The main conflict in Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds revolves around the protagonist, Will, who is grappling with the decision of whether to seek revenge for his brother Shawn’s murder. The story is set in a world where the rules of the street dictate that violence must be met with violence, and Will is faced with the moral dilemma of following these rules or breaking the cycle of retaliation.
As Will takes the elevator down from his apartment, he encounters the ghosts of people from his past who were also victims of gun violence. Each ghost shares their story, adding layers to Will’s internal conflict. The tension builds as Will must decide whether to follow the path of revenge or to choose a different, more peaceful route.
This internal struggle is the central conflict of the novel, highlighting themes of grief, justice, and the impact of violence on individuals and communities.