Conflict & Stakes Workbook

🧠 Part 1: Define the Conflict

1. What is your character’s main external conflict?
(What's happening outside of them that drives the story?)

Example: A wildfire is threatening their town.

2. What is your character’s internal conflict?
(What fear, flaw, or emotional struggle are they wrestling with?)

Example: They believe they always mess things up when it matters.

🔥 Part 2: Raise the Stakes

What does your character stand to lose if they fail?
What’s at risk — emotionally, physically, socially, spiritually?

Example: If they don’t speak up, they’ll lose their best friend’s trust.

What does your character stand to gain if they succeed?

Example: They’ll finally believe they can be brave under pressure.

Why does this conflict need to be solved right now?
(Why can’t they wait? What adds urgency?)

Example: The fire’s moving fast — they’re the only one who knows where supplies are stored.

🧩 Part 3: Tie the Internal and External Together

Complete this sentence:

“My character is trying to ____, but they’re afraid ____.”

Now ask:

If this fear stays unresolved, how will it affect the plot?

And:

If the external problem disappears, is there still a story? If not, raise the stakes!

✍️ Writing Exercise

Write a scene (½–1 page):
Your character is faced with a big decision. Show how their internal fear makes the external conflict harder — and how both are connected.

🧭 Bonus Compass Check

• What does your character want most?

• What’s getting in their way?

• What’s pushing them to act now?

• What would they do if no one was watching?