The Power of Conflict in Storytelling: Why It Matters and How to Use It Effectively

Introduction: Why Does Conflict Matter in Storytelling?

Imagine a story where everyone is happy, and nothing goes wrong. How long would you stay interested? Conflict is the reason we stay hooked—it’s the reason we care. Conflict is at the heart of every great story. Whether internal or external, it’s the engine that drives narratives forward.

Without conflict, you’re left with a series of events that lack energy and engagement. Conflict makes the story powerful; it hooks the audience and keeps them watching. Conflict does more than tell a story. It drives character growth. It forces characters to change and face their fears.

This guide will explore conflict in storytelling. It will show you how to layer conflicts in your narratives to add depth, tension, and emotion. If you're a filmmaker, writer, or content creator, this is for you. Mastering conflict-driven storytelling will make your work unforgettable.

What Is Conflict in Storytelling?

Conflict in storytelling is the struggle between opposing forces. It can be internal, where a character battles their mind, or external, where they face outside challenges. Without conflict, there's no tension or stakes. The audience won't care about the characters or their journey. Conflict creates emotional investment and keeps viewers engaged.

As a new filmmaker, I didn't grasp conflict-driven storytelling. I thought I could just follow a character, and that alone would be enough. My early work quickly taught me that without conflict, there’s no real story. Conflict isn't just fights or disagreements. It's the friction that drives change. This guide will help you understand how to create meaningful conflict in your stories.

The Importance of Conflict in Documentary Filmmaking

My first documentary, Zero Silence, was a wake-up call. I was so focused on the characters—activists in the Arab Spring—that I missed the key conflict. Though there was much conflict in their world, I didn't weave it into the story. I failed to capture the opposing voices and the doubt. Their tension could have made the story better.

This realization hit hard: conflict is what makes characters evolve, grow, and change. It’s also what keeps the audience emotionally invested in the story. Without conflict, you are just documenting events. That may inform, but it won't engage.

Types of Conflict in Storytelling

There are three main types of conflict in stories. Each adds complexity to the narrative.

• Internal Conflict: Struggles within a character's mind and soul.

• External Conflict: Challenges a character faces from outside forces.

• Interpersonal Conflict: Clashes between characters.

Let’s break these down further.

Internal Conflict

Internal conflict is a character's battle with themselves. It involves doubt, fear, emotional pain, and moral dilemmas. These are the character's inner struggles that shape their journey and arc.

In my documentary The Pearl of Africa, Cleo’s internal conflict was deeply personal. She was transitioning from male to female. Her journey was full of self-doubt, fear, and emotional ups and downs. The internal battle she faced made her story relatable on a deeply human level. Audiences connected with her, not just because of her transition. They felt the emotions she experienced along the way. A key element in conflict-driven storytelling is this: it's as important to show the emotional journey as to depict the external events.

External Conflict

External conflict comes from outside forces. These include societal expectations, laws, and threats to survival. In The Pearl of Africa, Cleo faced Uganda's oppressive anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Being homosexual there could mean life in prison. This conflict added depth to the story. It contrasted with her internal struggles.

The interplay between internal and external conflict makes a story rich and engaging. One moment, you’re inside Cleo’s mind, feeling her fear and courage. The next, you’re outside, experiencing the tangible danger she faces. This balance creates a dynamic story that resonates with the audience.

Interpersonal Conflict

Interpersonal conflict is the clash between characters. It adds tension and moves the story by creating obstacles for the characters to navigate. In The Pearl of Africa, Cleo's family and her partner, Nelson, caused conflict. Nelson, in particular, served as a surrogate for the audience. He questioned Cleo's decisions and added tension to the story. His fears mirrored the audience's doubts. This made the story relatable. It helped viewers gradually empathize with Cleo's journey.

How to Layer Conflict for Maximum Impact

Layering different types of conflict creates a more dynamic and engaging story. But how do you balance these conflicts effectively?

A tough lesson in filmmaking came from Zero Silence. I didn't show enough of the opposing viewpoints, and the film became biased. It lacked counterpoints that would have added depth. To avoid this mistake, it’s crucial to allow conflicts to breathe. Show the conflicting voices and viewpoints, even if they’re uncomfortable. This creates more thinking space for the audience, making the story more compelling.

Using Personal Experience to Deepen Conflict

In my documentary Puppy Mafia, the conflict stemmed from a personal loss—my dog died. At first, I didn't see this as a film-worthy conflict. But my grief and anger made me see the evil of illegal puppy trading. Layering my internal struggle with the external issues made the story more relatable and powerful.

As filmmakers, we sometimes need to create or heighten conflict to make it more cinematic. But be careful not to stray from what Werner Herzog calls "the ecstatic truth." It’s a deeper truth that captures the essence of life. It's okay to tweak the narrative as long as it remains true to the deeper emotional truth you want to convey.

Balancing Conflicts for Narrative Flow

Too much of one type of conflict can feel flat, while too little can leave the story lacking depth. For example, in The Pearl of Africa, I had to balance Cleo’s internal conflict with the external dangers she faced in Uganda. Interpersonal conflict with Nelson and Cleo’s family added another layer of tension. The key is to find moments where conflicts intersect to create turning points in the story.

Balancing conflicts is like a dance. You must balance the character's inner struggles, their surroundings, and their relationships. It’s a dynamic process that keeps the narrative moving and the audience engaged.

Conflict as a Catalyst for Character Growth

Conflict is more than a storytelling element. It drives characters to grow, change, and face their fears. It’s what makes the audience care about the journey and the stakes. The uncertainty and tension created by conflict are what make a story worth telling.

In The Pearl of Africa, Cleo’s internal and external conflicts forced her to evolve and face challenges head-on, making her journey compelling to watch. Without conflict, there would be no growth, no stakes, and no reason for the audience to stay invested.

Practical Tips for Filmmakers: Embrace Conflict in Your Stories

If you’re an aspiring filmmaker, don’t shy away from conflict. Embrace it and use it to move your story forward. Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind:

1. Layer Your Conflicts: Use a mix of internal, external, and interpersonal conflicts to add depth to your story. Balance these layers to create a dynamic narrative that engages the audience on multiple levels.

2. Show Opposing Viewpoints: Don’t be afraid to show conflicting voices, even if they’re uncomfortable. Doing so adds complexity to your story and gives the audience room to think.

3. Stay True to the Ecstatic Truth: It's fine to heighten conflict for drama, but stay true to the deeper emotional truth. This authenticity is what will resonate with your audience.

4. Make Conflict Relatable: Personal experience can help you understand and portray conflict on a deeper level. Whether it’s grief, fear, or doubt, use your emotions to add authenticity to the story.

5. Use Conflict as a Driver for Character Growth: Remember, conflict is what makes characters evolve. Use it as a tool to push your characters to grow, face challenges, and ultimately change.

The Role of Conflict in Great Storytelling

Conflict is more than an obstacle for characters to overcome. It drives their growth, tension, and engagement. Conflict—internal, external, or interpersonal—adds layers to a story. It makes it more complex and compelling. Layering conflict can create powerful, emotional stories. They will keep your audience hooked from start to finish.