For me, the best part about stories was everything that could exist within the page. The more imaginative, the better. There’s just something fascinating about dragons, witches, and ghosts. Supernatural kinds of stories allow you to explore myths and horrors from the safety of your home while giving you a thrill.
What I’m describing is man vs the supernatural conflict. By far, one of my favourite types of conflict. If you’re like me and can’t wait to learn more about man vs. the supernatural, then let’s dive in.
Man vs. the Supernatural: Definition and Core Conflict
You may wonder what the definition of “man vs. the supernatural” is. Man vs. the supernatural is a type of conflict that explores the struggles between a character and the supernatural world. They’re in direct opposition to something unscientific and mythical. It could be ghosts, vampires, zombies, or curses.
Man vs. the supernatural is a type of external conflict because it arises from outside the character. It’s something threatening the protagonist and preventing them from reaching their goal.
What makes this conflict special is that the antagonist isn’t something “real.” It’s a fictitious creature rather than a person, society, or nature that leaves room for your creativity to flourish and explore alternative storylines.
Key Signs of Man vs. the Supernatural Conflict
Man vs. the supernatural is similar to other literary conflicts, such as man vs. fate. But what’s actually the difference between supernatural conflict and other types of literary conflict?
There are many shared characteristics between supernatural conflict and other types of literary conflict. However, some traits distinguish supernatural conflict from other conflicts.
Here are some key signs:
- The antagonist is a supernatural force, such as a demon, spirit, or witch.
- It’s a conflict that breaks the laws of nature or isn’t “realistic”.
- The conflict challenges the character’s worldview or faith.
- It highlights human vulnerability against supernatural forces.
Example of Man vs. the Supernatural
The TV show Supernatural, which follows two brothers, Dean and Sam Winchester, is a strong example of man vs. the supernatural conflict. I mean, it’s in the name, and if that doesn’t convince you, maybe the 15 seasons of the series will.
Throughout the series, Dean and Sam meet many supernatural creatures. As we delve into the story’s plot, one thing becomes clear. The two brothers are fighting something beyond their comprehension. Furthermore, with each challenge the Winchester face, they’re tested both externally and internally.
Meaning and Themes of Man vs. the Supernatural
Any meaningful story is trying to tell us something that isn’t written on the page. You see it in the text and between the lines. That’s the theme of the story; it’s the hidden meaning of a story.
The meaning behind many stories with man vs. the supernatural conflict is the limits of people. The character often has to face the unknown. They get caught in a world of danger that tests their beliefs. Due to the supernatural aspect of this conflict, you’ve got room to be creative and write storylines you don’t often see. Use the advantage to tell the theme of your story in your own way.
Here are common themes in this conflict:
- Challenging the protagonist’s worldview or belief system.
- Representing unresolved internal struggles.
- Forcing growth through uncertainty rather than strength.
- Highlighting human fragility in the face of larger forces.
How to Write Man vs. the Supernatural Conflict
This type of conflict can look complicated at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Let’s break down the process into smaller and manageable steps while keeping it simple.
Step 1: Build a Supernatural World
The story you have in mind needs a world to live in first. Since you have supernatural elements, start by figuring out how they work.
You don’t have to write a super fictitious fantasy world from scratch. If you want to, it can take place in your neighbourhood.
You can take inspiration from previous stories or folklore, and pluck and mix. You can extend the supernatural world as far as you want or keep it minimal. The point is, sit down and plan how you want your world to work.
If you’re unsure of how to go about worldbuilding, don’t worry. In this other post, I break down the writing process as simply as possible. Use this as a guide to create a world in which your story can live and thrive.
Step 2: Create a Strong Supernatural Antagonist
What’s better for a conflict than an antagonist who is stirring up trouble? Create a compelling antagonist so that your readers feel uneasy in the safe little reading nook they’re resting in.
Your antagonist doesn’t have to be a person, especially in this case. All it needs to be is something that challenges the protagonist. Give them a clear motivation and a real impact on the story.
Step 3: Tie the Conflict to Theme
A strong theme can be the only difference between a good and great story. When the conflict reflects the theme, it adds meaning. The readers can find their own meaning in the story. It leaves a better impression on them and makes them think.
Step 4: Let the Conflict Grow Gradually
Conflict in itself should escalate as the story unfolds. Man vs. the supernatural conflict is already a heavy type of conflict. It might involve worldbuilding; therefore, reveal small bits of information as you go to avoid info-dumping.
Info-dumping makes the story difficult to read, and if you give away too much information, you might end up spoiling the ending. Therefore, let the conflict grow gradually so you can write a good story.
Step 5: Let the Character Learn and Change
Either for the better or worse, the character should’ve learned something from the conflict. Learning means it left an impact. The journey changes the character, transforming them. That doesn’t mean redemption, just different.
Bringing the Supernatural to Life
Man vs. the supernatural is naturally an imaginative type of conflict. It’s about a character fighting something that shouldn’t exist.
In other words, it’s an excellent opportunity to be creative. You can work yourself into an angle and write a meaningful story using what you learned today, without being restricted by boring, old reality.
