Arguments.

   We hate them, unless you're confrontational as hell (which if you are, good on ya). 

   However, we all love getting to the good meaty drama in a story. Ya know, the one where characters collide and arguments arise.

   I like to think I'm quite decent at doing that, even though I sometimes forget why characters clash / tie the argument with a rather messy resolution.

   I don't want you guys to feel that way / I'd like to give some tips that I forget (but hopefully you don't).

   I saw these on a chart years ago, and I wish I could find it (but it's 2,000 miles away at home).  That chart could probably describe it better than I can, but I do know the steps from the top of my head.

HOW TO WRITE A GOOD ARGUMENT

1) THE CHARACTERS —WHO is fighting? Are these two people friends or enemies? Give flashbacks to provide insight on what led to the fight. WHAT are these two people to each other? Are they close or not?

2) THE SETTING — WHERE does the argument take place? Is their anyone around that might jump into the setting / argument? This is a great place to introduce a "voice of reason" or stir the pot even more with someone taking a side. 

3) THE SITUATION —WHAT are they fighting about? Give background detail as to WHY what their fighting about means so much to either side. As an author, try not to pick a side and just state emotions. Let your audience decide who to side with.

4) THE VIEWPOINTS — Even if one character is more wrong over the other, give both renditions. It's important for their to be more than just the "RIGHT" perspective.

5) THE CORRECT ANSWER — Once both arguments have been given, you (author) can now pick a side. Be sure to explain WHY someone is right / why that other person is wrong. Try to bring everything to an agreement / disagreement. Not every argument can be won.

6) BODY LANGUAGE — Are arguing characters getting into each other's faces? Are they using hand motions? Clenching their fists, their jaw? Standing straight or fading back? Body language is very important to know more about a character's personality. Who is explosive / who is more reserved.

7) THE EMOTIONS —Do the character's hate each other? Are they just angry? Can they come to an agreement / why why not. How do others feel? (If there's people around). How does each character arguing feel?

8) THE RESOLUTION / LACK OF RESOLUTION— Who won the argument? If no one did, express how both characters feel robbed or like nothing was accomplished.

9) THE OUTCOME — How do these character's leave the conflict? Defeated, confident? Does it stem into a physical, emotional fight? Do they apologize? Does anyone have to break them up before they tear each other up? Have they done this in the past before?

10) THE FUTURE — Does this argument lead to an even bigger fight? Will the tension ever leave? Was it ever talked about?

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ALONG WITH ARGUMENTS,
HERE'S HOW YOU CAN BUILD TENSION.

1) YOU CAN'T ALWAYS LET YOUR CHARACTERS GET WHAT THEY MOST WANT. 

2) HOW CAN YOU MAKE YOUR CHARACTERS SITUATION WORSE?

3) BUILD FLAWS + CONFLICT INTO THEIR WORLD / PERSONALITY. NO ONE IS SUPPOSED TO BE PERFECT. WHAT IS YOUR CHARACTER'S KRYPTONITE? ACHILLES HEEL?

4) HAVE A SPECIFIC CHARACTER CLASH HEADS WITH MAIN CHARACTER. WHY DO THEY CLASH? WHAT ARE THEIR DIFFERENCES / SIMILARITIES?

5) INCREASE MAGNITUDE OF CONSEQUENCE IF THE 'HERO' (MAIN CHARACTER) IS TO FAIL.