The main conflict in "A Cinderella Story" revolves around Sam Montgomery (Hilary Duff), a high school student, who lives a life of servitude to her stepmother and stepsisters, much like the original Cinderella.
Here are the main elements of the conflict:
* Social Class and Social Expectations: Sam faces prejudice and exclusion from her classmates because of her family's financial situation. She's seen as "less than" by many, including the popular crowd, making it difficult for her to fully participate in school life and connect with her crush.
* Family Conflict: Sam's stepmother, Fiona, and stepsisters, Brianna and Gabriella, treat her poorly, constantly belittling her and making her life miserable. This conflict further isolates Sam and makes it difficult for her to find happiness.
* Finding Love: While Sam wants to find love with the popular and kind-hearted football player, Austin Ames, she faces obstacles from her family and the social pressures of high school. She fears revealing her true identity and feels trapped in a life that doesn't allow her to be herself.
* Self-Discovery and Standing Up for Herself: Sam struggles to overcome her self-doubt and find her voice in a world that seems determined to hold her down. She needs to learn to assert herself and break free from the expectations imposed on her.
The conflict culminates in Sam finally taking control of her life, breaking free from her family's tyranny and discovering her own worthiness of love and happiness.