Table of Contents

Creating Conflict and Resolution in a Short Story Level 7

Introduction

Every great story starts with a conflict. Whether it’s a hero facing a dragon or a student struggling with a math problem, conflict drives the plot forward. In this article, we will explore how to create compelling conflicts and resolutions in short stories, making your writing more engaging and dynamic.

Definition and Concept

Conflict in a story refers to the struggle between opposing forces, which can be internal (within a character) or external (between characters or between a character and their environment). Resolution is how that conflict is resolved, providing closure to the story.

Relevance:

  • Literature: Understanding conflict and resolution is essential for analyzing and writing stories.
  • Creative Writing: It enhances storytelling skills, making narratives more relatable and interesting.

Historical Context or Origin​

The concept of conflict and resolution has been central to storytelling since ancient times. From epic tales like Homer’s ‘The Iliad’ to modern novels, writers have used these elements to engage audiences and convey deeper meanings about the human experience.

Understanding the Problem

To create conflict and resolution in your short story, consider the following steps:

  • Identify the main character and their goal.
  • Introduce a challenge or obstacle that prevents the character from achieving their goal.
  • Develop the story by showing how the character responds to the conflict.
  • Conclude with a resolution that addresses the conflict.

    • Methods to Solve the Problem with different types of problems​

    Method 1: The Three-Act Structure

  • Act 1: Introduction of characters and conflict.
  • Act 2: Development of conflict, including complications and challenges.
  • Act 3: Resolution of conflict and conclusion of the story.

    • Example:
    A young girl dreams of becoming a dancer (goal) but faces criticism from her family (conflict). She practices hard and eventually wins a dance competition (resolution).

    Method 2: Character Motivation
    Understand what drives your characters. This will help you create realistic conflicts.
    Example:
    A scientist wants to prove her theory (goal) but faces skepticism from her peers (conflict). She conducts groundbreaking research that earns their respect (resolution).

    Exceptions and Special Cases​

  • Ambiguous Resolutions: Sometimes, the resolution may not be clear-cut, leaving readers to interpret the ending.
  • Unresolved Conflicts: Some stories may end with unresolved conflicts to provoke thought or set up a sequel.

    • Step-by-Step Practice​

    Practice Exercise 1: Write a short story outline using the three-act structure.
    Example:
    Act 1: Introduce a boy who wants to win a soccer match. Act 2: He faces a rival team that is much stronger. Act 3: He learns teamwork and leads his team to victory.

    Practice Exercise 2: Create a character profile with a goal and a conflict.
    Example:
    Character: A young inventor who wants to create a flying car but faces financial issues.

    Examples and Variations

    Example 1:
    A detective tries to solve a mystery (goal) but encounters numerous red herrings (conflict). In the end, he uncovers the truth and brings the culprit to justice (resolution).

    Example 2:
    A shy girl wants to make friends (goal) but struggles with her insecurities (conflict). She eventually finds a supportive group and gains confidence (resolution).

    Interactive Quiz with Feedback System​

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    Common Mistakes and Pitfalls

    • Forgetting to establish a clear conflict early in the story.
    • Creating conflicts that are too complex or unrealistic.
    • Failing to provide a satisfying resolution that ties up loose ends.

    Tips and Tricks for Efficiency

    • Start with a strong character goal to guide your conflict.
    • Use obstacles that challenge your character’s abilities and beliefs.
    • Consider multiple ways to resolve the conflict for a richer narrative.

    Real life application

    • Writing skills: Enhances storytelling abilities in various forms of writing, such as essays, reports, and creative writing.
    • Critical thinking: Analyzing conflicts in literature can improve problem-solving skills in real life.
    • Communication: Understanding narrative structure aids in effective communication and presentation of ideas.

    FAQ's

    That’s great! Multiple conflicts can add depth. Just ensure they connect to the main plot and character goals.
    Introduce high stakes, relatable emotions, and unexpected twists to keep readers invested.
    Yes! Open-ended resolutions can provoke thought and discussion among readers.
    A satisfactory resolution should feel earned and provide closure while still resonating with the story’s themes.
    Absolutely! Real-life conflicts can make your stories more relatable and impactful.

    Conclusion

    Creating conflict and resolution in short stories is essential for engaging storytelling. By understanding the dynamics of conflict and practicing your writing skills, you can craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers.

    References and Further Exploration

    • Book: ‘The Anatomy of Story’ by John Truby.
    • Online Resource: Writers’ Workshop for tips on conflict and resolution.

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