Conflict is your Friend

In any storytelling medium, conflict is the driving force that propels a story forward and keeps audiences engaged. Without it, a story would be uninteresting and lackluster. Conflict can take many forms, including internal, external, and interpersonal, and can shape every aspect of your story, from characters to scenes to structure and theme.

Compelling characters are created through conflict. By giving them internal battles, external challenges, and interpersonal clashes, you create more interesting and relatable characters. The tension between characters can drive the story forward and create dramatic scenes that are memorable to audiences.

Scenes can be made more engaging through conflict. Starting a scene with conflict immediately hooks the audience and keeps them invested in the story. The resolution of conflict can also be used to control the pacing and maintain interest throughout the scene.

The overall structure of a screenplay can also benefit from conflict. A well-crafted story uses conflict to build tension and momentum, leading to a satisfying climax. Conflict can also be used to explore and reinforce the themes of your story, creating a cohesive and meaningful narrative that resonates with audiences.

Subtext is a powerful tool for creating nuanced conflict in your scenes and dialogue. By saying one thing while implying another, you can add depth and layers to your screenplay, turning seemingly innocuous conversations into battlegrounds for your characters' desires and fears.

While conflict is crucial in all types of stories, the way it manifests can differ depending on the genre. Understanding how conflict works within your chosen genre can help you create stories that meet audience expectations while pushing the boundaries of what's possible within your framework.

In conclusion, conflict is an essential component of great storytelling. By understanding and harnessing its various forms, you can create dynamic characters, scenes, and stories that captivate and inspire audiences across generations. Embrace the power of conflict in your writing, and watch your stories come to life.

SOME EXAMPLES:

Take, for example, Tony Stark from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Tony's internal conflict lies in his struggle to reconcile his playboy lifestyle with his newfound responsibility as Iron Man. This internal battle not only makes him a more interesting character but also fuels the story's external and interpersonal conflicts, such as his clashes with other superheroes.

In my work on Lost, Jack and Locke are a prime example of interpersonal conflict. Their opposing beliefs about the nature of the island and their roles within the group lead to tension and drama, which drive the story forward.

Consider the opening scene of Inception, where the characters infiltrate a dream within a dream. This scene immediately thrusts the audience into a high-stakes situation filled with conflict, from the characters' struggles against dream security to their attempts to extract vital information.

In my work on Hannibal, one scene that stands out for its conflict is the first encounter between Will Graham and Hannibal Lecter. Although they're ostensibly on the same side, the scene crackles with tension as they engage in a verbal sparring match, each trying to gain the upper hand.

The Dark Knight is a modern movie that masterfully uses conflict to propel its story. Throughout the film, the escalating conflict between the Joker and Batman creates a sense of impending doom, culminating in a thrilling climax where Batman must choose between saving the love of his life or the city's district attorney.

In the pilot episode of Star Trek: Discovery, the conflict between Michael Burnham and Captain Philippa Georgiou drives much of the story's tension. Their differing views on Starfleet's ideals and how to uphold them create friction that fuels the narrative. As Michael's actions have severe consequences for the entire crew, their relationship becomes increasingly strained, culminating in a dramatic confrontation that changes the course of the series.

Captain America: Civil War is a prime example of using conflict to explore themes. In this film, the opposing viewpoints of Captain America and Iron Man reflect the larger theme of personal freedom versus control. As the two heroes clash, their conflict brings this theme to the forefront, forcing the audience to consider the consequences of each side's beliefs.

In my work on American Gods, the conflict between gods and humans serves to highlight the theme of belief and power. As the old gods battle the new gods for supremacy, their struggle underscores the importance of faith and the power that it can wield, both for good and ill.

The dinner scene in Get Out is a masterclass in using subtext to create conflict. On the surface, the conversation is polite and friendly, but beneath the veneer of civility, tension simmers. The subtext-laden dialogue serves to heighten the audience's sense of unease, making the scene far more engaging than if the characters simply said what they meant.

In my work on Alias, the conversations between Sydney Bristow and Arvin Sloane are often filled with subtext. Although they may be discussing mundane matters, their hidden motivations and unspoken conflicts add layers of intrigue and suspense to their interactions.

In the horror film A Quiet Place, the conflict is primarily external, as the characters must survive in a world where making noise means certain death. This unique conflict is perfectly suited to the horror genre, ratcheting up tension and fear throughout the film.

In Heroes, the conflict between the characters with extraordinary abilities and those who want to exploit or control them provides a rich and varied source of drama, perfectly fitting for the show's sci-fi and fantasy roots.

In the film The Social Network, much of the conflict is expressed through sharp, witty dialogue. As the characters debate the future of Facebook, their differing goals and ambitions create tension that propels the story forward.

In American Gods, the conversations between Mr. Wednesday and Shadow Moon are often laced with conflict, as Mr. Wednesday tries to recruit Shadow to his cause, while Shadow remains wary of his mysterious new acquaintance.