How do you identify the conflict in a story?

• A. Count pages.
• B. Identify the conflict by identifying the protagonist and antagonist, why they are in conflict, where is the climax, and how do the characters identify with it.
• C. Look for the protagonist's favorite color.
• D. Check footnotes.

Answer: (B)

Conflicts are what drive a story’s tension. To identify it, focus on the central struggle: who wants what, what stands in the way, and why it matters. Start with the main character (the one whose goals drive the action) and the force opposing them—this could be another person, a group, nature, fate, or an internal dilemma within the character. Ask why they are in conflict: what do they want, and what prevents them from getting it? The moment the tension peaks is the climax, where the outcome is decided, and paying attention to how the characters respond reveals the stakes and meaning of the struggle. This method covers both external and internal conflicts, showing not just who is against whom, but why the clash matters to the story as a whole. Scanning for page counts, a character’s favorite color, or footnotes doesn’t reveal the core struggle and therefore isn’t useful for identifying the conflict.