This study investigated how conflict depiction in narratives shapes readers' attitudes. Although conflict is widely recognized as central to narrative engagement, empirical research in psychology remains limited. Drawing on preliminary survey results, we used generative AI to create stories depicting "being trapped or cornered" scenarios, reflecting high conflict intensity. We produced two types of stories, with and without conflict (two stories each, four in total), while controlling for word count. Participants (n = 119; Mage = 19.5, SD = 0.69; 53.8% men, 46.2% women) read one story and rated its perceived conflict intensity, suspense, and enjoyment. Reliability was adequate across scales (conflict intensity: α = .86; suspense: α = .85; enjoyment: α = .91). A manipulation check confirmed higher conflict intensity in the conflict condition compared with the no-conflict condition (t(117) = 10.20, p < .001, d = 1.87). Mediation analysis showed that conflict increased suspense (β = .393, p < .001), and suspense enhanced enjoyment (β = .586, p < .001). However, the direct effect of conflict on enjoyment was negative (β = −.246, p = .002). The indirect effect via suspense was significant (β = .23, 95% CI [.10, .36], p < .001). Thus, conflict does not directly enhance enjoyment but exerts its influence through the mediating role of suspense, clarifying the psychological mechanisms underlying narrative engagement.