Making conflicts based on misunderstanding
So, the problem is that I can't make conflicts based on a misunderstanding that wouldn't resolve in five paragraphs. My chars are too smart for that, I'm too smart for that (and also have all the time in the world). It's not like I wouldn't come up with a solution to the consequences, however, the fact that I can't create this type of conflict is bothering me to no end.
How can I make a long-lasting misunderstanding to build my conflict on? Think about conflicts like X goes after Y because Y stole the MacGuffin from its containment unit, not knowing that it would mean the end of this world as I knew it, but Y thinks that X is just greedy. Note: this would work out if it wouldn't be for those meddling main characters!
Also, using my questions as an example is right out, please.
This post was sourced from https://writers.stackexchange.com/q/37343. It is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
1 answer
One character cannot explain their actions to the other without admitting a terrible crime, or without endangering the other.
You can put even friends on the opposite side of a chasm; for example a reporter and a politician, or army general. A CEO and his son.
This would be quite similar to (but different from) blackmail; only the secretive partner is basically blackmailing herself: She cannot let her secret be revealed, even at the cost of her friendship / partnership / marriage.
Clark Kent cannot reveal himself to Lois without making her a hostage target of the worst criminals on Earth. Even when he did, she ended up dead, right? He had to travel back in time to prevent himself from the reveal. Or something like that.
Going more to the dark side, one of your characters has a secret she is covering up: An affair, or a crime (from corporate espionage to murder), and the misunderstanding between her and her friend/lover/spouse springs from this secret.
No plausible explanation --> No resolution --> everlasting misunderstanding.
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