Comprehensive Guide: 6 Key Literature Conflict Types

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 9 min read

Ever wonder what keeps you hooked on a gripping novel or a captivating movie? It's the conflict! Conflict in literature is the engine that drives the narrative, creating tension and interest. In this blog, we'll explore six key types of literary conflict, helping you understand and identify them in your next read or even incorporate them into your writing. Let's start with the first one—Man vs. Self conflict.

1. Explore Man vs. Self Conflict

Man vs. Self conflict is a type of internal struggle, where a character battles with their own thoughts, emotions, or beliefs. It's like a tug-of-war within the mind, and it adds a layer of depth to a character, making them more relatable and human. But how can we understand it better? Let's break it down.

Understanding Inner Conflict

Think about a time when you had to make a tough decision, and you were torn between two choices. That's a basic form of inner conflict! In literature, this conflict often revolves around a moral dilemma, fear, or a personal challenge. It's what makes characters interesting—like when Harry Potter doubts his abilities or when Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" struggles to trust others. Both are classic examples of inner conflict, adding depth to their characters.

Examples of Man vs. Self Conflict

Let's look at a few examples from popular books. In "To Kill a Mockingbird," the character Scout grapples with understanding racial injustice in her town, representing a Man vs. Self conflict. Another example is Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye," who battles his own cynicism and fears about becoming an adult. These examples not only create engaging characters but also provoke thought and discussion among readers.

Utilizing Man vs. Self Conflict in Writing

Are you a budding writer? If so, incorporating Man vs. Self conflict can add depth to your characters, making them more relatable to readers. Here are a few tips:

Make it real: Base the conflict on real human struggles. It could be fear of failure, struggle with self-doubt, or a moral dilemma.
Show, don't tell: Instead of simply stating the conflict, illustrate it through the character's actions, thoughts, and dialogue.
Resolve the conflict: Resolution doesn't always mean a happy ending—it could be a character coming to terms with their conflict, giving your story a satisfying conclusion.

That wraps up our exploration of Man vs. Self conflict, a fundamental tool in creating compelling characters and narratives in literature. In the next section, we'll dive into another fascinating type of conflict—Man vs. Man. So stay tuned!

2. Dive into Man vs. Man Conflict

Now, let's shift gears and talk about Man vs. Man conflict. This type of conflict is probably what first comes to mind when you think about conflict in literature. It's the classic good guy vs bad guy scenario, right? Well, it's not always that simple. Let's explore it further.

Exploring External Conflict

Man vs. Man conflict is an external conflict where characters are pitted against each other. The exciting part? It doesn't always have to be physical. It can be a battle of wits, a clash of values, or a competition. This type of conflict often drives the plot and adds drama to the story. To illustrate, think about your favorite detective novels. The conflict between the detective and the criminal keeps you flipping pages, doesn't it?

Examples of Man vs. Man Conflict

For a classic example, let's look at "Moby Dick" by Herman Melville. The conflict revolves around Captain Ahab's obsession with hunting the titular whale, representing a clear Man vs. Man (or in this case, Man vs. Whale) conflict. Another example is the rivalry between Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter series—a conflict that adds tension and excitement throughout the books.

Using Man vs. Man Conflict in Writing

If you're an aspiring writer, understanding how to craft a compelling Man vs. Man conflict can make your stories more engaging. Here's how you can do it:

Develop your characters: Both characters in the conflict should be well-developed. Readers should understand their motivations and why they are in conflict.
Create tension: Keep readers on the edge of their seats. The conflict should build up gradually, leading to a climax.
Resolve the conflict: Whether it's a showdown or a mutual resolution, the conflict should reach a satisfying conclusion.

And that's a wrap on Man vs. Man conflict! As we can see, conflict is more than just fights and arguments—it's a vital part of storytelling that keeps readers engaged. But the world of literary conflict doesn't end here. Next, we'll unravel another intriguing type of conflict—Man vs. Society. Are you ready?

3. Unravel Man vs. Society Conflict

Our journey into the world of conflict in literature continues and brings us to Man vs. Society conflict. This conflict sees our character, or characters, at odds with societal norms, laws, or cultural expectations. It's a David vs. Goliath type of conflict, where our protagonist has to stand against a community or a system. Exciting, right? Let's peel back the layers.

Understanding Societal Conflict

Man vs. Society conflict is about more than just one person clashing with their community. It's about a character challenging an ingrained societal system or norm. They might be pushing against a corrupt government, challenging societal expectations, or simply trying to survive in a dystopian world. The stakes in this type of conflict are often high, adding an extra layer of tension to the story.

Examples of Man vs. Society Conflict

One of the best examples of Man vs. Society conflict comes from Harper Lee's classic "To Kill a Mockingbird." Atticus Finch, a lawyer, stands against his racist society to defend a black man falsely accused of a crime. In Suzanne Collins' "The Hunger Games", Katniss Everdeen challenges a corrupt, dystopian society, making for a suspenseful story that keeps readers hooked.

Incorporating Man vs. Society Conflict in Writing

Thinking about using Man vs. Society conflict in your own writing? Here are a few tips:

Set the stage: Describe the society your character is up against. Show why this conflict is inevitable.
Highlight the struggle: Show your character's struggle against the societal norm. This struggle is what will keep readers invested in your story.
Resolve the conflict: Your character could overcome the society, change it, or succumb to it. Whichever route you choose, make sure the resolution is satisfying and logical.

And there you have it—Man vs. Society conflict. It's a powerful tool for creating thought-provoking stories. But we're not done yet. Next up, we'll investigate a type of conflict that's a little more... wild. Ready to dive into Man vs. Nature conflict?

4. Investigate Man vs. Nature Conflict

Our exploration of conflict in literature now takes us into the wild with Man vs. Nature conflict. This type of conflict pits the protagonist against the forces of nature, be it a storm, a beast, or the wilderness itself. It's a primal and visceral form of conflict that truly tests a character's mettle. Let's dive in.

Exploring Conflict with Nature

When we talk about Man vs. Nature conflict, we're not talking about a simple rainstorm or a pesky mosquito. This type of conflict usually involves a life-threatening, intense struggle for survival against the elements. Whether it's a character fighting off a bear, being stranded at sea, or trying to survive in a desert, it's the character against the raw, uncontrolled forces of nature.

Examples of Man vs. Nature Conflict

One of the most compelling examples of Man vs. Nature conflict can be found in Jack London's "To Build a Fire". In this short story, the protagonist battles the brutal cold of the Yukon Territory. Another example is Yann Martel's "Life of Pi", where the main character, Pi, is stranded on a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean with a Bengal tiger. Talk about a raw struggle for survival!

Using Man vs. Nature Conflict in Writing

If you're considering using Man vs. Nature conflict in your writing, here are some key points to keep in mind:

Describe the environment: A vivid and detailed description of the environment can make the conflict feel more real and more urgent.
Show the struggle: The character's struggle against nature should be intense and engaging. It's this struggle that will keep your readers on the edge of their seats.
Resolve the conflict: Whether your character overcomes nature, succumbs to it, or reaches a compromise, ensure the resolution is satisfying and makes sense within the context of your story.

And that's Man vs. Nature conflict for you. It's a gripping type of conflict that can keep your readers hooked from beginning to end. Up next, we'll delve into a conflict type that ventures into the realm of the extraordinary. Ready to tackle Man vs. Supernatural conflict?

5. Analyze Man vs. Supernatural Conflict

Now that we've survived the wilderness, it's time to step into the realm of the uncanny with Man vs. Supernatural conflict in literature. This type of conflict involves a character battling forces beyond human understanding or control, such as ghosts, vampires, mythical creatures, or even gods. Let's undrape the mystery.

Understanding Supernatural Conflict

Man vs. Supernatural conflict is all about the unknown, the eerie, and the extraordinary. It's an intriguing type of conflict because it challenges the character's understanding of the world and forces them to face their deepest fears. Remember, although supernatural elements are involved, the emotions, the struggles, and the stakes should feel very human to make your readers care.

Examples of Man vs. Supernatural Conflict

For a quintessential example of Man vs. Supernatural conflict, look no further than Bram Stoker's "Dracula". In this classic novel, the protagonist Jonathan Harker battles the vampire Count Dracula. Another gripping example is J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series, where Harry repeatedly confronts the dark wizard Voldemort, a force beyond the natural world.

Using Man vs. Supernatural Conflict in Writing

If you're intrigued by the idea of adding a supernatural twist to your story, here are a few tips:

Create believable characters: Even in a supernatural story, characters need to feel real. They should react to the supernatural in ways that your readers can relate to.
Build suspense: Supernatural elements can add a layer of suspense and mystery to your story. Use this to your advantage to keep your readers intrigued.
Stay consistent: Even supernatural elements need rules. Once you establish a supernatural entity or power, stick to the rules you've set up.

And that's our journey into Man vs. Supernatural conflict. It's a type of conflict that can add a dash of the extraordinary to your story. But what happens when the extraordinary becomes the everyday? Onward to our final type of conflict - Man vs. Technology.

6. Examine Man vs. Technology Conflict

Now, let's make our last stop on our journey through conflict in literature by examining Man vs. Technology conflict. This type of conflict often reflects our society's anxieties about rapidly advancing technology and its potential to overtake or harm humanity. It's time to plug in and power up for this tech-heavy exploration.

Exploring Conflict with Technology

Man vs. Technology conflict unfolds when a character faces off against machines, gadgets, or artificial intelligence. The key here is not just to showcase shiny tech or dystopian landscapes, but to delve into the moral, ethical, and human dilemmas that such technology might bring about.

Examples of Man vs. Technology Conflict

If you're hunting for examples of Man vs. Technology conflict, science fiction is often your best bet. In Stanley Kubrick's film adaptation of Arthur C. Clarke's "2001: A Space Odyssey", the astronauts' conflict with the rogue AI HAL 9000 is a classic example. Similarly, in the novel "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov, robots present various challenges to their human creators, leading to some thought-provoking conflicts.

Using Man vs. Technology Conflict in Writing

Ready to write your own Man vs. Technology narrative? Here are some tips to get you started:

Know your tech: Understand the technology you're writing about. Whether it's a rogue AI or an out-of-control gadget, it should make sense within the world you're creating.
Focus on the human element: Like all types of conflict in literature, the struggles need to feel real, relatable, and emotionally resonant.
Consider the implications: The best Man vs. Technology stories make us think about the potential implications of our own technological advancements.

And there you have it, a walkthrough of Man vs. Technology conflict, and the end of our journey through the six key types of conflict in literature. Whether you're a reader seeking deeper understanding or a writer looking to spice up your stories, understanding these conflicts can unlock new layers of depth and complexity in any narrative. Happy reading, or writing—or both!

If you found our Comprehensive Guide on the 6 Key Literature Conflict Types helpful, don't miss the workshop 'Documentary Treatment: Act Two' by Reshelshah. This workshop will delve deeper into the world of literature and storytelling, providing you with valuable insights on how to craft engaging documentaries based on literary conflict types. Expand your storytelling skills and join the workshop now!