How to Avoid Common Pitfalls When Writing Threatened Existence Conflicts

A Threatened Existence story thrives on tension, stakes, and the primal fear of survival. However, it’s easy to misstep and weaken the narrative’s impact. Here are some common pitfalls writers face when crafting Threatened Existence conflicts, along with solutions to avoid these issues:

Problem 1: Lack of Clear Stakes

• The Issue: The story feels hollow if the audience doesn’t understand what’s at risk or why the protagonist’s survival matters.

• Solution: Clearly define what’s at stake. Is it the protagonist’s life, the safety of loved ones, or the survival of a community? Establish these stakes' emotional or thematic importance early in the story to create investment.

Problem 2: A Passive Protagonist

• The Issue: A protagonist who only reacts to threats without taking proactive steps feels disengaged and uninteresting.

• Solution: Give your protagonist agency. They should make decisions, take risks, and demonstrate resourcefulness even when overwhelmed. This keeps them active and compelling.

Problem 3: Overpowered Threats Without Hope

• The Issue: If the antagonist or danger feels unbeatable, the story becomes frustrating rather than thrilling.

• Solution: Create moments of hope and small victories. Even if the threat is overwhelming, give the protagonist tools, allies, or insights that offer a fighting chance. This maintains tension without making survival seem impossible.

Problem 4: Repetitive Tension

• The Issue: Constant high-stakes action can become monotonous if not balanced with emotional depth or varying types of tension.

• Solution: Vary the pacing and stakes. Alternate between high-intensity sequences and quieter moments that explore the protagonist’s emotions, relationships, or internal conflicts. This contrast heightens the impact of each intense scene.

Problem 5: Unbelievable Escapes

• The Issue: The story loses credibility if the protagonist repeatedly survives through contrived or unrealistic means.

• Solution: Ensure that escapes and solutions are grounded in the established logic of the story. The protagonist’s survival should feel earned through ingenuity, preparation, or realistic luck.

Problem 6: Weak or Vague Antagonists

• The Issue: Without a clear and compelling antagonist or source of danger, the story’s tension fizzles.

• Solution: Develop the antagonist or threat with depth. What motivates the antagonist? Why is the threat so pressing? Giving the source of danger clear goals or a unique identity makes it more engaging.

Problem 7: Overloading with Exposition

• The Issue: Too much backstory or explanation about the threat can bog down the pacing and tension.

• Solution: Reveal details organically through action and dialogue. Let the audience learn about the threat as the protagonist experiences it, maintaining the story’s momentum.

Problem 8: Ignoring the Emotional Impact

• The Issue: A story focusing only on external danger without addressing the protagonist’s emotional journey feels shallow.

• Solution: Explore how the threat affects the protagonist internally. Do they feel fear, guilt, or determination? Show how the experience changes them, deepening the audience’s connection to the character.

Problem 9: Lack of Escalation

• The Issue: If the threat doesn’t grow or evolve, the story’s tension plateaus.

• Solution: Continuously raise the stakes. Introduce new complications, unexpected twists, or escalating consequences to keep the audience on edge.

Problem 10: Neglecting the Setting

• The Issue: A generic or underdeveloped setting makes the survival narrative less immersive.

• Solution: Use the setting as an active element in the story. Whether it’s a dense jungle, an urban wasteland, or a remote space station, it makes the environment a character in its own right, with challenges and opportunities that impact the protagonist’s survival.

Final Thoughts

Writing a compelling Threatened Existence story requires balancing external tension with internal depth. By avoiding these common pitfalls and focusing on stakes, character agency, and believable challenges, you can craft a narrative that keeps readers on the edge.

Ask yourself: Are my stakes clear? Does my protagonist actively engage with the danger? Am I maintaining a balance between action, emotion, and escalation? By addressing these questions, you’ll ensure your story resonates and thrills.