Improving Internal and External Conflict for Novels

 Ten Ways to Improve Conflict in Novels

Conflict is an essential element of any good novel. It is what drives the story forward and keeps the
reader engaged. Without conflict, a novel can quickly become boring and uninteresting. That’s why it’s important to make sure that the conflicts in your novel are interesting, engaging, and well-developed. Here are ten ways to improve conflict in your novel:

 

1. Create believable characters: Characters are the driving force behind conflict. By creating well-rounded characters with believable motivations and goals, you can create believable and nuanced conflicts that your readers can relate to.

 

2. Make sure your characters have different perspectives: Conflict arises when characters have different beliefs, values, and goals. By making sure that your characters have different perspectives and opinions, you can create tension and conflict that will keep your readers interested.

 

3. Show the consequences of conflict: Conflict isn’t just about two characters arguing or not getting along. It’s about the consequences that come with those disagreements. Make sure to show how the conflict affects the characters and their lives.

 

4. Introduce obstacles: Introducing obstacles can give your characters something to overcome in order to reach their goals. This can create tension and suspense as your characters struggle to overcome the obstacles in their way.

 

5. Build suspense: Suspense is essential for creating an engaging narrative. Make sure to build suspense in your novel by creating situations that require your characters to make difficult decisions or take risky actions.

 

6. Use conflict to reveal character: Conflict can be used to reveal more about your characters. By showing how your characters react to and resolve conflicts, you can reveal more about their personalities, strengths, and weaknesses.

 

7. Give characters an emotional connection: Conflict can be more interesting if there is an emotional connection between the characters. This could be a romantic connection, a shared past, or a common goal. This emotional connection can help to create tension and make the conflict more engaging.

 

8. Make sure the stakes are high: Make sure that the stakes are high enough to make the conflict interesting and engaging. If the stakes are too low, your readers won’t be invested in the conflict and won’t care how it turns out.

 

9. Make sure the conflict is resolved: A conflict that isn’t resolved can be frustrating for readers. Make sure to resolve the conflicts in your novel in a satisfying way.

 

10. Make it personal: Conflict is more interesting if it has a personal element to it. If the characters have a personal stake in the conflict, it can make it more interesting and engaging for readers.

 

By following these ten tips, you can make sure that the conflicts in your novel are engaging and well-developed. Conflict is essential for any good novel, so make sure to create interesting and believable conflicts that will keep your readers engaged.

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