Besides their primary objectives , characters also have subgoals that they must first accomplish. To achieve these objectives and subgoals, characters devise strategies and plans . Although they are often in pursuit of a concrete object , associated with this object is usually some abstract value connected to their motivation, which the characters believe will satisfy their personal needs. Conflict is often said to be the essence of drama. Conflict is generated by obstacles that frustrate a character's efforts to obtain his primary objective or subgoals, and creates jeopardy for the character.
Obstacles come in many forms.
They can be self-conflicts , which are the result of a character being forced to choose between the efficient plan for achieving his objective and the internalized codes of socially appropriate behavior. Enemies generate obstacles because they directly compete for the character's desired concrete objective or primary objectives. Relatives can also generate obstacles, as can friends and lovers . The more emotionally fundamental the relationship, the more dramatic the obstacle and conflict becomes. Physical objects , the natural world and the supernatural world also are sources of obstacles that generate conflict and jeopardy for the characters as they pursue their objectives.