How To Use Genre As A Source Of Conflict

Use genre as a source of conflict in fiction. Discover how genre expectations can challenge your characters and strengthen your story.

So far, we have looked at, general sources of conflict, non-violent conflict, physical conflict, setting, conversation/dialogue, and sub-plots as sources of conflict. Today, we will look at genre and conflict.

A Few Notes On Genre

Your chosen genre will dictate the kind of conflict that you use in your story, but it is up to you to reinvent those common types of conflict so that your story is fresh and new.

In short, genre is a promise that you make to your reader.

What can you tell from these covers about the book? They all promise something different and give us a clue of what we can expect.

When we choose a book we have certain expectations. Those expectations limit you as a writer, but also offer a safety net. Be careful of tropes and clichés and stereotypes, though. Use those as starting points or place holders in your story and work away from them.

The lines between the genres are often blurred. It’s rare to find a book that fits the criteria of only one genre. We mix and match as needed, but I would also encourage you to pick one main genre and then use a secondary genre. You don’t want your story to become schizophrenic.

I’m keeping my examples of conflict to only a few genres. It would be impossible to list all the genres and sub-genres. This post focusses on conflict and not on the definitions of genre. You can read more about that here.

How To Use Genre As A Source Of Conflict

Let’s consider the kinds of conflict associated with genre. (I have focussed on ‘outer conflict’. The ‘inner conflict’ will be applicable to all the genres and will be the result of the ‘outer conflict’ that the character has faced. ‘Inner conflict’ can be self-doubt, a moral struggle, or a guilty conscience.)

These examples are generalised and will depend on the story you are telling and which sub-genres you are using.

In Romance

Romance typically involves a relationship between two people who should end up together at the end of the story.

Think of anything that can separate or challenge lovers and their relationship:

1. Misunderstandings.
2. Family opposition.
3. Rivals.
4. Social differences.
5. Secrets.
6. Distance.
7. Personal fears and insecurities.

In Crime

Crime is a very big genre with many sub-genres and nuances. For example, cozy mysteries will have less blood and violence than a story about a serial killer. You will adjust your conflict accordingly.

You can use:

1. The crime itself.
2. The criminal.
3. The victim.
4. The detective.
5. The investigation.
6. The suspects.
7. Conflicting motives.
8. Secrets and lies.

In Fantasy

Fantasy gives you plenty of opportunities to create conflict because you can use magic, myths, creatures, and imagined worlds.

Conflict can come from:

1. Magic and the misuse of magic.
2. Myths and prophecies.
3. Magical Or Mythical Creatures
4. War.
5. Shortage of resources.
6. Seeking possession of the same object or person.
7. Race.
8. Religion.
9. Gender.

In Science Fiction

Science fiction allows you to explore conflict through science, technology, space travel, and imagined futures.

Conflict can come from:

1. Technology.
2. Artificial intelligence.
3. Space Travel.
4. Alien life.
5. Scientific discoveries.
6. Environmental disasters.
7. Dystopian societies.
8. The misuse of science.

In Horror

Horror is built around fear, danger, and the unknown. You can use:

1. Ghosts.
2. Monsters.
3. Communication with an ‘other realm’.
4. Haunted places and objects.
5. Possession and exorcism.
6. Religion and religious elements.
7. Curses, myths, and prophecies.

In YA & Children’s Fiction

You can combine these two genres with most of the genres above. Because the conflict often results in a change in the character, you’ll often find conflict that reflects the coming-of-age elements of these stories.

In Literary Fiction

Literary fiction often focuses on internal conflict. Most of the genres above focus first on ‘outer conflict’. The ‘inner conflict’ is then a result of the challenges faced because of the ‘outer conflict’. With Literary fiction the conflict is primarily ‘inner conflict’ with the character pitted mostly against themselves.

The Last Word

Your genre has requirements. Those requirements will help you as a writer to narrow the focus of your story and to write something that surprises and excites your readers, but also makes them feel at home. That genre dictates your conflict. Learn how to use genre as a source of conflict and have fun turning those expectations to your advantage.

by Mia Botha

More posts from Mia:

1. 7 Things Dialogue Can Do In Your Story
2. 4 Super Easy Ways To Create Characters For Short Stories
3. How To Show Character Change Without Telling (With Examples)
4. 7 Supporting Character Types Every Writer Should Know
5. The 3 Surprises Every Story Needs
6. A Quick Start Guide To Writing For Children
7. 15 Inspiring Reasons To Start Writing Poetry
8. Worldbuilding: The Ultimate Setting Checklist For Writers
9. Show Don’t Tell: 5 Simple Techniques Every Writer Should Know
10. How To Show & Not Tell In Short Stories

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