Every great story has a protagonist—a hero or heroine at the heart of the plot. But what makes that protagonist truly compelling? It’s not just their deepest desire; it’s also the obstacles they face along their journey to achieving that desire. As a fiction writer, one of your key goals is to create a story with believable characters who have obstacles they must overcome. These obstacles should be both internal and external, as it adds depth and complexity to the story. Internal conflicts are the psychological issues – such as self-doubt or inner turmoil – that prevent your protagonist from obtaining their deepest desires. External obstacles are tangible blocks – like job loss, financial status, or relationships – that keep them from achieving what they want. Let’s explore how these types of conflicts can drive your story forward!