What is the primary role of a central conflict in a story?

The primary role of a central conflict in a story is to drive the plot and motivate characters. Central conflict is essentially the main problem or challenge that the characters face, which propels the narrative forward. It serves as the foundation of the plot; without a central conflict, the story lacks tension and urgency, making it difficult for character development and thematic exploration to occur.

As characters confront this conflict, their actions and decisions reveal their motivations, deepen their personalities, and allow for growth. This ongoing struggle fosters engagement, inviting readers to invest emotionally in the characters and their outcomes. In essence, the resolution of the central conflict is crucial for bringing the story to a conclusion, which provides satisfaction and closure to the narrative arc.