Have you ever read a story that just didn’t hold your attention? Maybe the characters were interesting, and the writing was solid, but something felt… missing. Chances are, it lacked conflict. Conflict is what keeps readers hooked; it's what reflects real life - because no-one is happy all the time. Even a saint has conflict in their life - the Devil tempting them from their mission. Conflict is the force that drives the plot, shapes characters, and adds emotional depth to every great story. Without it, a narrative falls flat, feeling more like a list of events than a compelling journey. Let’s explore why conflict is the secret ingredient that every story needs.
Why Stories Need Conflict
Conflict is the heart of storytelling. Without it, a story lacks momentum, tension, and emotional depth. Whether it’s an internal struggle, a clash between characters, or a battle against external forces, conflict gives readers a reason to keep turning the pages. It fuels character development, drives the plot forward, and creates an emotional connection between the audience and the narrator.
What Happens If a Story Lacks Conflict?
Imagine reading a book where nothing goes wrong. The protagonist wakes up, has a perfect day, and goes to bed happy. No obstacles, no challenges, no stakes—just a series of pleasant but uneventful moments. It might be relaxing, but it wouldn’t be engaging. This is why stories need conflict: readers crave tension and resolution; they want to see characters struggle, adapt, and ultimately grow. Without conflict, a story risks becoming dull, forgettable, and emotionally flat.
E. M. Forster’s Insight on Conflict
E. M. Forster famously illustrated the importance of conflict in storytelling with this example:
"The king died and then the queen died" is a simple sequence of events. It tells us what happened, but it doesn’t tell a story.
"The king died and then the queen died of grief" introduces causality and emotion. The queen’s grief adds conflict—an internal struggle that gives depth and meaning to the events.
This distinction is crucial. A mere sequence of events is not a story; it’s a report. Conflict transforms a lifeless narrative into something compelling, allowing readers to experience the stakes and emotions alongside the characters. This is why all good stories have emotional or physical turmoil. Human beings are complex, and conflict is a way of summarising and expressing this.
How Conflict Enhances Storytelling
These are the main reasons why stories need conflict:
Drives the Plot – Conflict creates problems that need to be solved, ensuring that the story progresses with purpose rather than meandering aimlessly.
Develops Characters – A character’s response to conflict reveals their personality, motivations, and strengths. Growth often comes from overcoming adversity.
Creates Emotional Investment – Readers empathise with characters who struggle. Whether it’s love, loss, ambition, or revenge, conflict makes us care about the outcome.
Generates Tension and Suspense – A story without obstacles lacks urgency. Conflict keeps readers engaged, eager to see what happens next.
Conclusion
Conflict is the backbone of storytelling. Without it, a story becomes a mere sequence of events, devoid of meaning or engagement. Whether it’s an internal battle, a personal rivalry, or a struggle against the elements, conflict breathes life into fiction. Next time you write, ask yourself: What’s at stake? If there’s no struggle, there’s no story.
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