Day 126: Stories without Conflict

I have thought for a very long time about writing a short story without any conflict in it just to see if it would be interesting. Try to think of one story where there wasn’t any conflict.

Every great story, book, song, tv show—you name it—has conflict. No matter how trivial or grand, any story will have at least one problem in it. The main character needs to overcome something or a series of things. That’s what gets the reader hooked. Conflict seems to be the needed element for any story. Even when friends tell stories, there better be something interesting in there or a punch line. It’s a little weird that we don’t even want to listen to a boring story from a friend. Usually, we will make fun of them by saying, “Cool story, bro” in a sarcastic way.

Conflict is important to stories because it reflects real life. Well received stories have conflict that is relatable. The reader, viewer, listener, whether they are aware of it or not, are attracted to drama. Yet, so many people claim that they don’t like drama in their own lives. We just want to watch the drama.

So, for many years I thought about writing a story in which everything works out perfectly for the main character all the time. There is no conflict whatsoever. And three days ago, I think I did it without noticing. It is a story called A Day of Work and Walks. It was about a woman living in the woods with her dog. Day after day she waters her crops, takes care of chores, and walks in the woods. There is no conflict. Even the work is not bothersome; it is welcomed. It gives her life purpose.

The simplicity in all its aspects is what makes the story enjoyable. It’s like a picture — a snapshot of the good life we long for. Yes, not everyone wants a life in the woods farming day after day, but I think plenty of people in America long for a simpler life without much responsibilities or stress.

If the story continued, there could easily be conflict. A storm could wreck part of her house. There could be a drought or her water supply could dry up. Her dog could get in a fight with a bear. Many things could happen in the character’s life, but I chose to write only the good parts. Maybe it is good, maybe it isn’t. But I like it. And I accomplished my goal of writing a story without any conflict.

What do you think? Does every story have to have conflict to be good or attractive or enjoyable?