An Overview of the Eight Universal Conflicts
- Story Marc
- Feb 3
- 11 min read
Stories captivate us because of the conflicts at their core. They reflect the struggles, desires, and fears that define what it means to be human. As a writer, I’ve often asked myself: What makes a story universally relatable? This question led me through countless storytelling frameworks, but the breakthrough came from a single, unassuming page in a book called The Idea.
In The Idea, there’s a section titled The Eight Types of Story Problems. It outlines eight challenges that main characters often face, like:
Someone or something is trying to kill me.
Someone or something is trying to destroy my life as I know it.
I have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rise up and be somebody.
...and so on.
At first, it struck me as something interesting—a concise summary of characters' core problems in stories. It felt true. The more I thought about it, the more I saw it reflected in my favorite stories. But at that stage, it was just a neat concept, a good lens for analyzing stories.
Then, as I started working with it, everything changed. I began testing it against different narratives, experimenting with it in my work, and using it to break down stories. The more I explored it, the more I realized how untapped this concept was. It wasn’t just a way to understand storytelling—it was a powerful tool for simplifying and elevating the writing process.
I saw how these conflicts could ease the creative load for writers. They’re not just abstract ideas but practical anchors for constructing stories that resonate deeply. Writers often struggle with where to begin or how to focus their narratives. These conflicts clarify, grounding the story in universally relatable challenges that audiences instinctively connect with.
This realization pushed me to build on that original list. I wanted to refine, expand, and explore its potential to make storytelling more effortless and impactful.
That’s why I’ve created this framework: The Eight Universal Conflicts. In the next section, I’ll explain why this concept benefits writers and how it can transform how you approach storytelling.
What Are The Eight Universal Conflicts?
At its heart, every story revolves around conflict—an obstacle to overcome, a challenge to face, or a problem to solve. The Eight Universal Conflicts are the foundation for understanding and crafting stories. They represent the core struggles that resonate across all cultures, genres, and periods. Each one taps into universal human fears, desires, and challenges, providing a framework to anchor your narrative.
Here’s an introduction to these conflicts and examples illustrating their power in action.
1. Threatened Existence
“Someone or something is trying to kill me (or us).”
This conflict centers on survival. It’s about characters fighting to stay alive against a direct, imminent threat, whether a predator, an assassin, or an apocalyptic event. The stakes are primal and urgent, keeping the audience on edge.
Example: The Terminator (1984)
In The Terminator, Sarah Connor becomes the target of a relentless cyborg assassin. The film is a masterclass in tension, where Sarah’s survival hangs in the balance as she faces an unstoppable threat. The stakes couldn’t be higher: her life or the Terminator’s.
2. Life Unraveling
“Someone or something is trying to destroy my life as I know it.”
This conflict focuses on the collapse of a character’s way of life. It’s not necessarily about physical survival but emotional, social, or professional stability. The character must adapt—or risk losing everything they hold dear.
Example: Bojack Horseman
Bojack’s life is a slow, painful unraveling. As a washed-up sitcom star, his public image, personal relationships, and mental health are constantly under siege. The show dives deep into his struggles, making us feel the weight of his self-destructive tendencies and the challenges of rebuilding a fractured life.
3. Epic Transformation
“I have a once-in-a-lifetime but incredibly difficult opportunity to rise up and be somebody, in a big way, that could forever change my sense of self.”
This is the conflict of ambition, where characters seize an extraordinary chance to transform themselves. It’s about growth, potential, and the resistance they must overcome to achieve it.
Example: Blue Lock
In Blue Lock, aspiring soccer players are thrown into a high-stakes program designed to cultivate the ultimate striker. The series captures the intensity of striving for greatness, exploring the sacrifices and inner conflicts of chasing a dream.
4. Daring Rescue
“I have to rescue someone from a potentially terrible fate.”
This conflict centers on the urgency of saving someone. The stakes are often emotional, with a personal connection driving the rescuer to risk everything. Time is usually a critical factor.
Example: Taken
Liam Neeson’s Bryan Mills exemplifies the Daring Rescue conflict as he races against time to save his kidnapped daughter. The movie’s tension comes from the overwhelming odds he faces and the personal stakes of rescuing a loved one.
5. Ultimate Quest
“I have to reach a distant and life-changing ‘prize,’ which seems nearly impossible to do.”
This conflict is about the journey toward an elusive goal. It’s not just about obtaining the prize—it’s about the lessons learned and the transformation that happens along the way.
Example: One Piece
Monkey D. Luffy and his crew sail the seas searching for the legendary treasure, the One Piece. Along the way, they face countless challenges, from rival pirates to moral dilemmas, showcasing how the journey shapes the characters as much as the destination.
6. Defeat Evil
“I have to defeat powerful ‘bad guys’ who have hurt and/or are threatening innocents.”
This conflict is a battle against injustice. The “evil” in question might be a person, a system, or a force of nature, but the stakes involve protecting others and upholding what’s right.
Example: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Aang and his friends embark on a mission to defeat Fire Lord Ozai and restore balance to the world. The series explores themes of responsibility, sacrifice, and moral choices, making the battle against evil deeply personal and impactful.
7. Desperate Escape
“I have to escape a terrible situation, which prevents me from living freely and happily.”
This conflict focuses on freedom. The character must find a way out of captivity—whether physical, emotional, or metaphorical—to regain control of their life.
Example: Portal
In Portal, the player takes on the role of Chell, a test subject trying to escape the clutches of Aperture Science and the manipulative AI, GLaDOS. The game’s claustrophobic setting and clever puzzles emphasize the urgency and stakes of Chell’s escape.
8. Romantic Entanglement
“I have to win over and/or hang on to a desired life partner, with whom I have a chance at my best life. But something is hugely in the way of that.”
This conflict centers on love and connection. It’s about overcoming obstacles—external or internal—to build or maintain a meaningful relationship.
Example: Last Game
In Last Game, Naoto Yanagi, a once-arrogant heir, falls for Mikoto Kujou, a humble and stoic classmate. The series explores their evolving relationship as Yanagi strives to win her heart. The tension comes from misunderstandings, unspoken feelings, and the slow realization of what truly matters in love.
Benefits of Adopting The 8 Universal Conflicts
1. Provides a Clear Focus for Your Story
One of the biggest challenges for writers is figuring out where to start. The 8 Universal Conflicts give you a clear entry point by anchoring your story in a central struggle that drives the plot forward.
Why It Matters:
You can avoid wandering narratives or plots that feel unfocused.
Identifying the core conflict ensures that every scene and subplot aligns with the story’s purpose.
Example in Action:
If you decide your story is about Desperate Escape, every decision—from character motivations to plot twists—will revolve around the urgency and stakes of breaking free.
2. Makes Stories Universally Relatable
These conflicts tap into fundamental human experiences: survival, love, growth, and justice. No matter the genre or setting, audiences will connect with the emotional stakes because these struggles resonate on a primal level.
Why It Matters:
Readers and viewers will emotionally invest in your story.
Even in fantastical or outlandish settings, these conflicts create a bridge to the audience’s real-world experiences.
Example in Action:
Avatar: The Last Airbender may be set in a fantasy world, but its core Defeat Evil conflict resonates because it reflects universal themes of responsibility, moral courage, and the fight against injustice.
3. Streamlines the Creative Process
The framework simplifies decision-making by narrowing your focus to the central conflict. This allows you to avoid overwhelm and focus on developing the elements that matter most.
Why It Matters:
You save time by having a clear direction for your story.
The framework reduces writer’s block by giving you a foundation to build upon.
Example in Action:
When crafting a story like Taken (Daring Rescue), knowing that the rescue is the driving force allows you to concentrate on building tension, high stakes, and emotional connections, without getting lost in unnecessary subplots.
4. Encourages Layered and Nuanced Narratives
While each conflict is universal, the way you approach it can be unique. Blending conflicts or exploring them through different lenses allows you to create stories that feel fresh and multidimensional.
Why It Matters:
You can create more complex and engaging narratives by combining conflicts.
Adding layers to a single conflict—such as external and internal stakes—enriches your story’s depth.
Example in Action:
Blue Lock focuses on Epic Transformation, but it also incorporates elements of Threatened Existence as characters risk their soccer careers and dreams of greatness, adding urgency and tension.
5. Creates Emotional Engagement
The 8 Universal Conflicts are designed to evoke strong emotions. They tap into fears, desires, and challenges that audiences instinctively respond to, creating a powerful connection between your characters and your readers.
Why It Matters:
Emotional engagement keeps audiences invested in your story.
Characters’ struggles become more impactful when audiences can see themselves in the conflict.
Example in Action:
Bojack Horseman (Life Unraveling) evokes empathy by showing Bojack’s internal and external battles, making viewers reflect on their own struggles with identity and self-worth.
6. Works Across All Genres and Mediums
Whether you’re writing a novel, screenplay, or video game narrative, the 8 Universal Conflicts are adaptable to any genre or medium. They act as a flexible foundation that you can tailor to fit your story’s tone, style, and goals.
Why It Matters:
The framework is versatile, allowing you to blend genres and experiment with storytelling styles.
It ensures cohesion in your story, no matter how unconventional your approach might be.
Example in Action:
Portal (Desperate Escape) uses minimalist storytelling to build tension and immerse players in the urgency of escaping GLaDOS’s control, proving the framework’s adaptability to interactive mediums.
7. Simplifies Worldbuilding Without Sacrificing Depth
By focusing on the core conflict, you can ensure that your worldbuilding serves the story rather than overshadowing it. The conflict acts as a compass, guiding what details to prioritize and which to leave out.
Why It Matters:
You avoid overwhelming your audience with unnecessary details.
The story remains the focus, with worldbuilding enhancing rather than distracting from it.
Example in Action:
One Piece (Ultimate Quest) introduces an expansive world, but everything ties back to Luffy’s journey and the central conflict of finding the One Piece.
8. Helps Writers Avoid Clichés
While the conflicts are universal, the way you execute them is entirely up to you. By focusing on the unique aspects of your story’s setting, characters, and themes, you can avoid rehashing tired tropes.
Why It Matters:
You can create something fresh and original while staying grounded in universal appeal.
The framework encourages innovation by giving you the tools to approach familiar conflicts in new ways.
Example in Action:
Last Game (Romantic Entanglement) reimagines the romance genre by flipping gender stereotypes and exploring the vulnerability and growth of its male protagonist, creating a refreshing take on a familiar conflict.
9. Provides a Starting Point for Every Story
The hardest part of writing is often getting started. The 8 Universal Conflicts provide an immediate entry point by identifying the core struggle your protagonist will face.
Why It Matters:
It eliminates the fear of staring at a blank page.
You can quickly move from concept to execution with a clear sense of direction.
Example in Action:
If your story begins with Threatened Existence (The Terminator), you immediately know your protagonist’s primary goal: survival. From there, you can build the world, characters, and stakes around that conflict.
How to Identify Your Story’s Primary Universal Conflict
Choosing the primary conflict for your story is one of the most critical steps in crafting a cohesive and engaging narrative. While many stories feature multiple conflicts, the primary conflict serves as the backbone of the plot—it’s what ties everything together and provides the ultimate resolution. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you determine which of the Eight Universal Conflicts fits your story best.
1. Start with the Core Problem
Ask yourself:
What is the biggest challenge your protagonist is dealing with?
What will they be working toward—or against—throughout most of the story?
The answer often points directly to the primary conflict. For example, if your protagonist is being pursued by an unstoppable force, like Sarah Connor in The Terminator, your story is likely centered on Threatened Existence.
2. Focus on What’s Introduced First
The conflict introduced at the start of your story usually carries the most weight. It hooks the audience, sets the stakes, and shapes the narrative tone.
Why This Matters: The first conflict is often the one that must be resolved last, as it defines the story’s overarching question and creates a satisfying resolution.
Example:
In The Terminator, the opening scene establishes that Sarah Connor’s life is in danger. This Threatened Existence conflict drives the story until its climax, when Sarah overcomes the threat.
3. Consider the Final Resolution
The story’s climax often resolves the primary conflict. To identify it, ask:
What is the ultimate question your story answers?
What resolution will provide the most satisfying ending for the audience?
Example:
In One Piece, while there are many adventures and secondary conflicts, the ultimate resolution lies in Luffy finding the One Piece treasure. This makes Ultimate Quest the central conflict.
4. Look at the Character’s Motivation
Your protagonist’s goal is a direct reflection of the primary conflict. Consider:
What does your character want most?
What’s standing in their way?
Example:
In Blue Lock, the characters are driven by their desire to become the best soccer players. Their struggle for self-improvement and greatness is a classic Epic Transformation conflict.
5. Separate Primary and Secondary Conflicts
While stories often feature multiple conflicts, the primary conflict is the one that impacts the narrative most significantly. Secondary conflicts support and enhance the main story but don’t overshadow it.
Tip: If you’re unsure, ask:
Which conflict drives the entire story?
Which conflict would cause the narrative to collapse if removed?
Example:
In Avatar: The Last Airbender, Aang’s personal growth (Epic Transformation) is important, but the overarching story revolves around his mission to defeat Fire Lord Ozai (Defeat Evil).
6. Align the Conflict with Genre and Tone
The type of story you’re telling often aligns naturally with specific conflicts. For example:
A romance will likely center on Romantic Entanglement.
A horror story often revolves around Threatened Existence or Desperate Escape.
Example:
Last Game is a romance manga, so its central conflict clearly falls under Romantic Entanglement, with the tension driven by the characters’ evolving relationship.
Why Resolving the First Conflict Last Works
The conflict introduced first provides the audience with a clear sense of what’s at stake and what needs to be resolved. By resolving this conflict last, you create a satisfying narrative arc where all threads lead back to the central problem. It ensures that the audience feels closure and keeps the story focused.
Example:
In Taken, Bryan Mills’ quest to rescue his daughter (Daring Rescue) begins the moment she’s kidnapped and drives the entire story. The film resolves this conflict in its climax, bringing the narrative full circle.
Summary: Finding Your Primary Conflict
To identify your story’s primary conflict:
Pinpoint the core problem your protagonist is facing.
Focus on the conflict introduced first—it will likely resolve last.
Ask what the final resolution of your story must accomplish.
Examine your protagonist’s motivation and goal.
Distinguish primary from secondary conflicts, ensuring the main one drives the plot.
Match the conflict to your story’s genre and tone for consistency.
By grounding your story in a primary universal conflict, you give your narrative focus, clarity, and emotional resonance. From there, you can weave in secondary conflicts and layers to create a rich, dynamic story that captivates your audience. If you're interested in exploring each of these conflicts deeper, check out each of their articles! And if you're interested in using multiple conflicts, check out this post here.
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