External Conflict Template 1
Person conflict: [Character] wants [goal]; [opponent] wants [incompatible goal] because [reason].
6 External Conflict Templates
Start with structure, then replace every placeholder with information that is true, relevant, and natural for your context. These templates are intentionally skeletal so your final writing does not sound mass-produced.
Use the framework
How to personalize a template
Effective external conflict has understandable rules and consequences, responds to the character’s actions, and becomes more difficult in ways connected to the story rather than through unrelated bad luck.
- 1Choose the template closest to your actual purpose.
- 2Replace every bracketed field with specific information.
- 3Delete any sentence that does not belong in your situation.
- 4Read the result aloud for unnatural transitions or repeated phrasing.
- 5Verify names, dates, links, facts, and promises before sending or publishing.
External Conflict Template 2
Institution conflict: To obtain [goal], [character] must satisfy/challenge [rule], which creates [cost].
External Conflict Template 3
Environment conflict: [Hazard] changes [resource/time/access], forcing [new strategy].
External Conflict Template 4
Escalation map: obstacle 1 removes [option]; obstacle 2 raises [cost]; obstacle 3 forces [final choice].
External Conflict Template 5
Dependency and propagation audit: Claim / example / recommendation [x] | Controlling source / project record [x] | Dependency strength [direct / shared / advisory / independent] | Review trigger / reason code [x] | Needs-review scope [local / direct dependents / cluster] | Replacement source requirements [x] | Carry-forward decision [x] | Propagation targets [x] | Reader disclosure / changelog action [x].
External Conflict Template 6
Persistent editorial registry audit: Topic slug → [ ]; claim UID/key → [ ]; source UID/key → [ ]; dependency UID + strength → [ ]; source status/version → [ ]; open review UID/reason/priority → [ ]; replacement source if any → [ ]; reviewer + resolution → [ ].