“Opposite Traits Create Strong Character Conflict” by Joan Y. Edwards

In writing a good story it is important to have strong characters. One way to make characters stand out is by giving them opposite traits, such as opposite viewpoints and/or beliefs.

Give them similar traits to bring them close together in agreement or familiarity.

That is part of life. Intriguing, flawed, ironies of love and hate, like and dislike, sweet and bittersweet. A story, a play, or a movie is a reflection of life. It may pull you in or push you away.

Most stories show a change in the main character. However, I have seen a few movies where everyone else changes except for the main character. These characters act as a catalyst that inspires or causes change in other people. Forrest  Gump (1994) and Ferris  Bueller’s Day Off (1986). The change could create harmony or cause more conflict. That is what makes drama interesting.

Three of my favorite movies that show extraordinary characters:

Gone with the Wind – Scarlet O’Hara. One minute you hate her guts; the next minute you feel her pain; the next minute you see how strong she is.
Shawshank Redemption – Andy Dufresne
You think Andy killed his wife and her boyfriend at the beginning. But he was innocent. The film shows how Andy is helpful with his accounting skills to cover up for the misuse of prison funds by Wayne Norton. To make all this possible, Wayne gives Andy a new fake identity so he can deposit Wayne’s money into a bank and remove funds and give them to him. This fake identity helps save Andy after he digs a tunnel to freedom. I love it when the Good Guys win.
Legally Blonde-Elle Woods is a beautiful blonde who society thinks is in no way able to be an outstanding lawyer or be in high class, but you see Elle Woods emerge winning a case to free a woman from being convicted of murder. The irony of that was done in a humorous way and a change of minds way.

Please share a couple of your favorite movies with really strong character conflict. I am honored that you are one of more than 1,932,368 visitors to read my blog. If you like this, Want to read more posts, please subscribe:

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Joan Y. Edwards, Author
Copyright © 2025 Joan Y. Edwards

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Flip Flap Floodle Firebird Book Award Winner Will this little duck’s song save him from Mr. Fox? April 23, 2004.

Joan’s Elder Care Guide Practical ways to help you and your elder survive.

Resources:

Pro-Writing Aid. “Character Trait: Contrary:” https://prowritingaid.com/character-traits/contrary