A classic story goes something like this: The hero wants something, and the villain is the reason they can’t have it. The hero is determined to reach their goal no matter what, but they’re met with resistance. The hero must fight for every step forward. The story doesn’t unfold only because of the hero’s goal, but because the villain is determined to stop it.
This is a man vs. man conflict in literature. It’s when you place two characters against each other. In this post, you’ll learn what man vs man conflict is and how you can write your story using this type of conflict.
What Conflict Is in Literature
Conflict is the struggle that arises when opposing forces come into conflict in a story. These forces can be characters, ideas, desires, or circumstances that stand in the way of what characters want or believe.
While the main conflict often centers on the protagonist, every character can face conflict of their own. Through these struggles, characters are challenged, forced to make difficult choices, and undergo profound changes. Without conflict, a story lacks tension, direction, and meaning.
There are several types of conflict in a story. In another post, we discussed what internal and external conflict are. Here are some more:
- Man vs. man
- Man vs. self
- Man vs. nature
- Man vs. society
- Man vs. supernatural
- Man vs. technology
- Man vs. Fate
There can be different types of conflicts in a story, and they can include other characters than the protagonist. Every conflict affects the characters differently and shapes the story differently. Conflict doesn’t allow the story to exist, but to be a living thing.
What Is Man vs Man Conflict?
Man vs. man conflict is a type of external conflict. It’s where a character directly opposes another character. This preposition can take many forms, such as physical fights, arguments, or competition.
At its core, man vs. man conflict is about people standing in each other’s way. One character’s action interferes with another character’s ability to move forward. The opposition is intentional and ongoing. The conflict is happening outside the character’s mind, so it’s described as an external conflict.
Key Traits of Man vs Man Conflict
Man vs man conflict in literature can look vastly different depending on the story. However, some common traits can help you define what it is.
A Clear Opponent
It involves characters who are in direct opposition to one another. Their goals clash in a way that creates tension and drives the conflict forward. This can occur between any character.
Opposing Goals
Both characters want something they can’t have because of the other character. They’re a hindrance to each other.
Personal Stakes
The conflict is personal because it’s directly opposing something that matters deeply to them.
Why Man vs Man Conflict Is Important
Man vs. man conflict grounds the story in something we all have experienced at some point. The conflict between two people. Man vs man conflict doesn’t come from an abstract source; it’s rooted in human interaction.
Readers easily recognize power struggles, rivalry, jealousy, loyalty, and resistance because these are conflicts they encounter in real life. This familiarity makes the story more engaging and relatable.
Man vs. man conflict reveals the character’s beliefs, values, interests, and goals. We see who they are when they’re pushed by another character. They transform through the struggles they experienced.
Man vs. man conflict is external. Each action invites a reaction, which pulls the story forward. The opposing characters are always interfering with each other. It makes the readers wonder what they are going to do next. It keeps tension high.
Finally, man vs man conflict allows stories to explore powerful themes. Because the struggle is personal, themes such as power, control, loyalty, revenge, justice, and morality emerge naturally through the clash between characters. When handled well, this form of conflict deepens both the plot and the meaning of the story.
Man vs Man in Literature
Man vs. man conflict appears across many genres and many different kinds of stories.
For example, in Star Wars, man vs. man conflict appears between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. Darth Vader forces Luke to act and consequently drives the plot forward.
Tips for Writing Man vs Man Conflict
A good conflict is the foundation of storytelling. Master writing conflict, and you already have a good story. However, it’s not easy. But difficult doesn’t mean impossible; here are some tips to write a strong man vs. man conflict.
Give Characters Clear Motivation
Both sides should believe they are right. This is especially important because sometimes the villain ends up being evil for no particular reason.
Make the Conflict Personal
Tie the conflict to their wounds. When the motivation is personal, it’s stronger. They have a reason to succeed, and more is at stake if they fail. Therefore, they’ll try harder to win.
Let the Conflict Grow Naturally
Conflict should come from a strong motivation, and it should grow with time. Build on past insistence. Layer conflict and let them compact.
Show, Don’t Tell the Conflict
You’ll think one is obvious. Instead of explaining the conflict and giving readers second-hand knowledge. Let them see for themselves. Show how it is man vs. man.
Let the Conflict Change Characters
The characters are going to change for the better or for the worse. Let them. Show how the events impacted them. How it left a mark.
Applying This to Your Writing
Man vs. man is featured in literature across genres. A classic example is hero vs. villain. However, man vs. man can be more subtle. It’s a powerful writing device to show the true nature of characters and to explore the theme more closely.
