Comments on: Explore the Layers of Conflict in Your Story

By: Last Weeks Writing Links 12/14-12/19 | B. Shaun Smith

Last Weeks Writing Links 12/14-12/19 | B. Shaun Smith — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 20:21:47 +0000

[…] Explore the Layers of Conflict in Your Story […]

By: Piper Bayard

Piper Bayard — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 14:24:35 +0000

In reply to Victoria Marie Lees. So glad I could be helpful! Thank you for passing it on.

By: Piper Bayard

Piper Bayard — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 14:23:46 +0000

In reply to ocjarman1. Sorry it took me so long to reply. You are correct. Inner conflict is about the character arc. It's not about the plot. It's the conflict between characters that moves the story. The climax should be the battle between your protagonist and your antagonist. Inner conflict might lead up to that battle, but it is not the climax. One example of a successful story with a heavy dose of inner conflict is Black Swan (the movie). In that movie, a ballerina is bat guano crazy and at battle with herself. However, even there, the part of herself she is warring with is personified in the form of another ballerina. I hope that answers your question. Good luck!

By: Victoria Marie Lees

Victoria Marie Lees — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 20:13:17 +0000

Thank you so much for this information. Giving a vivid example truly helps. I passed it along.

By: ocjarman1

ocjarman1 — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 21:43:28 +0000

I loved your analysis of the movie. I, now having a problem with my w.i.p.'s climax. So far it's all inner comflict within my protagonist. From what I understand, of your post, this won't move the story along. Is this correct, or did miss something along the way?

By: Piper Bayard

Piper Bayard — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 20:31:33 +0000

In reply to tbensonwriter. Most welcome!

By: Piper Bayard

Piper Bayard — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 00:04:02 +0000

In reply to karenmcfarland. Thank you, Karen! I get the "just too nice" thing. I've had so much conflict in my life that I just wanted my characters to get along. Fine if you never intend to publish. Holmes is the same way. The rest of his life is conflict. It took a while for the need for it in our work to sit well with him. Glad you enjoyed the post. :)

By: Piper Bayard

Piper Bayard — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 00:02:07 +0000

In reply to James R. Preston. So glad it's helpful for you. :)

By: Piper Bayard

Piper Bayard — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 00:00:58 +0000

In reply to Fae Rowen. Thank you! ... I loved the movie, too. It was a hoot!

By: karenmcfarland

karenmcfarland — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 23:33:11 +0000

Well look at you Miss Piper! A guest at WITS no less. Love your simplified explanation of conflict. I have a horrible time with this. I am just too nice. lol. So I dig back in and make my characters lives as miserable as possible. Love the Man from U.N.C.L.E.! That was the cool show to watch back in the day. Awesome post my friend! ((Hugs)) 🙂