4.5 Creating Conflicts and Relationships

Conflict and relationships are central to character development. They add tension, stakes, and emotional depth to the story.

Types of Conflicts

  1. External Conflict:
    • Obstacles posed by the world, other characters, or external forces.
    • Example: A rival competing for the same goal as the protagonist.
  2. Internal Conflict:
    • Struggles within a character, such as self-doubt or moral dilemmas.
    • Example: A character torn between loyalty and ambition.

Building Relationships

  • Allies and Friends:
    • Characters who support the reader but may have their own agendas.
  • Rivals and Enemies:
    • Opponents who challenge the reader’s goals, often forcing tough choices.
  • Neutral Characters:
    • Characters whose allegiance can shift based on decisions.

Using AdventureBuildr

  • Define relationship dynamics through branching paths.
  • Use conditional logic to track changes in relationships based on the reader’s actions.

Reasoning

Conflicts and relationships create emotional stakes and make the story more engaging. They also provide opportunities for the reader to shape the narrative in meaningful ways.