The complication in a story is the central problem, obstacle, or conflict that disrupts the protagonist’s normal life and sets the plot in motion. It is the element that turns a simple narrative into a journey, forcing characters to make choices, face challenges, and grow. Whether you are reading a classic novel, watching a movie, or analyzing a short story, understanding the complication is key to grasping the story's depth and meaning.
In the world of literature, the complication is often referred to as the inciting incident or the trigger event. Before this point, the character might be living a comfortable, predictable life. That said, it is the moment where stability is lost. The complication shatters that predictability, creating a gap between what is and what should be, or what the character desires and what is standing in their way. This conflict can be external, like a storm or a villain, or internal, like a moral dilemma or a personal flaw Small thing, real impact..
Not obvious, but once you see it — you'll see it everywhere.
It is important to distinguish a complication from the rising action. Here's the thing — while they are closely related, they are not the same thing. The rising action is the series of events that follow the complication, escalating the tension and moving the story toward its climax. The complication is the start of that escalation. Think of it as the first domino that falls; the rising action is everything that happens as the other dominos tumble. If the complication is the reason the story begins, the rising action is the reason the story becomes exciting.
Why is the Complication Important?
The complication serves several vital functions in storytelling. First, it establishes the stakes. Think about it: if a character’s goal is simply to eat breakfast, there is little tension. Worth adding: without a problem, there is no reason for the reader to care about the outcome. But if a character’s goal is to eat breakfast while being chased by a dragon, the stakes are immediately high, and the reader is hooked.
Second, the complication defines the protagonist. A brave character might charge toward the obstacle, while a timid character might try to run away. How a character reacts to the complication reveals their personality, their fears, and their strengths. This reaction sets the tone for the entire narrative and determines the kind of journey the character will undergo Not complicated — just consistent..
Third, the complication creates the narrative arc. It is the engine of the story. Day to day, without it, the plot would be static and uneventful. It provides the necessary conflict that drives the characters to change, learn, and ultimately find a resolution.
Types of Complications
Complications can be categorized in several ways. Understanding these categories can help you analyze any excerpt you encounter Small thing, real impact. Simple as that..
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External Complications (Man vs. Nature/Society)
- These involve a problem outside the character’s control. Examples include natural disasters, wars, a corrupt government, or a antagonist who is actively working against the protagonist.
- Example: In the story of The Wizard of Oz, the external complication is the tornado that sweeps Dorothy away from Kansas and deposits her in the Land of Oz. Her goal is to return home, and the unfamiliar and dangerous world she has entered is the obstacle.
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Internal Complications (Man vs. Self)
- These are struggles that exist within the character’s mind or heart. They are often rooted in fear, guilt, jealousy, or a moral conflict. The character must overcome their own inner demons to succeed.
- Example: In Hamlet by William Shakespeare, the external problem is his uncle’s murder of his father, but the internal complication is Hamlet’s own indecisiveness and his struggle with whether to seek revenge or not.
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Relational Complications (Man vs. Man)
- This is a conflict between two or more characters. It can be a disagreement, a betrayal, or a rivalry. While it is technically an external conflict, it is often more personal and emotional than a conflict with nature.
- Example: In Romeo and Juliet, the complication is not just that the families are feuding, but that Romeo and Juliet fall in love despite that feud. Their love is the complication that drives the tragedy.
How to Identify the Complication in an Excerpt
When you are given a specific excerpt and asked to find the complication, you need to look for clues. Here is a step-by-step method:
- Look for the Change in Circumstances: Does something happen that disrupts the normal flow of the story? Is there an event that forces the character to act?
- Identify the Character’s Goal: What does the character want? What is their primary objective?
- Find the Obstacle: What is preventing the character from achieving that goal? This obstacle is the complication.
- Check for Emotional Response: How does the character feel about the situation? Fear, anger, or confusion are strong indicators that a complication has occurred.
Take this case: if you read an excerpt where a student is happily studying for an exam, and then receives a phone call that their best friend has been in an accident, the complication is the accident. The student’s goal (to study) is now threatened by the new problem (caring for their friend) The details matter here..
Complication vs. Climax vs. Resolution
It is easy to confuse these three terms, but they are distinct stages of a story.
- Complication: The problem is introduced. "The dragon has stolen the gold."
- Climax: The most intense moment of the conflict. The hero faces the dragon and fights it.
- Resolution: The problem is solved. The hero defeats the dragon and recovers the gold.
If you identify the complication correctly, you can then track how the story builds toward the climax and finally resolves the issue But it adds up..
FAQ: Common Questions About Complications
Q: Can a story have more than one complication? A: Yes, absolutely. Many complex stories have a main complication and several smaller sub-complications. As an example, a hero might be trying to save a kingdom (main complication) while also trying to repair their relationship with a friend (sub-complication). Both problems add layers to the plot.
Q: Is the complication always negative? A: Not necessarily. While most complications are problems, sometimes an event that seems negative at first can lead to positive outcomes. To give you an idea, losing a job might
lead to a character discovering a new passion or pursuing a different path in life. What matters is how the complication disrupts the character’s current path and forces them to make a decision or take action.
Q: How do I know if I’ve identified the correct complication?
A: The correct complication will directly challenge the character’s goal and create tension in the story. If the complication feels central to the plot and drives the character’s actions, you’ve likely found it. Take this: in The Hunger Games, Katniss’s goal is to protect her family, but the complication—the forced entry into the deadly arena—completely upends her life. Without this event, the story would not exist.
Conclusion
Understanding the complication is key to analyzing any story. It is the spark that ignites the narrative, pushing characters out of their comfort zones and setting the stage for growth, conflict, and resolution. By identifying the complication, you gain insight into the heart of the plot and the motivations that drive the characters. Whether it’s a personal struggle, an external threat, or a sudden twist of fate, the complication shapes the journey the reader experiences. As you read, ask yourself: What problem disrupts the status quo? How does it challenge the character? The answer will reveal the story’s engine—and its emotional core.
