Better Conflict: When Morals Collide
Using Clashing Moral Codes to Create Explosive Conflict
Here’s something I had to learn in order to move past obvious conflicts:
The best conflict doesn’t come from just good vs evil.
It comes from everyone believing they’re right.
When each major character has their own moral code—especially when those codes collide—the story gets juicier, messier, and way more satisfying.
Wait—What’s a Moral Code?
A moral code is your character’s internal compass. It’s the set of rules they live by, consciously or not.
“Protect the innocent, no matter the cost.”
“Family comes first.”
“Justice is worth any price.”
“Survival above all.”
“Few must be sacrificed for all to survive.”
These may all true, in their own way.
The key is that the character truly believes in their code. It’s not just flavor—it’s actively shaping every choice they make.
Now Make Them Crash Into Each Other
Let’s say your hero believes in mercy and second chances, always. And their closest ally believes that justice should always be served, even if it’s the death penalty. And the villain believes in survival above all.
What happens when they capture the villain, who seems to repent?
Boom—moral standoff.
Or maybe your main character will do anything to protect their sibling. Even lie. Even kill. Even betray a friend, because that friend believes in truth above all—and the truth could harm the main character’s sibling.
It’s a philosophical debate that underlines your story perfectly.
This Works Especially With Antagonists
Want a memorable villain?
Don’t make them evil. Make them principled.
Remember, the villain is always the hero in their own worldview. They believe they’re doing what’s right. Give them a moral code that’s just as strong as the hero’s—but incompatible with it.
Like:
“Peace even at the cost of freedom.”
“Love above all—even truth and justice.”
“We only survive if we evolve past weakness.”
Now when your antagonist clashes with the protagonist, it’s not “good vs evil”—it’s belief vs belief. And that sticks so much better.
A Little Prompt to Try
Look at your two most important characters (not just the hero and villain—this works great for allies too).
Ask yourself: What does each of them believe is “right”?
Now ask: What situation would force those beliefs to collide?
That’s where your next scene might be hiding.
(Hint: if they both believe the exact same thing, you’re missing out on great story opportunities.)
If this post gave you something to chew on, hit the ❤️ and share it with other storytellers in your orbit.
Because the best stories don’t just test your characters’ bodies. They test their souls.
More next week,
Tal Valante Kilim