Section 8 of 13

Story Conflict & Stakes

Conflict is the engine that keeps readers turning pages. Not villains and explosions — just two people who want things, and reasons they can't easily have them.

The trouble at the heart of it, in your own words

What do these two want, and what keeps getting in the way? Say it however it comes out. Want questions to dig deeper? Open the prompts below.

Prefer prompts? Open the guided questions

Dig into your story's conflict

Lean on your character profiles here — most of these answers are already hiding in them.

What does each main character want?

What prevents them from getting it?

How do their goals support each other?

How do their goals collide?

What keeps bringing them together?

What repeatedly creates tension?

The argument they keep having in different costumes.

What is each of them afraid will happen?

What is at risk emotionally?

What is at risk practically?

Jobs, homes, custody, reputations, friendships, the family business.

What gets harder as the story goes on?

What choices raise the stakes?

What must each character learn or face?

What problem can't be solved unless someone changes?

This is usually the real story. If a simple conversation could fix everything, dig deeper.

What could permanently damage the relationship?

What makes this relationship worth fighting for?

End on this one on purpose. It's the reason readers will root for them.

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