Narrative Conflict - Senior English - Short Story Unit

The types of narrative conflict explained with examples suitable for a classroom. Secondary English classroom is the focus.

1. Types of narrative conflict With some examples

2. We need: A setting A character A concept

3. For conflict, it’s good to start by knowing your character wants something. They can want something they don’t have, or they can want to preserve something they do have. They should have a core drive that motivates their actions. I’d like an ice cream

4. Then, we introduce an obstacle. This is the source of our conflict and tension. There are 5 major kinds of conflict that depend on the obstacle. You can have more than one kind in your story. I’d like an ice cream

5. Then, we introduce an obstacle. This is the source of our conflict and tension. There are 5 major kinds of conflict that depend on the obstacle. You can have more than one kind in your story. I’d like an ice cream

6. I’d like an ice cream But my heart is too broken… Types of Conflict 1. Vs Self

7. Types of Conflict I’d like an ice cream But I’m too shy to order one . 1. Vs Self

8. I’d like an ice cream I just ate all the ice creams! And I’ll do it again tomorrow too Types of Conflict 2. Vs Other

9. I’d like an ice cream Says here that ice cream is now illegal for people of your ethnicity Types of Conflict 3. Vs Society

10. I’d like an ice cream An Ice Cream! Have you completed the frozen trials !? Types of Conflict 3. Vs Society

11. I’d like an ice cream Sounds great! But we don’t have the technology to make that… And these instructions are blank. So, that’s not helping. Types of Conflict 4. Vs Machine (Technology)

12. I’d like an ice cream But I’m too addicted to my phone to make that happen… Types of Conflict 4. Vs Machine (Technology)

13. I’d like an ice cream No. Types of Conflict 4. Vs Fate (Supernatural)

14. I’d like an ice cream NoOoOoOo . Types of Conflict 4. Vs Fate (Supernatural)

15. Types of Conflict Vs Self  ‐ they are conflicted internally, whether that be with an emotion, an idea, or a belief Vs Other  ‐ they are in conflict with another individual Vs Society  ‐ they are in conflict with an aspect of society or the government itself Vs Machine  ‐ they are in conflict with some aspect of technology Vs Fate/The Supernatural  ‐ they are in conflict with the divine or some otherworldly entity

16. Pro-Tip: Layering Conflict You can use more than one type of conflict at the same time. When you do, it’s best make sure that each cause of conflict is reasonably clear. A good story will usually resolve all conflicts by the end. Also, you still want to have one main conflict to drive the plot.

17. I really want an ice cream Pro-Tip: Layering Conflict You can use more than one type of conflict at the same time. When you do, it’s best make sure that each cause of conflict is reasonably clear. A good story will usually resolve all conflicts by the end. Also, you still want to have one main conflict to drive the plot. Ice cream for sale! And I’m terrified of cowboys But I don’t have any money And I have to fight all these mimes