Conflict is the bedrock of drama in storytelling. It is often the most exciting and memorable part about a story. In a roleplaying game like StarBase 118 it is easy to approach a main mission conflict where your character and your fellow crew mates are pitted against an adversary or problem. This is the classic us versus other set up; even if the other is not bad nor evil (a common theme in Star Trek stories) the crew is unified against the same problem.
But how do you handle it when your character has a conflict with another character? Even if you are on the same team, character can have conflicting viewpoints on how to solve the problem. As simmers become experienced and mature as writers they may also explore more personal conflicts that reflect the complex relationships we see in real life. But if you are new to roleplaying these conflicts can feel frustrating and overwhelming. Here are some tips to practice writing in character conflict so it turns into healthy and enjoyable story drama rather than a frustrating out of character situation.