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WRITING GLOSSARY

What is Conflict?

Conflict is a struggle between opposing forces in a story.

Definition

Conflict is a struggle between opposing forces in a story. It often appears when a character wants something and something else gets in the way.

Example

A lawyer wants to win a case, but new evidence threatens both the verdict and her own safety.

Related terms

Common mistakes

  • Creating conflict only through arguments instead of competing desires.
  • Resolving conflict too early, before the story has built tension.
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