Using Conflict As Character Development

Conflict is more than just an argument with someone. I have been in conflict with myself for the past two weeks. I hate writing about Crohn's when I am in trouble. I want to write about pink unicorns. Hell, I want to be a pink unicorn.

But... that's not possible.

I didn't even get to make a decision about Remicade. My GI just said no more for at least a month. I have spent the last sixteen ours in conflict. It is called the what ifs.

It is good to infuse your characters with flaws that bounce back in their faces when an antagonist meets them head on. It doesn't have to be an argument, but a simple clash of ideas. Characters are people too.

Conflict is anything your character comes up against that does not fit their reality or their perception of reality. Kate in Gemini Rising is painfully shy. I put her into a situation that would tax every ounce of her being. I made her husband an egomaniac and waited to see how she would respond. Would she bend? Would she stand strong? Would she cave?

I use every day happenings as conflict. I describe what I feel, why I am upset, what can I do to make it better. I use friendships, family, heck I had a minor altercation with a lady at my pharmacy that will make it into a book someday.

I even use Crohn's disease in some respects. The disease teaches you to be strong where others may fail. It forces you to face fear headlong. It grabs your chin and demands to be heard, recognized, and dealt with whether or not you are emotionally or physically able.

Conflict drives a good story and it doesn't have to be emotionally driven. Conflict can be found in weather, finances, even jewelry. Greed, envy, lust are just a few. Conflict is not dependent on a positive solution so feel free to play with it.

I would love to hear from you about conflicted characters. Feel free to comment below.