Literature, which mimics real-life events, contains conflicts. In literary works, conflict is represented in different ways either through a challenge or an obstacle within the plot. Conflict defines the peak of the plot and dictates its ending since the effective resolution of the conflict brings the story to a satisfying end.

Simply put, a conflict is a dispute, disagreement, dissension or clash that can be internal or exist between two or more characters.

Conflict in a story builds interest and makes the novel more captivating when reading. It can occur in different forms. Let us explore some of the most common ways.

1. Man against Man

This is the most common type of conflict that exists in literature where a person has a conflict with another person. It has appeared in numerous stories and novels throughout history from legends, historical works, and children’s books to contemporary works, both in fiction and non-fiction.

In Murder at Murky Marsh by Claude Peterson, a novel about a couple that arrives in nineteenth-century Georgia from Scotland, Sadie seeks revenge against the corrupt, greedy Pyke brothers who rule over Murky Marsh, for the brutal death of her husband and her own cruel experience that involves sexual violence. Throughout the book, she is in constant conflict with them, carefully devising ways to avenge her husband.

2. Man against Self

This refers to an internal conflict within the character that needs to be resolved within the course of the plot. It can take form in different ways such as:

-Conflicting desires

-Inability to move forward from a troubled past or mistakes made in the past

-Conflict arising from making a big decision

-Mixed emotions over an event or person

In James Townsend’s Moving to Oregon, a moving non-fiction work about bipolar disorder, a young graduate struggles to overcome the devastating effects of alcoholism in his family and his past in which he experiences bullying. Hoping to fulfill his lifelong dreams, he works hard to overcome the challenges posed by his illness.

3. Man against Society

An example of external conflict, this form involves the pitching of a character against a governing body or an established cultural practice in which they are likely to be shunned or persecuted for their actions. Common in works on political and societal revolutions works as well as science fiction novels, the characters face a daunting antagonist. The win in such instances comes gradually and is normally longterm, in some cases, they may have to pay with their life.

In the beginning of The Deftly Paradox by M. D. White, a science fiction story about change and establishing a stable governing system, the main character struggles to defend the reasoning behind a galaxy governed by a computer system. Despite the chaos, massive deaths and devastating economic instability, the members of the world’s governing body are unwilling to let go of their control and hand it over to a machine. The opening scene depicts their annoyance and disbelief at such a suggestion as some members heckle him and others walk away from the meeting. The main character is alone but persists in his pursuit of convincing the lawmen.