Varied Tensions That Spice Up the Mix: Pros and Cons Revealed
Conflict plays a significant role in both literature and real life, serving as a powerful tool to create tension and drive plot. In this article, we will explore the five basic types of conflict that are commonly depicted in stories and experienced in everyday situations.
Man vs. Man
This type of conflict involves direct confrontations, rivalries, and betrayals between characters. A classic example can be found in the Harry Potter series, where the struggle between Harry Potter and Voldemort forms the main narrative [1].
Man vs. Self
Internal conflict arises when a character grapples with their own emotions, decisions, or morality. In Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch's internal struggle with racial prejudice adds depth to the story [2]. Similarly, Stacey's guilt over Papa's injury in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is another example of internal conflict [2].
Man vs. Nature
Conflict against natural forces such as animals, weather, or disasters is another common theme. Ernest Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea is a poignant example, where an old fisherman battles the sea [1][5].
Man vs. Society
This type of conflict occurs when an individual faces challenges from societal norms, laws, or cultural expectations. Cassie's struggle against racial segregation in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is a powerful example of this [2]. Similarly, tales like The Handmaid's Tale and The Hunger Games depict societal conflict in dystopian settings [3].
Man vs. Fate/Supernatural
In this category, characters face challenges from destiny, supernatural forces, or technology. Struggles against fate can spark an internal crisis about fighting destiny or accepting it. Examples include characters confronting supernatural beings in Dracula, or characters dealing with a curse, like in many fairy tales [3][5].
It's important to note that stories often include more than one type of conflict at a time, mirroring the complexities of real life. For instance, the conflict between Harry Potter and Voldemort (Man vs. Man) is intertwined with Harry's internal struggle (Man vs. Self) [1].
Interpersonal conflict, which occurs between two characters with conflicting goals or values, is another common theme. This can range from a simple rivalry to a deeper clash rooted in personality differences. Nature conflict often mirrors a character's inner turmoil and brings more depth to the story [4].
In the realm of supernatural or fate conflict, the protagonist must deal with something beyond reason or science, which can lead to an internal crisis about fighting destiny or accepting it [4]. Societal conflict often arises when someone refuses to follow a norm they find unjust, causing tension with the larger world [3].
Open communication and understanding the other person's point of view can lead to conflict resolution, whether in a story or in real life. By recognising and navigating these five basic types of conflict, we can better understand and engage with the stories we read and the challenges we face in our own lives.
This article was created in conjunction with AI technology and fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.
[1] Rowling, J. K. (2003). Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. London: Bloomsbury Publishing.
[2] Lee, Harper. (1960). To Kill a Mockingbird. New York: J.B. Lippincott Company.
[3] Atwood, Margaret. (1985). The Handmaid's Tale. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
[4] Collins, Suzanne. (2008). The Hunger Games. New York: Scholastic Press.
[5] Hemingway, Ernest. (1952). The Old Man and the Sea. New York: Scribner.
- As a person grows, they might confront conflicts in their relationships, such as understanding and accepting their partner's high reliance on technology, which may stem from differences in lifestyle and personal-growth perspectives.
- In some scenarios, a person's education and self-development could lead to an internal conflict as they grapple with scientific evidence that contradicts their deeply held beliefs, creating tension in their thoughts leading to disagreements with peers.
- The fluid line between science and technology blurs in the realm of science fiction, creating supernatural or fate-based conflicts in stories that provoke deep philosophical questions about human responsibility, relationships, and personal growth in a high-tech world.
