What role does conflict play in a narrative?

Conflict is a central element of storytelling that serves to propel the plot forward and facilitate character development. It introduces challenges and obstacles that characters must confront, leading to growth, change, or realization. As characters navigate conflicts, their responses and decisions reveal their personalities and allow readers to gain deeper insights into their motivations and relationships.

This dynamic interplay between conflict and character development helps maintain reader engagement, as the resolution of conflicts often brings about a satisfying conclusion or a dramatic twist in the narrative. Furthermore, conflict can take various forms—be it internal (within a character) or external (between characters or forces)—each contributing to the richness of the story. In essence, without conflict, a narrative may lack tension and interest, as there would be no stakes for the characters involved.