Social and cultural barriers

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 73 views

Introduction

In any story, the protagonist's journey towards achieving their goal is often filled with obstacles that test their resolve, skills, and determination. These obstacles can be internal, external, or a combination of both, and they play a crucial role in shaping the narrative and creating tension. In this article, we will explore the various obstacles that can stand in the way of the protagonist achieving their goal, and how they can be used to create a compelling story.

Internal Obstacles

Internal obstacles refer to the protagonist's own thoughts, feelings, and emotions that hinder their progress towards achieving their goal. These obstacles can be rooted in the protagonist's past experiences, personality traits, or values. Some common internal obstacles include:

Fear: Fear of failure, fear of success, or fear of the unknown can hold the protagonist back from taking action.
Doubt: Self-doubt, lack of confidence, or uncertainty about their abilities can make the protagonist question their decisions.
Emotional baggage: Unresolved emotional issues, such as anger, sadness, or guilt, can weigh the protagonist down and prevent them from moving forward.
Lack of motivation: A lack of motivation or enthusiasm can make the protagonist feel disconnected from their goal and uninterested in pursuing it.

External Obstacles

External obstacles refer to the challenges and barriers that the protagonist faces in their external environment. These obstacles can be caused by other characters, circumstances, or events. Some common external obstacles include:

Adversaries: Enemies, rivals, or opponents who actively work against the protagonist's goal can create tension and conflict.
Environmental challenges: Natural disasters, harsh weather conditions, or other environmental factors can make it difficult for the protagonist to achieve their goal.
Social and cultural barriers: Societal norms, cultural expectations, or institutional barriers can limit the protagonist's access to resources, information, or opportunities.
Physical limitations: Physical disabilities, injuries, or other health issues can restrict the protagonist's ability to take action.

Combination of Internal and External Obstacles

In many cases, the protagonist's internal and external obstacles are intertwined, creating a complex web of challenges that must be overcome. For example:

Self-doubt and lack of motivation: A protagonist who struggles with self-doubt may also lack motivation, making it difficult for them to take action towards their goal.
Fear of failure and external obstacles: A protagonist who fears failure may be more likely to encounter external obstacles, such as setbacks or failures, that reinforce their fear.
Emotional baggage and social and cultural barriers: A protagonist who carries emotional baggage may also face social and cultural barriers that make it difficult for them to access resources or information.

Using Obstacles to Create Tension and Conflict

Obstacles are a crucial element in creating tension and conflict in a story. By introducing obstacles, the protagonist is forced to adapt, overcome, and grow, creating a more engaging and satisfying narrative. Some ways to use obstacles to create tension and conflict include:

Raising the stakes: Increasing the consequences of failure or the rewards of success can create a sense of urgency and raise the stakes for the protagonist.
Creating suspense: Introducing obstacles that create suspense or uncertainty can keep the reader engaged and invested in the story.
Developing character: Overcoming obstacles can reveal the protagonist's character, values, and motivations, making them more relatable and believable.
Creating conflict: Obstacles can create conflict between the protagonist and other characters, or between the protagonist and themselves, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.

Conclusion

Q: What is the purpose of obstacles in storytelling?

A: Obstacles serve several purposes in storytelling, including:

Creating tension and conflict
Raising the stakes and increasing the consequences of failure
Developing character and revealing their values and motivations
Creating suspense and uncertainty
Adding depth and complexity to the narrative

Q: What are some common types of obstacles in storytelling?

A: Some common types of obstacles in storytelling include:

Internal obstacles, such as fear, doubt, and emotional baggage
External obstacles, such as adversaries, environmental challenges, and social and cultural barriers
Combination of internal and external obstacles, such as self-doubt and lack of motivation

Q: How can I use obstacles to create tension and conflict in my story?

A: Here are some ways to use obstacles to create tension and conflict in your story:

Raise the stakes by increasing the consequences of failure or the rewards of success
Create suspense by introducing obstacles that create uncertainty or raise questions
Develop character by revealing their values and motivations through their actions and decisions
Create conflict between the protagonist and other characters, or between the protagonist and themselves

Q: How can I make my obstacles more believable and realistic?

A: Here are some tips for making your obstacles more believable and realistic:

Make sure the obstacles are consistent with the protagonist's character and motivations
Make sure the obstacles are challenging but not impossible to overcome
Make sure the obstacles are not too convenient or contrived
Make sure the obstacles are not too easy or too hard to overcome

Q: How can I use obstacles to create a more engaging and satisfying narrative?

A: Here are some ways to use obstacles to create a more engaging and satisfying narrative:

Use obstacles to create a sense of urgency and raise the stakes
Use obstacles to create suspense and uncertainty
Use obstacles to develop character and reveal their values and motivations
Use obstacles to create conflict and tension between the protagonist and other characters, or between the protagonist and themselves

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when using obstacles in storytelling?

A: Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using obstacles in storytelling:

Making the obstacles too easy or too hard to overcome
Making the obstacles too convenient or contrived
Making the obstacles too repetitive or formulaic
Making the obstacles too focused on the protagonist's personal struggles rather than the larger story

Q: How can I use obstacles to create a more nuanced and complex narrative?

A: Here are some ways to use obstacles to create a more nuanced and complex narrative:

Use obstacles to create a sense of nuance and complexity in the protagonist's character
Use obstacles to create a sense of nuance and complexity in the larger story
Use obstacles to create a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty
Use obstacles to create a sense of depth and richness in the narrative

Q: What are some examples of obstacles in popular stories?

A: Here are some examples of obstacles in popular stories:

In The Hunger Games, the protagonist Katniss Everdeen faces obstacles such as the Capitol's oppressive regime, her own fear and doubt, and the challenges of the arena.
In The Lord of the Rings, the protagonist Frodo Baggins faces obstacles such as the dark lord Sauron's armies, the treacherous terrain of Middle-earth, and his own personal struggles with the weight of the Ring.
In The Matrix, the protagonist Neo faces obstacles such as the Matrix's simulated reality, the agents who seek to stop him, and his own personal struggles with his newfound abilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, obstacles are a crucial element in storytelling, and they can be used to create tension, conflict, and character development. By understanding the different types of obstacles and how to use them effectively, writers can craft a more engaging and satisfying narrative. Whether it's a protagonist's fear of failure or a external adversary, obstacles can be used to create a rich and immersive world that draws the reader in and keeps them invested until the very end.