What’s the overarching conflict of your story?

In our last post, we talked about setting up a small opening conflict, the spark that kicks your story into motion.

But now it’s time to think bigger.

7 types of story conflict:

1. Man vs. Man

2. Man vs. Society

3. Man vs. Nature

4. Man vs. Self

5. Man vs. Technology

6. Man vs. Supernatural

7. Man vs. Fate (or God)

You only need one primary conflict, but others may pop up along the way.

The key is to choose one that aligns with your character’s flaw. It should match your thematic question. And it must also align with the tone of your story.

Is your character rebelling against injustice?

That’s Man vs. Society.

Haunted by a secret or past mistake?

That’s Man vs. Self.

Trying to outrun a storm or survive the wilderness?

That’s Man vs. Nature.

Are Robots turning on humans?

That’s Man vs. Technology.

Fighting a haunted pool?

That’s Man vs. Supernatural.

You get the picture.

Each conflict type brings different emotional tones, stakes, and resolutions.

Join me over the next 7 weeks in the Design Series here at Story Structure Studio:  Device & Design as we go deeper into one conflict at a time… how to choose it, write it, and let it shape your story from the inside out.

Happy Writing!

~ M.C. Convery