Introduction: What Are Conflict and Resolution in Stories?
Stories are like roller coasters—full of ups and downs! Conflict is the “problem” or challenge in the story, like when a hero gets lost or two friends have an argument. Resolution is how the problem gets solved, like finding their way home or making up with a friend. Conflict makes the story exciting, and resolution gives it a happy (or satisfying) ending. Together, they’re the heart of every great tale! ❤️
Reasons to Use
- Conflict makes your story exciting and keeps readers curious. What will happen next?
- Resolution gives your story meaning and shows how problems can be solved.
- They make stories feel real because everyone faces challenges in life—and it’s great to see how they can be fixed!
Imagine a story without conflict: “Tim woke up, ate breakfast, went to school, and came home.” Boring, right? Add conflict: “Tim woke up and realized his backpack was missing! How would he get to school?” Now that’s exciting!
Out in the Wild!
- Start with a Small Problem: A lost toy, a broken promise, or a scary noise.
- Build the Conflict: Make the problem grow. The toy is not just lost—it’s in a neighbor’s yard guarded by a barking dog!
- Solve the Problem: Show how the characters work together, use their creativity, or learn a lesson to fix things.
Examples
Beginner: Simple Conflict & Resolution
- Conflict: Mia’s kite gets stuck in a tree.
- Resolution: Her friend helps her climb a ladder to get it down.
- Story: “Mia was sad her kite was stuck. But her friend said, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll help!’ Together, they got the kite back and flew it high in the sky.”
Intermediate: Adding Tension
- Conflict: Ben’s robot stops working during the science fair.
- Resolution: Ben remembers he has spare batteries and fixes it just in time.
- Story: “Ben’s robot froze. He was about to cry, but then he thought, ‘Wait! I have extra batteries!’ He swapped them out, and the robot danced right on cue. Ben won first prize!”
Expert: Complex Conflict & Resolution
- Conflict: Lily and Jack argue over who gets to lead their team in a treasure hunt.
- Resolution: They realize working together helps them find the treasure faster.
- Story: “Lily said, ‘I should lead; I have the map!’ Jack replied, ‘But I know the forest!’ They wasted time arguing until they heard a growl. ‘Let’s work together,’ said Jack. They found the treasure just before sunset, learning teamwork was the real prize.”
Troubleshooting Tips
- Too Little Conflict: If your story feels boring, ask, “What could go wrong here?”
- Too Big Conflict: If the problem feels impossible, like “saving the world in one hour,” make it smaller and solvable.
- Unclear Resolution: Make sure the solution makes sense. Did the characters work for it, or was it just luck?
Also known as...
- Conflict: Problem, challenge, obstacle
- Resolution: Solution, ending, fix
Where else is this Used?
Conflict and resolution can teach kids important lessons about emotions and problem-solving. For older kids, they can explore:
- Types of Conflict: Person vs. Person (arguments), Person vs. Nature (a storm), or Person vs. Self (overcoming fear).
- Layered Resolutions: Not all resolutions are perfect. Sometimes characters learn to live with challenges, like making a new friend instead of getting back a lost one.
Memory Tips
- The “Uh-Oh to Yay” Method: Draw a story mountain. At the bottom, write the conflict (“Uh-oh!”). At the top, write the climax (biggest problem). On the other side, write the resolution (“Yay!”).
- Play “What Happens Next?”: Make up a conflict (e.g., “The balloon flew away!”) and let kids come up with funny or creative resolutions.
- Conflict Cards: Write problems on cards (“A dragon blocks the bridge”) and let kids act out or write solutions.