Every story lives and breathes through conflict. Without it, even the most beautifully written prose feels lifeless. Conflict is what makes characters move, choose, and change — and in scene writing, it’s what keeps readers turning the page.

The Terrible Writing Advice episode on scene writing mocks this truth by showing exactly what happens when writers skip conflict altogether. The result? Flat scenes where everyone agrees, everything goes right, and nothing ever changes. It’s funny in the video — but deadly on the page.

Let’s explore why conflict is essential, how it functions at multiple levels, and how to diagnose when your scenes don’t have enough of it.

1. The No-Conflict Scene: Where Nothing Happens

In Terrible Writing Advice, the “No Conflict” scene is held up as the pinnacle of amateur fiction — where characters get everything they want with zero effort. It’s comfortable, easy to write, and completely dull.

A scene without conflict is like a meal without flavor. Sure, it exists — but nobody enjoys it.

Conflict doesn’t always mean violence or arguments. It means tension — the friction between what a character wants and what stands in their way. That tension can be internal (doubt, guilt, fear) or external (another character, the environment, society).

Creative writing tip: Every scene should have at least one point of resistance. If everyone agrees or nothing changes, the scene probably doesn’t belong in your story.

2. The Forced Conflict Trap

The video also roasts “Forced Conflict” — when writers realize they need tension but jam it into the scene artificially. Characters bicker for no reason. Stakes feel fake. Readers sense manipulation.

This usually happens when the source of conflict doesn’t grow naturally from character motivation or story logic. Two characters can argue for pages, but if the fight doesn’t stem from who they are or what they want, it rings hollow.

Example of forced conflict:

“You left the door open again.”

“No, you left it open!”

“I said I didn’t!”

Compare that to meaningful conflict:

“You left the door open again.”

“I had to. He was still inside.”

The second exchange instantly raises questions and stakes — it’s specific, purposeful, and grounded in story.

Writing advice: Real conflict comes from choice and consequence, not convenience. If tension doesn’t reveal character or alter the story’s direction, it’s filler.

3. The Pointless Conflict Problem

Then comes “Pointless Conflict,” the bane of many professional writers. This is conflict that’s well-written, emotional, maybe even entertaining — but ultimately irrelevant. It adds nothing to the plot or character arc.

These are the Darling Scenes that Terrible Writing Advice mocks mercilessly. They might showcase witty banter or dramatic tension, but if nothing changes by the end, they’re narrative dead weight.

Ask yourself during revision:

1. What does this conflict change?
2. Does it alter a relationship, a decision, or a reader’s understanding?
3. If I cut this scene, would the story lose anything meaningful?

If the answer is no, you’ve found a darling that needs to be murdered.

4. Levels of Conflict: More Than Just Fights

Good scene writing layers multiple forms of conflict. A strong story usually juggles at least two at once:

1. External Conflict: The tangible obstacle (antagonist, environment, law, or event).
2. Internal Conflict: The emotional struggle within the character (fear, pride, guilt, temptation).
3. Interpersonal Conflict: Clashing personalities or worldviews.
4. Philosophical Conflict: Values or ideals in opposition — what’s right versus what’s real.

A single scene might include all of these in miniature. For example, in a negotiation scene:

1. External: A contract on the line.
2. Internal: Fear of failure.
3. Interpersonal: Distrust of the partner.
4. Philosophical: Whether success justifies compromise.

Layered conflict turns a flat moment into a living one.

5. Conflict as Character Revelation

Conflict is also the most efficient way to reveal who your characters truly are. Anyone can sound clever or noble when relaxed. Pressure exposes truth.

When you write a scene with conflict, think less about who wins and more about what the struggle reveals. Does your protagonist lie, lash out, retreat, or stand firm? Each reaction builds the reader’s understanding.

Show, don’t tell applies perfectly here — instead of describing a character as “brave,” show them facing an uncomfortable confrontation. That’s how readers learn who they are.

6. Conflict Drives Change

Every scene should shift something — emotion, decision, relationship, or direction. Conflict is the engine of change.

Without it, the story stagnates. With too much, it becomes chaotic. The key is balance: not every scene must end in a fight, but every scene should introduce a question or tension that propels the next one.

Think of your story like a chain — each conflict is a link that pulls the reader forward. Break a few links, and the narrative falls apart.

7. The Courage to Revise Conflict

Many writers cling to scenes because they’re “well written.” Terrible Writing Advice calls these “Darling Scenes” — beloved moments that don’t serve the story. The truth is, great storytelling requires ruthless editing.

If a scene doesn’t advance plot, develop character, or deepen theme, it must go — no matter how clever the dialogue or polished the prose. Your story isn’t a scrapbook of your favorite moments; it’s a living, breathing experience for the reader.

Final Thought

Conflict isn’t just spice — it’s the oxygen that keeps a story alive. Without it, scenes suffocate. Whether it’s a clash of ideals, a quiet emotional battle, or a fight for survival, conflict gives meaning to action.

The next time you write or revise a scene, ask the essential question:

What changes because this happened?

If the answer is “nothing,” it’s not a scene — it’s a pause.