What are the 7 main types of conflict?


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The seven most common types of narrative conflict in literature are divided into internal and external struggles that drive a story forward.

You can read a detailed breakdown of how to use these in your writing on Reedsy's Writer's Guide.

The 7 Types of Conflict

  • Character vs. Character (External): Two characters have clashing goals, values, or opposing forces (e.g., a hero fighting a villain).
  • Character vs. Self (Internal): A character battles their own inner doubts, moral dilemmas, flaws, or emotional turmoil.
  • Character vs. Society (External): An individual or group fights against unjust laws, corrupt governments, or cultural traditions.
  • Character vs. Nature (External): A protagonist struggles to survive harsh weather, wild animals, or natural disasters.
  • Character vs. Technology (External): A character confronts machines, artificial intelligence, or runaway science that threatens humanity.
  • Character vs. Supernatural (External): A character faces ghosts, monsters, deities, or forces that defy scientific logic.
  • Character vs. Fate (Internal or External): A person struggles against a predetermined destiny, prophecy, or unstoppable cosmic circumstances.