The unknown is terrifying—it hides in the shadows, defies logic, and challenges everything you believe. Supernatural stories aren’t just about eerie encounters and terrifying monsters; they explore how you respond when confronted with forces beyond understanding.
What Is Man vs. The Supernatural?
Man vs. the supernatural is an external conflict where a character struggles against an otherworldly force. This antagonist defies the natural order (or what’s believed to be)—whether it’s a malevolent spirit, an ancient curse, or an unseen cosmic force.
This battle is not always about physical survival. It also tests the character’s sanity, faith, or understanding of reality. Common examples of the supernatural include ghosts and spirits, demons, gods, curses and dark magic, and cosmic horrors.
Key Elements of a Man vs. The Supernatural Conflict
A strong supernatural conflict doesn’t rely on jump scares or eerie descriptions alone. Here are the core elements you to think about:
The Supernatural
What is your protagonist facing? A malevolent ghost? A cruel fate? An ancient deity that plays with human lives?
The Protagonist’s Struggle
How does the supernatural affect your character? Are they trying to escape it, understand it, or fight it? Maybe they don’t believe in it at first. Whatever the case, the supernatural must encroach on your character’s life.
Limited Understanding of the Supernatural
Supernatural forces should not be entirely predictable. The less knowledge there is of a ghost, monster, or curse, the more terrifying it becomes. Giving only glimpses or partial explanations keeps the mystery alive.
Consequences
Supernatural forces rarely leave a person unchanged. Some may face physical harm, while others suffer a worse fate—losing their sanity, their loved ones, or even their soul.
The experience lingers, reshaping their beliefs, fears, or understanding of reality. Even with a so-called happy ending, they carry the weight of knowing the supernatural exists.
Belief vs. Skepticism
Some characters embrace the supernatural; others reject it until there is no choice. In most cases, doubt puts a character in danger. Many stories also explore a character’s journey towards acceptance of the supernatural.
Examples of Man vs. The Supernatural in Literature, TV, and Film
Looking for inspiration? Here are some of the best examples of supernatural conflicts in different media.
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Jonathan Harker and Professor Van Helsing battle Count Dracula, a powerful vampire who preys on the living.
The Shining by Stephen King
Jack Torrance, a struggling writer and recovering alcoholic, moves his family to the isolated Overlook Hotel. Supernatural forces within the hotel begin to turn him mad, preying on his family.
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
Two boys encounter a sinister carnival that grants twisted wishes, feeding on people’s fears and desires.
The Ring
A cursed videotape kills anyone who watches it within seven days. A journalist races to uncover the truth behind the curse before it’s too late.
A Nightmare on Elm Street
A supernatural killer stalks his victims in their dreams. A group of teenagers must find a way to stop him—all while struggling not to sleep.
Midnight Mass
A mysterious priest arrives in a small town, bringing miraculous events—and a terrifying supernatural truth.
How to Write a Compelling Man vs. The Supernatural Story
Here are a few practical tips to create an effective man vs. the supernatural story:
Define Your Supernatural Force
Is it an entity, a curse, or an unfathomable force? Make it distinct. Even if it’s mysterious, it should feel real within your story’s world.
It should have rules, even if it defies human logic. If ghosts can’t harm the living, stick to that rule. If a curse can be broken, show how.
Readers don’t need full explanations, but they need consistency. Rules ground the story and prevent plot holes.
Build Atmosphere and Suspense
Leave your supernatural antagonist in the shadows. Part of their strength is their mystery. What are they? Are they invincible? Can they be beaten? The less is known about them, the more powerful they are.
Let fear creep in rather than jump out. Use vivid settings, foreshadowing, and eerie descriptions. Play with subtext to create a sense of foreboding. Keep your protagonist and the audience questioning what’s real and imagined.
Establish Stakes Early
Make sure your audience knows what’s at risk. Will the protagonist lose their life, soul, sanity, or loved ones? The more personal and high-stakes the conflict, the more engaging the story will be.
Give the supernatural a purpose. Maybe a ghost wants revenge, a demon wants to corrupt, or a god wants obedience. A clear motive makes the supernatural presence feel more real and threatening.
Make it Personal
Tie the supernatural conflict to personal struggles. Why is the protagonist struggling against the supernatural? Did they perform a ritual due to grief? Is their faith being challenged?
There should always be a cost. They either lose faith, their sanity, or a loved one. Even in a “happy” ending, they should be forever changed.
Make the Protagonist’s Belief System Matter
Does your character believe in the supernatural? Are they skeptical? How do their beliefs change as they face the unknown? Their journey should involve uncovering hidden truths and facing the consequences of what they discover.
Conclusion
The supernatural has fascinated humanity for centuries. History and literature is full of stories that blend human struggles with forces beyond understanding.
These stories tap into primal fears—the unknown, the uncontrollable, and the unseen. And in the end, they all ask the same question: How will you respond?
What’s your favorite man vs. the supernatural 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
- Supernatural Fiction: A Guide to Otherworldly Stories
- 8 Tips for Creating Monsters that Feel Scary Real
- The Literary Strange: 10 Lesser-known Genres of Literature
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!
