conflict
KAHN-flikt
/ˈkɒn.flɪkt/
The central struggle between opposing forces that drives the plot forward in a dramatic narrative.
In literature, conflict can be internal (character vs. self) or external (character vs. nature/society/antagonist).
The story behind the word. Formed from Latin com- (together) and fligere (to strike), conflict originally described physical collisions or armed clashes in Roman military reports before literary critics used it to describe narrative tension.
Word relationships
- friction: Friction implies general resistance or tension, while conflict implies active opposing forces.
- harmony: Harmony represents peaceful agreement without opposing narrative forces.
Commonly confused with
- climax: Conflict is the ongoing struggle throughout the story, whereas climax is the singular peak moment where that struggle is decided.
Word family
- conflicting (adjective): Incompatible or contradictory.
Collocations
- internal conflict
- central conflict
- resolve a conflict
- generate conflict
Idioms & expressions
- conflict of interest
Example sentences
- "Without central conflict, a narrative lacks urgency and dramatic momentum." Plot analysis
Memory hook
CONFLICT happens when two forces CONVERGE and FLICK/strike each other. Opposing forces striking together.
When not to use
Do not confuse narrative conflict with a simple argument or conversation without dramatic stakes.
Fun facts
- Literary theory recognizes six fundamental types of conflict, including Man vs. Self, Man vs. Nature, and Man vs. Society.
Related words
Explore more words
antagonist, theme, protagonist, friction, novella, antagonism
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