English ACT Aspire Practice Test 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The term 'conflict' in storytelling refers specifically to the central problem that characters face throughout the narrative. It is a crucial element because it drives the plot and engages the reader, creating tension and interest. Conflicts can take many forms, including internal struggles within a character or external struggles against other characters or forces. Resolving this conflict is typically the primary objective, leading to the story's climax and ultimately its resolution.

Understanding conflict helps to identify why characters behave in certain ways and how the story develops. While the emotional arcs of characters, the setting, and character exposition are all important components of storytelling, they serve different functions and do not define the essence of 'conflict.' Focusing on the conflict allows readers to grasp the core challenges and stakes within the narrative, making it central to the story's development.