Story Conflict Template 1
Conflict statement: [Character] wants [goal], but [opposing force] wants/causes [incompatible outcome] because [reason].
4 Story 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
Strong conflict grows from specific competing desires and consequences rather than random obstacles, and it changes as characters act so that each attempt reshapes the next problem.
- 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.
Story Conflict Template 2
Escalation: Attempt [1] creates [consequence], which forces attempt [2], which costs [new stake].
Story Conflict Template 3
Value conflict: [Character] must choose between [value A] and [value B] when [situation].
Story Conflict Template 4
Climax test: the final obstacle should force a decision that answers [central conflict question].