Home   >   Common Writing Mistakes   >   How to Balance Internal and External Conflict in Fiction

How to Balance Internal and External Conflict in Fiction

By on June 30, 2025
Balance Conflict in Fiction: Characters facing different conflicts in a fictional setting.

Balance conflict in fiction is essential for creating an engaging narrative. Writers must carefully manage both internal and external conflicts to keep readers invested. But how do you effectively balance these conflicts? Whether you're writing a fast-paced thriller or a slow-burn drama, ensuring a blend of both conflict types can enhance character development and plot progression.

Handling Conflict in Stories: Internal vs External

At the heart of every great story lies conflict. Internal conflicts revolve around a character's personal struggles, their fears, and desires, while external conflicts involve outside forces acting upon the character. Both types are essential in building a compelling story. The tension internal conflicts bring can show a character's depth, while external conflicts move the plot forward. To manage story conflicts, focus on integrating both types seamlessly so they play off each other. By doing this, you encourage readers to delve deeper into your character's psyche while keeping them excited about external challenges.

Balancing Story Tension: Why Both Conflict Types Matter

When balancing story tension, understanding the dynamics between internal and external conflict is crucial. A story that's purely one type can seem one-dimensional. For instance, having too much internal conflict without an external struggle can make a story feel introspective but stagnant. On the flip side, non-stop external conflict might leave out the emotional depth. The key is to use the dynamics of fiction to create a rhythm. This rhythm not only captivates readers but offers them an experience where they can empathize with the character's journey on multiple levels.

Conflict Dynamics in Fiction: Effective Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution doesn't mean solving every problem your characters face. In fact, leaving some threads unresolved can aid in developing a series or an open-ended conclusion. The aim of fictional conflict strategies should be to provide enough resolution to satisfy the reader while keeping them pondering certain elements. When navigating conflict challenges, ensure that resolutions are satisfactory and believable without resorting to clichés or deus ex machina.

  • Understand your character's internal motivations and external obstacles.
  • Create a balance where both conflicts escalate simultaneously.
  • Use internal conflict to drive character growth and external conflict to propel the plot.
  • Conclude with a resolution that intertwines both internal and external conflicts.

Navigating Conflict Challenges: Overcoming Fiction Conflict Obstacles

Overcoming fiction conflict obstacles might seem daunting, but it's a rewarding process. Begin by mapping out your character's internal struggles alongside external threats. As the story progresses, find opportunities where these lines cross. For example, a character with a fear of failure might face a high-stakes external challenge. This intersection forces them to confront their internal fears while dealing with the external threat. According to Wikipedia, understanding these dynamics helps in crafting layers in your story. Want to promote your book after it’s published? Check out our Book Marketing Articles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Balance Conflict in Fiction

Q: What is the importance of balancing internal and external conflict?
A: Balancing both conflicts creates a well-rounded story that appeals emotionally and intellectually, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.

Q: How do you identify if there's too much of one conflict type?
A: If your story feels stagnant or too chaotic, it might lack the balance between internal and external conflict. Consider reevaluating your character's motivations and plot events.

If you're serious about growing your author career, don't miss out on these free tools and templates built specifically for writers. Access all 7 free resources here.

About Megan Matthews