Society shapes how people think, act, and live—but what happens when one person refuses to conform? Man vs. society stories dive into this conflict, pitting individuals against oppressive governments, rigid traditions, or unjust social structures.
What Is Man vs. Society?
Man vs. society is a type of external conflict where a character stands against societal norms, laws, traditions, or institutions. Unlike man vs. man, where the protagonist fights an individual, this conflict pits them against a larger system or belief.
At its core, man vs. society is about resistance. Your character sees a problem in the world and refuses to conform. They may be fighting against:
- Corrupt governments (1984)
- Oppressive traditions (The Handmaid’s Tale)
- Rigid social expectations (Dead Poets Society)
This struggle often raises deep questions about justice, morality, and personal freedom. It challenges readers to think about their own world and how they fit within it.
Key Elements of Man vs. Society Stories
To create a strong man vs. society story, you need a few essential ingredients:
An Outsider for a Protagonist
Your main character must see a flaw in the world and take action against it. They might start as an outsider, or they could be part of the system before realizing its faults. Either way, their journey is about defying the status quo.
A Clearly Defined Societal Force
Your protagonist isn’t battling one villain but an entire structure. It could be a government, a culture, a law, or an unspoken rule.
Moral and Ethical Dilemmas
Your character must wrestle with big questions. Is rebellion worth the risk? Will their actions harm others? Is change even possible?
Consequences of Defiance
Society pushes back. Your protagonist will face resistance, whether through exile, imprisonment, or social rejection.
A Strong Theme
Man vs. society stories often explore themes like freedom, oppression, progress, or identity. These themes shape the protagonist’s journey and reflect real-life struggles.
Examples of Man vs. Society in Literature, TV, and Film
Here are some powerful man vs. society stories across different media.
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Gilead is a totalitarian society where women are stripped of their rights. With pollution rendering most of them infertile, the capable few are forced to produce children for the elites. Offred, one of these Handmaidens, must navigate the dangers and intricacies of this cruel regime.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
12-year-old Jonas is the next Receiver of Memory. But with this duty comes a horrifying revelation about the seemingly utopian society he lives in. He must decide whether to keep the peace forge a new path.
The Society
A group of teenagers finds themselves in a town with no adults and the outside world non-existent. They must now learn to govern themselves and live with what resources they can find.
Joker
Arthur Fleck is a struggling comedian in the crime-riddled city of Gotham. Pushed to the margins of society, he slowly transforms into its worst nightmare.
The Social Network
A Harvard student’s ambitions lead to Facebook, a social media platform that begins to define how society views and interacts with itself.
Dead Poets Society
John Keating arrives at Welton Academy, surprising his students with his unorthodox teaching. They soon begin to think for themselves, rejecting their tradition-bound school and beyond.
Tips for Writing a Strong Man vs. Society Story
Here are a few ways you can write a compelling story with a man vs. society conflict.
Establish the Societal Norm
You need to establish what aspect of society the protagonist is up against. Is it an unjust legal system? A restrictive government? Deep-seated cultural beliefs? The clearer you define the oppressive force, the more engaging your story will be.
Society should feel like its own character. It shapes how most characters think and behave.
Strong Personal Motivation
Why is your protagonist moving against society? Their motivation should be deep enough to justify the risks they take. Maybe they’ve suffered directly under its rules, or they’ve witnessed injustice that fuels their desire for change.
Show the Weight of Societal Pressure
What internal and external changes will your protagonist undergo? Your protagonist should question their beliefs at some point. Doubt makes them more human and relatable.
Standing up to society isn’t easy. Show the risks and sacrifices involved. The more your protagonist struggles, the more rewarding their journey becomes.
Explore Other Characters’ Perspectives
Not everyone will agree with your protagonist. Some might support the system, some may be indifferent, and others may sympathize but fear speaking out. Explore how these different opinions affect your protagonist’s journey.
Avoid Simplistic Villains
Society isn’t just “evil.” People enforce rules for different reasons—some think they’re protecting order, others fear change. Give your antagonist layers. To their eyes, they’re not in the wrong.
Tie the Conflict to Universal Themes
Most man vs. society stories mirror real-world injustices or societal flaws. Your readers should question how the current world works, what changes are needed, and how societal norms shape individual lives.
Conclusion
Man vs. society stories are powerful because they challenge readers to think critically about the world around them. These stories expose flaws in the system, challenge the status quo, and spark conversations about real-world issues.
Whether your protagonist succeeds, fails, or sparks a movement that continues beyond their story, their struggle should feel real and relatable. They don’t just entertain—they should also encourage reflection.
What’s your favorite man vs. society story? Share your thoughts below!
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Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
