Types of Conflict Worksheets

All About These 15 Worksheets

Conflict is the heartbeat of every story-it’s what keeps us turning the page to find out what happens next. Without it, characters would just stroll through their day with nothing exciting to share. These worksheets take that central idea of storytelling and break it down into bite-sized, approachable lessons. They show students not just what conflict is, but why it matters and how it shapes every twist and turn in a plot. And hey, once kids start spotting conflict in their reading, they’ll never look at a book (or movie!) the same way again.

This collection is designed to walk students through each classic type of conflict one at a time. From inner struggles to epic battles against society or nature, they’ll see how each type brings something unique to a story. The mix of activities-from identifying, analyzing, and predicting to creating their own examples-helps reinforce the big picture. These worksheets aren’t about memorizing terms; they’re about seeing how conflict breathes life into stories. That makes them just as valuable for budding writers as for curious readers.

And there’s a bigger bonus: practicing with conflict in literature builds connections to the world around us. Kids begin to understand that these aren’t just story tools; they’re reflections of real human experiences. Whether it’s standing up to unfair rules, pushing through a tough challenge, or wrestling with personal decisions, conflict is everywhere. These worksheets make that bridge between classroom learning and real-world understanding crystal clear (and kind of exciting, too).

Have a Look Inside Each Worksheet

Identify The Types
This worksheet invites students to spot and label different kinds of conflict in given passages or situations. It’s a fun detective-style activity that hones observation skills and literary insight. Kids practice recognizing the classic types of conflict-such as person vs. person or person vs. nature-in a hands-on way. It supports learning in understanding Types of Conflict by building that all-important conflict vocabulary and recognition.

How It Functions
In this sheet, students explore how conflict works within a story-what makes it tick and why it matters. It makes the idea of conflict feel dynamic, not just a term to memorize. Students are encouraged to think about the purpose behind conflict in storytelling. It helps solidify how conflict drives plot and character development, deepening their grasp of the Types of Conflict theme.

How It Appears
This worksheet challenges students to notice how conflict shows up-through dialogue, action, or internal monologue. It teaches them to identify conflict clues embedded in the text. The activity feels like sleuthing for clues, making learning playful and engaging. It reinforces their understanding of the Types of Conflict by linking abstract categories to real examples.

Prediction Of The Resolution
Here, students are asked to predict how a conflict might be resolved based on the type they identify. It’s like giving them a sneak-peek superpower into storytelling. This prompts creative thinking while connecting types of conflict to potential outcomes. It strengthens their comprehension of the Types of Conflict by showing the natural consequences tied to each type.

Person vs. Person
This worksheet centers on conflicts between characters-think arguments, rivalries, or moral oppositions. It makes them practice pinpointing interpersonal struggles in stories. The activity puts them right in the shoes of protagonists and antagonists. It reinforces Types of Conflict by focusing on this classic scenario.

Person vs. Self
This one is all about inner turmoil-when characters wrestle with their own doubts or moral dilemmas. Kids learn to unpack emotional and psychological conflict from within. It feels deep and introspective but in a kid-friendly way. It develops their understanding of Types of Conflict by spotlighting internal growth and challenge.

Person vs. Society
In this worksheet, students examine how characters clash with social norms, laws, or cultural expectations. It teaches students to recognize broader societal pressures shaping conflict. The activity brings empathy and social awareness into literary analysis. It enriches their understanding of Types of Conflict by adding a communal, real-world angle.

Person vs. Nature
Students explore struggles against natural forces-like storms, wilderness, or survival challenges. It often involves dramatic, almost adventurous scenarios. They get to feel the intensity of nature pushing back. It enhances their knowledge of Types of Conflict by illustrating human vs. environment dynamics.

The Antagonist
This sheet asks students to dig into who or what the antagonist is and how they fuel the conflict. It prompts analysis of the “bad guy”-whether person, animal, force, or idea. The activity asks them to get inside the antagonist’s motives, making story analysis more immersive. It adds depth to their understanding of Types of Conflict by focusing on the opposing force.

Give An Example
Here, students create or identify examples of various conflict types, applying their knowledge in creative or analytical ways. It’s a chance to show off what they’ve learned in their own words. The exercise is like architecting little conflict scenarios. It solidifies comprehension of Types of Conflict through hands-on application.

Conflict And Antagonists
This combines exploring conflict types with the role antagonists play in them. Students learn how conflicts arise and intensify through oppositional forces. It’s a two-for-one focus on story structure and character roles. It weaves together conflict types and character dynamics under the Types of Conflict umbrella.

Conflict And Climax
This worksheet connects the build-up of conflict to the turning point or climax of a story. Students learn how tension peaks and leads to resolution. It feels cinematic-plot tension rising to that big moment. It helps them see how Types of Conflict drive narrative arcs.

The Adventure Story
Ideal for stories with high-stakes conflict, this sheet has students dissect conflict in adventurous scenarios. It might involve quests, explorations, or dramatic confrontations. It’s exciting and imaginative, drawing them into the heart of the action. It reinforces Types of Conflict through gripping, larger-than-life examples.

Dystopian Fiction
Students apply their conflict-spotting skills to dystopian settings, where rebels often clash with oppressive regimes or bleak environments. It brings futuristic or grim contexts into conflict analysis. The activity encourages thinking about power, control, and resistance. It advances understanding of Types of Conflict through deeper, societally charged narratives.

Across Different Genres
This worksheet asks students to compare how conflict looks in different genres-like mystery, sci-fi, fantasy, or historical fiction. It trains them to recognize conflict across literary styles. It’s like a genre-hopping adventure through storytelling. It broadens their grasp of Types of Conflict by showcasing how conflict adapts to different narrative worlds.

What Are the Different Types of Conflict In Literature?

In literature, conflict is a crucial element that drives the plot and shapes the characters’ actions, emotions, and development. There are several types of conflict that can arise within a story:

Man vs. Man (Character vs. Character)

This is the most common type of conflict, involving a struggle between two characters. The protagonist and antagonist often have opposing goals, beliefs, or values, leading to a clash between them. Examples of man vs. man conflict can be found in many classic works, such as Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” or Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

Man vs. Self (Character vs. Self)

This type of conflict occurs when a character faces an internal struggle, such as moral dilemmas, self-doubt, or personal challenges. The character’s growth and development often hinge on overcoming these internal obstacles. Examples of man vs. self conflict can be seen in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” or J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye.”

Man vs. Society (Character vs. Society)

In this conflict, a character is pitted against societal norms, traditions, or institutions. The character may challenge unjust laws, defy social conventions, or fight against oppressive systems. Examples of man vs. society conflict can be found in George Orwell’s “1984” or Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale.”

Man vs. Nature (Character vs. Nature)

This conflict involves a character’s struggle against natural forces, such as extreme weather, disasters, or wildlife. The character’s survival and resilience are often tested in these situations. Examples of man vs. nature conflict can be seen in Jack London’s “The Call of the Wild” or Yann Martel’s “Life of Pi.”

Man vs. Technology (Character vs. Technology)

This type of conflict arises when a character faces challenges or dangers posed by technology, often involving a struggle against machines, artificial intelligence, or advanced scientific concepts. Examples of man vs. technology conflict can be found in Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451” or Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.”

Man vs. Supernatural (Character vs. Supernatural)

In this conflict, a character confronts supernatural forces, such as ghosts, monsters, or otherworldly beings. This type of conflict is common in horror, fantasy, and paranormal genres. Examples include Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” or Stephen King’s “The Shining.”

Man vs. Fate (Character vs. Fate)

This conflict involves a character’s struggle against their destiny, predetermined events, or the intervention of a higher power. The character’s actions may be guided or hindered by fate, leading to dramatic tension. Examples of man vs. fate conflict can be found in Sophocles’ “Oedipus Rex” or Thomas Hardy’s “Tess of the d’Urbervilles.”

Understanding these different types of conflict can provide valuable insights into the structure and themes of a literary work, as well as the motivations and development of its characters.