1. Percy's Personal Conflict:
* Discovering his identity: Percy struggles to come to terms with being a demigod, a son of Poseidon, and the responsibility that comes with it.
* Facing his fears: He grapples with his dyslexia and ADHD, often seen as weaknesses, and learns they are actually strengths in the world of demigods.
* Overcoming his past: He confronts the trauma of his mother's disappearance and the abuse he suffered at the hands of his stepfather.
2. The Central Plot Conflict:
* The stolen lightning bolt: Zeus accuses Percy of stealing his master lightning bolt, triggering a war between the gods. Percy must clear his name and find the true culprit.
* The battle between gods: The conflict between Zeus and Poseidon, amplified by the stolen bolt, threatens to ignite a full-scale war between the Olympians.
3. The Struggle Against the Forces of Darkness:
* Hades's scheme: The true villain, Hades, orchestrates the theft of the lightning bolt and aims to use the chaos to seize power.
* The threat of war: The war between the gods is a looming threat throughout the story, with both sides preparing for a major confrontation.
4. Percy's Internal Struggle:
* Finding his place: Percy grapples with his new life as a demigod and the expectations placed upon him.
* Deciding his destiny: He must choose between the world of humans and the world of gods, ultimately finding his own path.
In essence, the conflict in The Lightning Thief is a complex tapestry woven from personal struggles, political intrigue, and the ancient battle between good and evil. Percy's journey to clear his name and prevent a war between the gods forces him to confront his fears, embrace his identity, and ultimately discover his true potential.