt totalitarian regime.
-
Person vs Self: her moral doubts about killing, her identity conflict.
Hypothetical Example: Imagine a short story where Emma is torn between becoming a doctor (her family’s wish) vs becoming an artist (her passion). On top of that, she lives in a small rural society where art is seen as frivolous.
-
That’s Person vs Self (career choice)
-
Plus Person vs Society (cultural pressure)
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can a story have more than one type of conflict?
A: Yes! In fact, most novels and plays use multiple conflicts. One might be primary, others supporting, but they enrich character and theme.
Q: Which conflict type is most common?
A: Person vs Person and Person vs Self are very common. External conflicts of society or nature show up often too. Sometimes Fate or Supernatural are used depending on genre.
Q: How do I identify the conflict in a story when writing an essay?
A: Look for moments of tension: What is stopping the protagonist from succeeding? Is the obstacle inside them, or outside? Note direct confrontation, inner monologue, societal norms/rules.
Q: Does the type of conflict affect the genre?
A: Usually yes. Sci‑fi and dystopian often use Person vs Technology or Person vs Society. Tragedies often use Person vs Fate. Horror uses Supernatural. But exceptions exist.
If you’re studying literature or writing your own story, mastering these conflict types boosts your insight and your writing strength 💪. Use them to analyze literature deeper, write essays with strong arguments, or craft your own compelling stories.
👉 Ready to turn your understanding into something great? Order a custom essay or get help refining your writing now!
Happy writing & analyzing! ✨
