What is the difference between the BW Phil conflict and the LW Phil conflict? I feel that they are a little weak in my story, and could probably both be classified as Little World ones. There isn’t much political stuff in my story. I thought of making some people believe in freedom, and some in slaves. But that had too obvious rights and wrongs, and seemed a little boring. Any ideas?
Thank you!
Good question, Colleen!
The biggest difference between the Big World and Little Word philosophical conflicts is who is caught in the middle.
The Little World philosophical conflict really impacts the protagonist personally. Do I (emphasis on “I”) prioritize stewardship or generosity? Do I prioritize helping others, or is it more important to make sure that I’m safe and healthy first? Do I save the person that’s most important to me, or save the person that is most likely to positively impact the whole world?
The Big World philosophical conflict impacts the big groups of people you identified in your Big World external conflict. What opposing perspectives do those people hold? We know they’re in contest with each other, but why? What do they fundamentally disagree on?
It’s likely that you need to begin by developing your Big World external conflict more first. What big group is your protagonist a member of? What groups are they at odds with? Once you determine that, then the philosophical conflict will flow from there.
