Welcome to the new series on the 7 Types of Story Conflict:

The story element that drives plot and character development.

Every story, no matter how quiet or explosive, has to have conflict.

Today, we start with the most common one:

Man vs. Man

This conflict pits your protagonist against another human (or human-like) character. It’s personal, emotional, and often moral. Your character wants something (story), and another person purposely blocks that goal (plot). This antagonist doesn’t have to be evil, just in opposition.

The Emotional Core

At its heart, Man vs. Man conflict reveals the character’s internal flaw through external confrontation. The protagonist may struggle with pride, fear, selfishness, or naïveté, but it’s the other person who challenges that flaw, which is what forces growth or destruction.

Modern Examples of the man vs. man conflict

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: Katniss vs. the other tributes—especially Cato and, later, President Snow. But also Peeta, who challenges her emotionally.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn: Nick and Amy Dunne’s toxic marriage becomes psychological warfare.

The Devil Wears Prada (film): Andy vs. Miranda Priestly—ambition and self-worth clash in a high-fashion pressure cooker.

“Breaking Bad” (TV): Walter White faces off against enemies like Gus Fring, but also clashes with Jesse Pinkman, Skyler, and even himself, each conflict showing who he’s becoming.

Writing Tip: Oppositional Equals

Make your antagonist a worthy mirror. Don’t create a cartoon villain. Your Man vs. Man conflict works best when both characters could be right, depending on the reader’s perspective.

Coming Next:

In the next post of the Conflict Design Series, we’ll explore Man vs. Society: the stories where a single voice stands against an institution, system, culture, or a collective belief.

Happy Writing!

~ M.C. Convery