Narrative Writing

Character vs. self: Internal struggles, such as self-doubt, fear, or moral dilemmas, create depth and relatability.

Conflict is the driving force behind any engaging story. It creates tension, propels the plot forward, and encourages character development by forcing protagonists to make difficult choices.

​Character vs. character: A direct conflict between two characters, often seen in rivalries, love triangles, or hero-villain dynamics.

Character vs. nature: The protagonist faces natural forces, such as survival in the wild or disasters like storms and earthquakes.

Character vs. society: The protagonist challenges societal norms, laws, or oppressive systems, often found in dystopian and social justice stories.

Character vs. fate/supernatural: The protagonist struggles against fate, destiny, or supernatural forces, commonly seen in mythology, fantasy, and horror.

Stakes define what a character stands to gain or lose, driving urgency in storytelling. Higher stakes increase emotional engagement, making readers more invested in the protagonist’s journey.

​Stakes can be personal (life, relationships, reputation), external (a war, competition, mission), or philosophical (beliefs, morality, justice).

Positive arcs show a character overcoming flaws and emerging stronger. Negative arcs depict a character’s downfall.
Flat arcs maintain a character’s beliefs while changing the world around them.