Roles in Conflict: A Unique Approach to Developing Story Ideas

by Zena Dell Lowe @ZenaDellLowe

When we talk about developing story ideas, we often focus on arenas, themes, or the classic “what if” premises. And while those are all valid starting points, there’s another approach that doesn’t get nearly enough attention, and it’s one of my favorites. Full disclosure: I learned this method from Jeffrey Sweet’s book, “The Dramatists Toolkit.” He calls it Roles in Conflict.

What Is "Roles in Conflict"?

At its core, this concept revolves around a character who is torn between two or more roles that are deeply important to them but are ultimately incompatible. These roles demand conflicting things from the character, and the tension between them creates a rich, dynamic internal conflict. It’s about being forced to choose when doing both is impossible—and the fallout that comes from that choice. Let’s look at some examples.

Classic Examples: Hamlet and Heat

In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the titular character embodies roles in conflict. He’s a son with a duty to avenge his father’s murder, but that role clashes with his responsibilities as a prince and his complicated loyalty to his mother. Everywhere you turn, Hamlet’s roles pull him in opposing directions, forcing him to wrestle with impossible decisions. His torment is the heart of the play.

Now, fast forward to the modern era with Michael Mann’s Heat. Robert De Niro’s character is a career criminal who lives by a strict code: never get attached to anything you can’t walk away from in thirty seconds flat. But then he meets a woman he loves, and suddenly his role as a thief is in direct conflict with his desire for a meaningful relationship. The tension builds throughout the film, culminating in his heartbreaking choice. He can’t have both.

Why Roles in Conflict Works

A story that uses roles in conflict automatically creates a complex, layered protagonist. These characters are deeply torn, often trying—and failing—to balance their competing roles. This struggle naturally builds tension, drives the narrative forward, and leads to emotionally impactful moments. It also creates a clear structure for your story: the character’s arc is defined by their journey toward that inevitable moment when they must choose.

More Examples Across Genres

Let’s expand beyond Hamlet and Heat to see how this concept plays out in other stories.

• Wonder Woman 1984: While the movie had its flaws, it touched on a powerful roles-in-conflict premise. Diana wants to be Wonder Woman, the savior humanity needs, but she also longs to be with the man she loves. Ultimately, she has to choose between the two.

• Bosch: In the TV series, detective Harry Bosch’s relentless pursuit of justice puts him at odds with his roles as a father and an employee. His inability to compromise costs him personally and professionally, but it’s also what makes him heroic.

• Breaking Bad: Walter White begins as a sympathetic character trying to provide for his family after being diagnosed with cancer. But his role as a family man soon conflicts with his growing role as a criminal mastermind. Over time, his choices transform him into someone unrecognizable—the complete antithesis of the good man he once was.

• My Best Friend’s Wedding: Even comedies can use this principle. Julia Roberts’ character is torn between being a good friend and pursuing the man she loves. She can’t do both, and her attempts to navigate this conflict drive the humor and heart of the film.

How to Use This in Your Story

If you’re intrigued by this approach, here’s how to apply it:

• 1. Identify the Roles: What two (or more) roles does your character have that are deeply important to them? These should be roles that define who they are or who they want to be.

• 2. Establish the Conflict: How are these roles incompatible? Create situations where the demands of one role directly clash with the demands of the other.

• 3. Build the Tension: Show your character trying to balance these roles, failing, and suffering the consequences. Each attempt to “do it all” should heighten the stakes.

• 4. Force the Choice: The climax of your story should hinge on the moment when the character can no longer avoid choosing. Their decision should be meaningful, irreversible, and emotionally charged.

• 5. Explore the Fallout: How does the choice reshape your character’s life and identity? What’s gained? What’s lost? This is where your story’s emotional resonance will shine.

Why This Matters

Stories built around roles in conflict resonate deeply because they tap into universal human experiences. We’ve all felt the pull of competing responsibilities and values. Watching a character wrestle with these struggles and make a choice—for better or worse—invites us to reflect on our own lives. It makes for compelling, relatable storytelling.

So, if you’re looking for a fresh way to develop a story idea, try starting with roles in conflict. It’s an approach that guarantees a layered protagonist, high stakes, and an emotionally satisfying arc. And who knows? It might just become your new favorite way to brainstorm.

TWEETABLE

Roles in Conflict: A Unique Approach to Developing Story Ideas from @ZenaDellLowe on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Zena has worked professionally in the entertainment industry for over 20 years as a writer, producer, director, actress, and story consultant. Zena also teaches advanced classes on writing all over the country. As a writer, Zena has won numerous awards for her work. She also has several feature film projects in development through her independent production company, Mission Ranch Films. In addition to her work as a filmmaker, Zena launched The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe, a podcast designed to serve the whole artist, not just focus on craft. In 2021, Zena launched The Storyteller’s Mission Online Platform, where she offers advanced classes and other key services to writers. Zena loves story and loves to support storytellers. Her passion is to equip artists of all levels to achieve excellence at their craft, so that they will truly have everything they need to change the world for the better through story.

To find out more about Zena or her current courses and projects, check out her websites at WWW.MISSIONRANCHFILMS.COM and WWW.THESTORYTELLERSMISSION.COM