The Conflict Thesaurus

t drives character development

Story expert Michael Hauge calls this a choice between living in fear and living courageously.

the act of overcoming it is what makes us feel truly alive.

other words: conflict. S

And that feeling only arises with opposition, obstacles, problems, and challenges.

What makes a moment of victory so powerful, affirming, and satisfying is knowing what it took to win: the hard work, sacrifice, and costs.

This second outcome is what we hope for: that they persevere. B

A book gives us a front-row seat as the main character is dropped inside life’s rock tumbler.

Books do not significantly trigger our fight-or-flight instincts, making it safe to experience conflict—after all, that bad stuff is happening to someone else

Let it rain fire and poison! Bring on the horrific, impossible choices! Sharpen the monster’s fangs and set it loose! We can’t get enough.