This is Story Fanatic, a collection of articles covering story structure and analysis for
creative writers. Published weekly.
The driving force behind all great stories. But how exactly does one define conflict in a way that helps Authors? Is it simply the presence of two opposing forces? Or could it be that this inequity is something more complex, something that can't be explained in one simple sentence? This series of articles takes on these questions and dives down into the genesis of tension and the unnamed inequity deep at the heart of every great story.
Effective stories grant an audience several different points-of-view on the problem at hand. But due to the inherent “warping” effect different perspectives can have on a subject, it is also essential that a story take into account all the different permutations a story can take. One theory of story provides an Author with the tools necessary to complete this task.
Once one begins to look at stories as models of the human mind trying to solve a problem, certain patterns begin repeating. While understanding this pattern in no way shape or form guarantees a successful writing endeavor, it does tend to illuminate the reason why so many films feel the same. Those stories that seem like they’re treading familiar ground? They often are, at a very deep level.
Too many times the focus of story analysis centers on a set of rudimentary, yet familiar beats. By setting their sights on this checklist, many a writer unknowingly falls into writing a very familiar pattern of conflict. Keying in on the type of conflict within the story helps avoid this unfortunate consequence.
Stories that mean something have something important they want to communicate. This message, or purpose, can only be heard when it respects the human mind and its engine for appreciating conflict. This is what it means to naturally structure a story – naturally structure it in such a way that it matches the psychological structures found within the minds of a waiting Audience.
Understanding how conflict plays out within a complete story allows a writer the opportunity to dive into relatively untouched areas of storytelling. Instead of focusing on the well-worn paths of how a character looks or what they think, the adventurous author takes their Main Character into the realm of deficient psychology. In other words, they write personal journeys of struggle against how a character thinks and comes about conclusions.
Great stories engage audiences on an emotional level unheard of in lesser mediums of communication. By creating an intimate portrayal of one character struggling to resolve a problem, writers of these great stories insure audience engagement and empathy. The key lies in effectively defining this struggle and focusing it one specific area of conflict.
The ease with which visual conflict plays out on-screen leads filmmakers towards visiting familiar territory. Conflict exists, however, in both the external and internal domains. Rarely traversed, this realm of within offers those in the cinematic arts an opportunity to try something new.