Conflict Engine

Conflict is the engine of every story. Without it, you are just listing events. Conflict does not mean a fistfight — it can be internal doubt, a moral dilemma, or a deadline that seems impossible. Something must block your character from what they want.

Raise the stakes gradually. Start with a small obstacle, then pile on complications until success feels less likely with every layer. Your audience leans in not because things are going well — they lean in because they fear it might all fall apart.