Although I’m not more superstitious than the average writer, there are moments when I feel like something was meant to happen, as if it was fate. In real life, that might just be a coincidence. In stories, on the other hand, it’s very much real.
What I just described is called man vs. fate in the literary world. Man vs. Fate conflict explores the complex relationship between a character and their free will, and today, we will too.
What is Man vs. Fate?
Man vs. Fate is a type of external conflict in which a character struggles against an unavoidable future. It might look like they’re fighting destiny, a prophecy, or a certain outcome.
No matter what the character does, it seems like a divine force is pushing the character towards a predetermined path. The character can try to fight it, ignore it, or change it, but fate keeps pulling them back toward what’s meant to happen.
In some stories, destiny can’t be avoided. The story is often structured so that the character’s attempts to fight fate actually lead them to fulfill it. Their struggle becomes part of what brings the prophecy or outcome to life.
In other stories, fate can be changed. The character’s actions can challenge or even alter the predicted outcome. Regardless of how you choose to end your story, you make the readers wonder: will fate win, or will the character be in control of their own life?
Why It’s an External Conflict
Man vs. fate is considered to be an external conflict. The opposing force isn’t coming from the character as it would in internal conflict, like man vs. self. Instead, it comes from outside sources such as a god, prophecy, the universe, or destiny.
However, it does overlap with internal conflict. What is happening to the character is influencing their mental well-being. The character is at odds with their fate. They might struggle with heavy emotions like fear or frustration because they’re at odds with what seems inevitable.
When you’re writing man vs. fate, as any other type of conflict, you should layer external conflict with internal conflict. What’s happening in the character’s environment is obviously affecting them. Naturally, they internalize it and continue to develop who they are and drive their response.
Man vs. Fate Example By Rick Riordan
If I’ve been a good teacher, you’ve some idea of what man vs. fate is. Nevertheless, I’m a firm believer in learning by example. Let’s take a look at The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan.
In the novel, twelve-year-old Percy seeks out an oracle who delivers a prophecy about the quest he is on. The prophecy predicts parts of Percy’s journey and hints at betrayal and failure. Even though his future seems to be foretold, Percy insists on making his own choices.
The prophecy weighs heavily on him. It affects how he behaves and who he trusts throughout the quest. In many ways, the prophecy begins to shape the events around him, showing how trying to fight fate can sometimes bring it closer.
What Man vs Fate Reveals About Choice and Identity
Aren’t you wondering what makes Man vs. Fate such a compelling type of conflict? Perhaps, part of it’s the drama. I do get a thrill from hearing prophecies of fates destined to happen, especially when the outcome isn’t ideal for the protagonist.
However, fate is about free will. The conflict explores the theme of acceptance vs. resistance. It asks critical questions about identity and purpose. Fate might not be within the character’s control, but their choices are. Because of this, many writers use man vs fate to explore larger themes and say something meaningful about human nature.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Man vs Fate Conflict
Writing a man vs. fate conflict can add depth and flavor to your story when done right. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to write a man vs. fate conflict.
1. Establish Fate Early.
If you’re going to tell a story, establish the central conflict early. Introduce the predicted outcome early so the readers know what the problem is.
2. Give Your Character Real Choices
A story is an event of actions and reactions. Your character should, in some form or way, be in charge of themselves. They should want things and fight for them.
3. Show the Character’s Emotions
Show the character’s emotions. Since the story is about someone facing their fate, it’s important to show how it affects them. Let their emotions appear on the page and how they handle them.
4. Make the Conflict Harder Over Time
Make the conflict increasingly difficult. As the character gets closer to their goal, raise the stakes. Let fate create new obstacles so the protagonist has to work harder and harder to reach the end. They need to earn their ending.
5. Show How Actions Shape the Outcome
Whether fate can be changed or not, the character’s decisions should matter. Every action and even every breath should contribute to how the story ends.
Wrapping Up Man vs. Fate Conflict
Man vs. Fate discusses the complex relationship between a character and divine forces. It’s difficult to be at odds with something that isn’t human, so you can imagine why this makes an interesting type of conflict, not to mention the types of themes that often show up in man vs. fate.
The step-by-step guide above is a great framework to write a strong man vs. fate conflict. It gives insight into how you can incorporate such conflict into your story in a simple manner.
