Stories gain power through compounded conflict—the kind that threatens hard-won advantages, escalates danger, and strips a character bare as they confront external threats and inner struggle.
Part writing guide, part brainstorming tool, The Conflict Thesaurus, Volume 2 offers conflict in the form of power struggles, losses of control, ego-driven clashes, and more.
What This Guide Helps Writers Do:
Test Characters Under Increasing Pressure
As stakes rise, easy solutions disappear. Learn to push characters into situations that demand sacrifice, resilience, and hard decisions—revealing who they are deep down.
Drive Internal Growth
Each conflict is an opportunity to rise into the moment. Characters may adapt, and grow or falter under the weight of fear, pride, and self-doubt. Both draw readers in because they know the weight of the past and how it can influence us all.
Craft a Meaningful Climax
Powerful endings require tension and escalating stakes. Learn how to layer conflict to build toward a clash that is intense and emotionally satisfying.
Create Stories That Feel Fresh and Unpredictable
By exploring a wide range of consequences—from minor setbacks to disastrous outcomes—this thesaurus helps writers avoid repetitive conflict and instead craft events that surprise readers.
What’s Inside The Conflict Thesaurus, Volume 2?
In addition to a continued masterclass on writing conflict, each entry includes:
- A clear description and example of a conflict scenario
- Possible consequences, from minor setbacks to disastrous outcomes
- Internal struggles likely to emerge in this situation
- Personality traits that will help or harm the character’s ability to navigate the challenge
- Story-worthy ideas for realistic problems and unmet needs this situation could lead to
- Positive outcomes and lessons that could result in the aftermath of a challenge
With 115 conflict scenarios, each that can be endlessly adapted, this volume empowers writers to craft stories that will challenge characters and win over readers.
Format and Availability
The Conflict Thesaurus, Volume 2 is available in print, ebook, and PDF. This book is the second volume in The Conflict Thesaurus set and can be used on its own, but most writers find pairing it with the first volume gives them a greater understanding of conflict and a wider range of scenarios for brainstorming.
