Writing Real Conflict – Why Every Scene Needs Tension

Because If Everyone Agrees, There’s No Story

Every great scene has one thing in common: conflict.

Even if there’s no shouting, no fight, and no villain—there’s still something at stake. Something one character wants that the other won’t give.

That’s what makes a scene interesting.

What Is Conflict?

Conflict in scriptwriting doesn’t mean drama for drama’s sake.

It means opposing wants.

If one person wants to leave and the other wants them to stay—that’s conflict.

If a kid wants to be believed and no one listens—that’s conflict.

If two best friends want the same role in a school play—that’s conflict.

You don’t need explosions.

You just need a clear reason to care.

Why Conflict Matters

Without conflict, a scene feels flat.

There’s no tension, no stakes, and nothing to pull the audience in.

Conflict:

• Reveals character

• Creates tension

• Moves the story forward

• Makes us want to know what happens next

Every Scene Needs It

Every single scene in your script should include some kind of tension.

Ask yourself:

• What does each character want here?

• What’s stopping them from getting it?

• How does this scene change something?

If you can’t answer those, rewrite the scene.

Conflict Doesn’t Always Mean Fighting

Not all conflict is loud. Some of it’s quiet.

Examples:

• A character lying to cover something up

• Two people hiding feelings

• Someone pretending everything is fine when it’s not

These small tensions are gold in screenwriting—especially for young actors learning how to play complex emotion.

Try This Exercise:

Write a two-person scene.

Give each character something they want—but make sure their wants don’t match.

Now write the scene without letting either of them give in too easily.

Watch the tension build.