What role do tensions and conflicts between characters play in literature according to many critics?

Tensions and conflicts between characters are crucial in literature as they serve as a means to convey universal themes. This conflict often highlights fundamental human experiences such as love, betrayal, conflict, and the struggle for identity, which resonate with readers across different cultures and time periods. By showcasing how characters confront and navigate these challenges, authors are able to explore complex themes that delve into the human condition.

Through the lens of these conflicts, readers can engage deeply with the narrative, making the themes more relatable and impactful. This aspect of storytelling not only drives the plot but also encourages readers to reflect on their own lives and the universal struggles portrayed in the text. Tensions between characters create dynamic relationships and situations that illuminate the story's core messages, making them an essential component of literary analysis and appreciation.