Conflict is the heart of every great story. Without it, there’s no tension, no stakes, and no reason for readers to turn the page.
While external conflicts—battles, rivalries, or disasters—can drive a story forward, internal conflict is what makes characters feel real. This is where man vs. self comes in.
What Is Man vs. Self?
Man vs. self is a type of conflict where a character’s greatest enemy is their own mind. It’s the fear that holds them back, the guilt that eats away at them, or the desire they must resist. Unlike external conflicts, which involve outside forces, this battle happens inside.
Readers connect with struggles like self-doubt, regret, and insecurity, as these emotions mirror real-life experiences. Decisions carry more weight when a character must battle themselves to make them. True growth happens when a character confronts their fears or weaknesses, leading to a transformation that feels earned and compelling.
Think of any story that stuck with you. Chances are, the main character faced an internal struggle just as intense as any external challenge.
Common themes include:
- Guilt & Redemption (Crime and Punishment, Macbeth)
- Fear & Courage (The Hobbit, Dune)
- Identity & Self-Acceptance (The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Mulan)
- Morality & Choices (The Road, Gone Baby Gone)
- Self-Destruction & Healing (The Bell Jar, Requiem for a Dream)
Key Elements of Man vs. Self Conflict
A strong man vs. self story has a few key elements:
A Deep Internal Struggle
The character isn’t just making a simple decision—they’re facing a battle that shakes their core beliefs or identity.
High Stakes
The conflict must matter. If the character makes the wrong choice, they could lose love, freedom, dignity, or even their life.
A Catalyst for Change
This struggle should push the character toward transformation. Will they become stronger or fall apart?
Emotional Resonance
Readers need to feel the conflict. Use emotions like guilt, fear, longing, or regret to make the struggle hit hard.
A Resolution (or Lack Thereof)
By the end of the story, the character should either overcome their internal battle, be consumed by it, or remain trapped in uncertainty.
Examples of Man vs. Self
Here are examples of man vs. self, taken from literature, movies, and television.
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
After murdering a pawnbroker, Raskolnikov is consumed by guilt and paranoia. He struggles to justify his crime while dealing with his conscience.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
Dr. Jekyll battles his darker impulses, which manifest physically as the monstrous Mr. Hyde, forcing him to confront the duality of human nature.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Katniss Everdeen struggles with guilt, survivor’s burden, and the moral dilemmas of being a symbol of rebellion while trying to protect those she loves.
Black Swan
Nina, a perfectionist ballerina, faces a psychological breakdown as she fights against her insecurities and fears of imperfection while preparing for the role of the Black Swan.
Breaking Bad
Walter White battles his own morality as he transitions from a desperate high school teacher to a ruthless drug kingpin, justifying his choices while losing his sense of self.
How to Write a Man vs. Self Story
Here are a few ways you can write an effective man vs. self story.
Develop a Strong Internal Conflict
Your character’s struggle should be complex and meaningful. What’s holding them back? What’s at stake if they fail? Make it personal.
Show, Don’t Tell
Instead of stating “She was afraid of failure,” show it through her actions—hesitation, over-preparation, and avoiding risks. Let readers experience the conflict.
Create Emotional Tension
Make the conflict ripple through relationships, choices, and behavior. A character battling guilt might push people away. A character struggling with fear might lash out.
Use Symbolism and Metaphors
A stormy night, a broken mirror, a locked door—minor details can reflect the character’s inner turmoil. Use symbolism to deepen the conflict.
Balance Internal and External Conflict
A great story usually has both. External struggles often mirror internal ones. For example, in Spider-Man, Peter Parker fights villains (external), but his true battle is with responsibility (internal).
Decide on the Resolution
Will your character overcome their struggle, succumb to it, or remain in limbo? Whatever you choose, the resolution should make sense and feel earned.
Final Thoughts
Man vs. self conflict makes stories unforgettable. It’s the inner battles—fear, doubt, guilt, and desire—that turn characters into people readers can connect with.
If you want your characters to feel real, give them an internal struggle worth fighting. What’s their biggest fear? What truth are they avoiding? Answer that, and you’ll have a conflict that keeps readers hooked until the very last page.
What is your favorite man vs. self story? Share your thoughts below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- Types of Conflict in Literature: How to Challenge Your Characters
- How to Write a Compelling Antagonist: 6 Steps to Building a Better Baddie
- 3 Killer Plot Twists in Fiction: And How They Blow Our Minds
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!
