10. Understanding Conflict and Resolution in Stories

What is Conflict?

Conflict is the problem or challenge that the characters face in a story. It’s what makes the story interesting and keeps us wondering what will happen next.

• Example: In “The Three Little Pigs,” the conflict is that the wolf is trying to blow down the pigs’ houses.

Think About It:

• What is a problem or challenge in your favorite story?
• Who is causing the problem?

2. What is Resolution?

Resolution is how the conflict or problem is solved. It shows how the characters fix the problem and usually leads to the end of the story.

• Example: In “The Three Little Pigs,” the resolution is when the pigs build a strong brick house that the wolf cannot blow down.

Think About It:

• How is the problem in your favorite story solved?
• What do the characters do to fix the problem?

3. Let’s Practice Writing Conflict and Resolution!

Assignment:

Part 1: Writing Conflict

• Write a short scene where your main character has a problem or challenge.
• You can use one of these ideas or think of your own:
  • A child loses their favorite toy.
  • Two friends argue about what game to play.
  • A student forgets their homework and the teacher asks for it.

Part 2: Writing Resolution

• Write a scene where the problem from Part 1 is solved.
• You can use one of these ideas or think of your own:
  • The child finds their toy under the bed.
  • The friends decide to play a new game that combines both of their ideas.
  • The student explains to the teacher and gets a chance to finish the homework during recess.

4. Sharing and Reflecting

• Be ready to share your conflict and resolution scenes with the class.
• Think about these questions:
  • How did the conflict make your story exciting?
  • Was the resolution satisfying? Why or why not?

5. Keep Practicing!

• Try to include conflict and resolution in all the stories you write. The more you practice, the better your stories will be!