CONFLICT (Creative Writing Prompts)

Internal Conflict

A struggle inside a character’s mind (fear, guilt, identity, pressure).

External Conflict

A struggle between a character and an outside force (family, society, friends, environment).

Moral Conflict

When the character must choose between right and wrong.

Identity Conflict

When the character questions who they are or where they belong.

Interpersonal Conflict

Conflict between two people (argument, betrayal, tension).

Societal Conflict

Character vs society expectations, rules, or cultural norms.

Turning Point

The moment the conflict forces the character to change or make a decision.

Resolution

How the conflict ends or what the character learns.

Symbolism (for creative writing)

Using an object (light, weather, colours, broken items) to show emotion or conflict.

Emotive Language

Words that make the reader feel the character’s emotions.

Building tension:

• “I didn’t realise it then, but this was the moment everything shifted.”

• “A part of me knew I couldn’t keep avoiding it.”

• “The room suddenly felt smaller, tighter, harder to breathe in.”

Showing internal conflict:

• “I kept replaying the situation in my head…”

• “I wanted to speak up, but something held me back.”

• “My chest tightened as I tried to decide what to do.”

Showing external conflict:

• “Their voice rose, and mine followed before I even noticed.”

• “We stood there, neither of us willing to take a step back.”

Reflective ending (memoir style):

• “Looking back, I realise that moment changed me in ways I didn’t expect.”

• “If I had known what I’d learn from this, I might have faced it sooner.”

• “The conflict didn’t disappear, but I stopped letting it control me.”