Create Powerful Conflict Scenes That Drive Your Story Forward
Master the art of writing conflict! Learn how to build tension, raise stakes, and write emotionally charged scenes that keep readers hooked.
Hey there!
Reginaldo Osnildo here again.
We’ve talked a lot about characters, dialogue, description, and structure… but
today, let’s throw some fuel on the fire.
Let’s talk conflict—the
beating heart of every unforgettable scene.
A great
conflict scene isn’t just yelling or fighting. It’s about clashing desires,
unspoken tension, and emotional stakes. It’s where your characters are
tested—and where your readers can’t look away.
Let’s
explore how to write conflict scenes that feel real, intense, and full of
energy.
What
Makes a Scene “Conflict-Driven”?
It’s
simple: two characters want different things, and only one can win—or
neither.
It doesn’t
have to be a fistfight or a screaming match. Sometimes, a quiet conversation at
a dinner table can be more explosive than an action scene.
Conflict =
Character A wants something.
Character B wants something else (or stands in the way).
That friction = story gold.
Why
Conflict Scenes Matter
A strong
conflict scene will:
- Reveal
character motivations and flaws
- Push
the story forward
- Create
emotional investment
- Raise
the stakes
- Give
your story momentum
Without
conflict, your story just… floats. With it? Readers won’t be able to stop
turning pages.
5
Elements of a Great Conflict Scene
1. Clear
Stakes
What
happens if the character doesn’t get what they want? Make it matter.
2. Emotion
Let us feel
the tension. Anger, fear, desperation, jealousy—it all works.
3. Power
Dynamics
Who has the
upper hand? Let it shift mid-scene for added tension.
4. Subtext
Characters
don’t always say what they really mean. Let the truth hide between the lines.
5. A
Turning Point
Something
changes by the end. The relationship shifts, the secret’s out, or the decision
is made.
Example:
A Simple Conflict with High Stakes
Scene: A father and son at a diner.
Conflict: The son wants to drop out of college. The father refuses to
support him.
Tension: Love mixed with disappointment, fear of failure, fear of being
controlled.
Emotion: Quiet voices at first… then rising, then silence.
The scene
doesn’t need to explode. It just needs to matter.
✍️ Writing Exercise: Craft Your Own
Conflict Scene
Pick one:
- A couple arguing over a
betrayal—but one is hiding a deeper truth.
- Two siblings disagree about
what to do with their childhood home.
- A student challenges a teacher
about an unfair grade—but it’s not just about school.
- A best friend confesses a
secret they’ve kept for years.
Write 10–15
lines of dialogue. Let it build. Let it hurt. Then… end with something
unresolved.
That’s tension.
Bonus
Tip: Conflict Doesn’t Have to Be Loud
The best
conflict scenes often include:
- Long
pauses
- Broken
sentences
- Avoided
eye contact
- One character trying to leave
while the other won’t let them
Less drama.
More truth. That’s what readers connect to.
🎁 Want to Learn How to Build Conflict into a
Complete Story?
If writing
this kind of scene excites you—and you want to learn how to use conflict to
drive an entire plot—I’ve got the perfect tool for you:
👉 The Basics of Creative Writing for
Those Who Have Never Written Short Stories or Novels
This
beginner-friendly eBook will help you:
- Create
strong, emotional conflict
- Structure full stories around
tension and resolution
- Practice with easy, powerful
writing prompts
- Actually finish your
first story—with confidence
Conflict is
where stories are born. It’s not something to fear—it’s something to write
through.
So go
ahead. Make your characters clash. That’s how readers connect.
See you in
the next article!
— Reginaldo Osnildo