Joslyn Robinson

Hi ND,
Does literature need conflict or is it that the reader needs conflict and therefore literary conflict is a “device” of invention and not necessary. That seemed to be a main question early on and a fascinating one. But I was unclear at the end of the article if you answered that. I think you illustrated the need for conflict as part of the human condition, but I am not sure you proved this is why conflict exists ( and is necessary ) for story based literature, if that was your argument. You proved that conflict is inherent to the human existence but therefore wouldn’t it then be inherent in all story based literature about a human being? Have you read Aristotle’s Poetics?

Thank you for the well thought out (and thought provoking) comment.
I have also given much thought to the concept of Jung’s anima/animus in regards to gender identity and sexuality. Absolutely fascinating and it makes a whole hell of a lot of sense as well as a possible avenue for understanding the diverse and complex nature of human sexuality and gender orientation.

Thanks again.

That is a great writing exercise. It makes a character’s “flaw” very real and individual to the character, and not a stereotypical tack-on.

Thanks for the idea!

Yes, I was also deeply influenced be King’s writing, specifically his early work. He has a way (as he puts it) of getting “skin on skin” intimate with his characters that brings us into uncomfortable (and unforgettable) intimacy with them.

I think that, as writers, it is easy (or easily glossed over) to forget that no matter how great the idea, concept, setting or plot we have for a a story, it is ultimately character that matters most. Without a “real” character, there can be no “real” story. And like “real” people, characters also have a psychology: good and bad, light and dark.

Thanks for reading and the comment.

Sounds like you need to stop thinking, get your character out of your head and onto the page! Put the critic in a box and the box on the shelf and let the character and story out of the closet.

It is a scary and thrilling place to be when a character truly becomes a living breathing thing. This is when you have to let go and let them guide the story, and you just take dictation, and all your well laid plot plans go into the trash.
Thank you for the thoughtful comment.

Yes, the Shadow is by far one of the most complex concepts. And your observation about opposites is astute. The rational (conscious) mind likes to think of things, organize things, in terms of “opposites” Good and bad, light and dark, etc. But in the unconscious mind, there is no opposite, so that’s where the conflict arises.
Great observation,
Thanks.