Conflict

Stories are ultimately the telling of a hero's journey. Whether your story is about gaining a love interest, solving a mystery, or finding a priceless talisman in the ruins of an ancient city, the story contains many of the same elements and characteristics, including the need for conflict. The journey is never easy and filled with obstacles that must be overcome. It is these obstacles, or conflicts, that carry the story onward and gives the character the opportunity for growth. Conflict is the dramatic struggle between two forces in a story. Without conflict, there can be no plot.

There are four types of conflict: human versus human, human versus nature, human versus society, and human versus the self. Human versus human is the most common type of conflict found in stories. In these stories the protagonist is another human being. Examples of this type of conflict can be found in stories such as Pride and Prejudice (Lizzie Bennett versus Caroline Bingley) by Jane Austen, Hamlet (Hamlet versus King Claudius) by William Shakespeare, and Snow White (Snow White versus the Evil Queen) by the Brothers Grimm. The conflict between human and nature usually include survival stories of adventure and exploration, as well as stories where animals or monsters are the protagonists. They include stories like Beowulf (Beowulf versus Grendel), the Great Flood of Noah (Noah versus the Flood) found in the Old Testament, and the Odyssey (Odysseus versus Poseidon) by Homer. Stories where the conflict is between human and society include the Hunger Games (Katniss versus Panem) by Suzanne Collins and The Scarlet Letter (Hester Prynne versus the Puritans) by Nathaniel Hawthorne. The final conflict, human versus self are stories where the conflict lays within the character. These stories are psychological and inward-centric. Examples of this kind of conflict can be found in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, and Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck.

Regina Horne Beard with a cardboard cutout of
Han Solo (taken at Galaxy Connection, 2014).

Perhaps the best example of a story where all four types of conflicts can be found is in Star Wars:

Human versus human: Luke Skywalker versus Darth Vader (Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi)
Human versus nature: Luke Skywalker versus the ice monster on the planet of Hoth (Empire Strikes Back).
Human versus society: Luke Skywalker versus the Death Star (A New Hope).
Human versus self: Luke Skywalker versus Luke Skywalker in the cave on the planet of Dagobah (Empire Strikes Back).

Star Wars is an epic story of good versus evil and is the epitome of classic storytelling. Not only does Star Wars contain conflict between the rebellion and the Empire, but is also a collection of minor conflicts, including the gangster Jabba the Hut's bounty on Han Solo, Luke's restless anger and impatience with his protective uncle, and many others. Each of the conflicts within Star Wars eventually leads the characters to the major battle between the rebellion against the Empire. Without conflict, the story would be stagnate. There would be no adventure, no excitement - and isn't that what a story is all about?

Recently, I took my grandchildren to Galaxy Connection, a Star Wars museum located in Hot Springs, Arkansas. As we explored the museum, I noticed the many examples of a conflict-driven plot. Star Wars has all the characteristics of a timeless story: a dynamic plot, well-developed characters, and intriguing conflict. With these characteristics in place and George Lucas's genius at storytelling through cinema, Star Wars is a perfect example of a modern classic story that will influence storytellers for generations.