Conflict in Story
A developed concept is the engine of a story and structure is its transmission. Conflict is the fuel that needs to be added frequently. Nothing moves forward in a story except through conflict. Simple as that.
Story is essentially: A protagonist wants something-something Is in the way. Obstacles to desire create conflict.
Complexity in conflict
Inner conflict (with self)
Personal conflict (with another or others)
Extra-personal conflict (with objects)
(Blending all three into a dramatic whole is a literary hat trick.)
Conflict is more effective as a "two-pronged attack," when there's an external antagonist (person(s), social environment, force of nature) as well as an internal struggle within the protagonist. In The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner when the main character clearly chooses not to win the final race, his intentional loss gives a clear message to those who value him only for his speed as well as satisfies him personally.