Going Deeper With Conflict by Sydney Salter

Beginning writing books simplify conflict into three categories: man versus man, man versus nature, or man versus self. Most stories really have components of all these dynamics, given that characters often fight against their own flaws as well as other characters or worldly circumstances. 

The next layer is internal versus external conflict. Story Genius by Lisa Cron does a great job of describing how to add these layers of to your story. 

Satisfying stories combine these layers of conflict, but the best stories go a level deeper to show conflict in a more complex context. 

In Craft In The Real World, Matthew Salesses talks about how conflict presents the reader with a particular worldview. Some characters don't have the luxury of overcoming an internal challenge due to structural systems that affect their ability to make choices. Class, gender, race, sexuality, and ability all create their own context for conflict. 

Salesses writes, "Character should be particular and specific and have a particular and specific context. In that context, the question of how much of the conflict you face is a matter of fate or free will has meaningful consequences. Conflict, in context, makes meaning." 

To make the most of the conflict in your story, examine the context of your characters' lives--all the aspects of your storyworld that shift their ability to make their own choices or constrict that ability to make choices. Digging deeper into the conflict of your story will add layers of meaning for your readers.