Member-only story
The Role of Conflict in Storytelling: Driving Plot and Character Development
11 min readJun 9, 2024
“Conflict is the soul of storytelling,” acclaimed author and screenwriter Robert McKee once said. This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the essence of what makes a story captivating and memorable. Whether it’s the intense rivalry between heroes and villains, the internal struggles of a flawed protagonist, or the harrowing battles against the forces of nature, conflict is the driving force that propels narratives forward and breathes life into characters.
In storytelling, conflict is not just an optional ingredient; it is the very foundation upon which plots are built and characters are shaped. Without conflict, stories would lack the tension and dynamism needed to engage audiences and evoke emotional responses. It is through conflict that characters reveal their true selves, face their deepest fears, and ultimately transform.
In this blog post, we will delve into the pivotal role of conflict in storytelling. We will explore the different types of conflict that can arise…