The Power of Misaligned Goals: A Simple Tip for Crafting Conflict in Fiction
By Olivia Salter
Conflict is the lifeblood of fiction. Without it, stories stagnate, and readers lose engagement. One of the most effective and dynamic ways to create conflict is by introducing a misalignment of goals between characters. This technique not only generates tension but also propels the narrative forward, forcing characters into actions and decisions that drive the plot.
What is a Misalignment of Goals?
A misalignment of goals occurs when characters have conflicting desires or objectives, causing them to directly oppose one another within the same scene. This doesn’t always have to be a dramatic, life-or-death situation. The conflict can be subtle, internal, or emotional—what matters is that the characters’ wants clash.
For example, imagine a scene where two characters are trapped in a room. One character is desperate to escape, while the other is determined to keep them inside, perhaps out of fear, jealousy, or a darker motivation. This simple misalignment of goals creates an immediate sense of conflict, building tension as the characters vie for control of the situation. The conflict in this case isn’t necessarily physical, but emotional or psychological.
Subtle vs. Overt Misalignments
Misalignments can be either subtle or overt, depending on the tone and stakes of your story. An overt misalignment occurs when the goals are clear and immediately noticeable—perhaps a character wants to break free from captivity, while another is actively preventing them from doing so. In contrast, a subtle misalignment might involve two characters desiring the same outcome, but for different reasons or with different methods. One might want freedom from a toxic relationship, while the other wishes to preserve it, albeit for selfish reasons, like avoiding loneliness.
Both types of conflict add richness to the narrative, but the key is ensuring that the misalignment isn’t too obvious at first glance. The tension arises when the audience realizes that two seemingly cooperative characters actually have very different desires.
Internal vs. External Conflicts
While the external misalignment (e.g., one character physically restraining another) is more immediate and easy to recognize, internal conflicts can also serve as powerful tools for pushing the narrative forward. Take a character who has internalized their desire to escape a harmful situation, yet feels a deep moral obligation to protect the person keeping them trapped. The conflict here doesn’t stem from an external force but from within the character’s own psyche. This internal struggle can be just as compelling as physical or verbal confrontations, providing a nuanced layer to your storytelling.
The Push Toward Decision-Making
When characters have conflicting goals, they are pushed into making decisions—sometimes difficult ones—that force them to reveal their true nature. A character desperate for freedom might resort to betrayal to escape, while another might escalate their controlling behavior in the face of resistance. These decisions not only intensify the conflict but also develop the characters, as their choices reflect deeper aspects of their personalities, fears, and desires.
Moreover, misaligned goals create stakes that make every action feel significant. If both characters are fighting for something they believe is crucial, the tension surrounding their actions will be felt by the reader, who is invested in seeing how the conflict resolves.
Building Conflict Through Dialogue and Action
Misaligned goals are often most effective when they are communicated through both dialogue and action. A heated exchange can quickly reveal a character’s desires and fears, but it’s through the choices they make and the actions they take that the conflict becomes tangible. Does the character push through with determination, or do they hesitate, torn by inner conflict? Do they deceive or manipulate to get what they want, or do they try to negotiate their way to a solution?
Ultimately, the friction created by conflicting goals forces characters into decisions that shape the story's direction, leading to resolutions that are earned rather than convenient.
In conclusion, a misalignment of goals is a powerful tool for creating tension and conflict in fiction. Whether subtle or overt, internal or external, it forces characters to confront their desires, make tough decisions, and take action that keeps the narrative moving. When used effectively, this technique not only propels the plot forward but also deepens the emotional stakes, creating a more engaging and dynamic story. So, when you’re building a scene, consider the goals of your characters—are they aligned, or are they on a collision course? The resulting conflict could be the key to taking your narrative to the next level.
