Short Fiction: Characters & Conflict

It leads readers toward a single, unambiguous understanding of how characters relate to one another.

It challenges readers to infer underlying dynamics and form personal interpretations of those relationships.

It diminishes reader interest due to lack of clarity in interpersonal connections within the narrative.

It provides explicit cues that guide readers towards an author-intended reading of relationships only.

It forces authors into explaining themes explicitly so as not to confuse readers with subtleties.

It invites multiple interpretations that can lead to diverse discussions on its underlying themes.

As a wealthy connoisseur

As an indifferent acquaintance

As a loyal friend

As a helpful mentor

Foil

Antagonist

Archetype

Protagonist

Man vs Technology

Man vs Self

Man vs Nature

Man vs Society

The setting

A moral dilemma's feelings

A pervading social norm

An opponent's actions

Internal conflict

Natural conflict

External conflict

Societal conflict

The collapse of monarchies across Europe mirrors Paul’s loss of faith in authority figures like teachers and military leaders.

The global scale of participation emphasizes Paul's sense of anonymity among millions affected by war policies beyond their control.

The use of propaganda campaigns underscores Paul’s internal battle with reconciling nationalistic ideology with wartime reality.

The technological advancements leading to unprecedented battlefield horrors highlight Paul’s struggle with dehumanization and alienation from civilian life.

Moral Dilemma

Character Arc

Internal Conflict

External Conflict

It elevates the stakes by imbuing human struggles with cosmic significance, reflecting universal tensions.

It embodies unrealistic elements of everyday struggle, thus weakening emotional investment.

It lessens dramatic weight since it abstracts personal conflicts into allegoric representations.

It invalidates the balance between mystical and mundane aspects, diminishing conflict gravitas.