The question every author has to answer: where’s the conflict in every scene? As we all know by now, without conflict there is no story. But what makes a thoroughly engaging story is some kind of conflict in every scene.
This doesn’t mean a full screaming argument, or a fight, or Jack Reacher blowing something up. That’s external conflict. Nothing wrong with that.
What about a conflict of values, of conscience, of action? Choosing to do something or nothing presents a conflict. Let’s stay proactive and do something; is it the right thing or the wrong thing? There’s conflict.
Wear the uniform and collaborate with the empire? Or join the resistance and bring it down? There’s an internal conflict of values.
Study medicine and be the doctor your parents want? Or study drama and become the actor you always wanted to be? There’s an internal conflict of aspirations, obligations, family loyalty, duty, ambition, expectations.
Be the model girlfriend or be your untamable, unique self? There’s both internal and external conflict.
Feeling Conflicted
The conflict lies in the decision the character has to make. With each choice there are stakes and costs.
Preferably, they must choose one of several equally unappealing options, each of which carries personal costs and consequences which the reader needs to know. The pain of choosing should always be clear. There should be no easy options.
The conflict in every scene is a principle that applies in all good novels. Without some conflict, a scene is just so much filler. Internal reflection isn’t just thinking, it demands some realization, some weighing of choices taken or yet to choose. Perhaps it’s stay in the hometown with family or leave go to college? Pursue a one’s own dream of becoming an artist or pursue someone else’s dream of becoming a lawyer? Whose happiness to sacrificed and at what cost? Where’s the Conflict in every scene?
You’ve got me looking for the conflict now. I didn’t realise it before.
It took me a long time to get to this point. Thanks.