A Snarky Guide to Master the Essential Elements of Fiction Writing

Conflict vs. Plot

What's the difference between conflict and plot? 

Conflict, whether the internal struggle between wanting that doughnut or being a supermodel, or the external struggle of fighting to get that doughnut shoved into their mouth before their agent catches them and drops their contract, conflicts are those individual battles characters have with themselves or someone or something in their world. 

Plot is driven by the after effects of those battles. From the example above, the overall plot sounds like a long road of binge eating, rehab, falling off the wagon, therapy, and identifying the trigger causing so much unhealthy conflict and doing something about it. 

Conflict pushes the plot of any story. No conflict, no plot. 

"Can you have conflict without having a plot?" 

Sadly, yes. Anyone watch the Simpsons? It's a show of nothing but conflict with no overall plot or timeline. Each episode starts "fresh" without any concern for what came previous or what will come after. It works for an easy, comical show. In creative writing, no plot means no satisfaction for your readers. 

Battling with conflict is when your character's show their mettle and, hopefully, where your readers fall in love. Take away the conflict and, on a sliding scale of 100, the depth of character, the credibility, and the relatability numbers drop to single digits. It isn't impossible, but think about it this way: Even school syllabi are designed with rules and expectations to avoid what? Conflict. 

Readers want it. Your characters need it. Ever heard the expression "make your characters suffer?" The more your character overcomes, the louder your audience will cheer, or cry, if and when your character succeeds.