Escalating Conflict in Storytelling
Writing Tips for Students and Creatives
In storytelling, escalating both external and internal conflicts is essential to deepen your lead character’s journey and keep readers engaged. Here are several strategies to intensify these conflicts:
Escalating Threats
Introduce increasingly formidable adversaries or obstacles.
A detective might start with a simple case that unravels into a complex conspiracy, endangering their life and loved ones.
Compounding Misfortunes
Pile up challenges that exacerbate the protagonist’s situation.
Losing a job could lead to financial ruin, straining relationships, and forcing unethical decisions.
Time Constraints
Impose deadlines that heighten tension.
A character racing against time to defuse a bomb or find a cure for a spreading disease adds urgency and stress.
Environmental Hazards
Place characters in settings that naturally escalate danger.
Natural disasters, war zones, or hostile terrains force characters to confront external perils.
Betrayal by Allies
Have trusted friends or allies turn against the protagonist.
This leads to feelings of isolation and vulnerability.
Moral Dilemmas
Confront characters with choices that challenge their ethics.
For example, sacrificing one person to save many leads to intense internal struggle.
Fear and Insecurity
Exploit the character’s deepest fears or insecurities.
A hero afraid of failure might hesitate at crucial moments, intensifying their internal battle.
Conflicting Desires
Present mutually exclusive goals.
Choosing between career advancement and personal relationships forces tough decisions.
Past Trauma
Resurface unresolved issues from the character’s past.
A previous loss or mistake may affect their current decisions and stability.
Identity Crisis
Challenge the character’s sense of self.
Unexpected heritage revelations or shifts in personal beliefs lead to profound self-doubt.
By intertwining these escalating external and internal conflicts, you can create a compelling narrative that drives your lead character from bad to worse, maintaining tension and reader investment throughout the story.
How do you escalate conflict in your stories? Share your thoughts below!
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