{word box: conflict, man vs society, man vs nature, man vs man, man vs self} a struggle between opposing forces or characters a struggle between two characters, physically or mentally a struggle between a character and mother nature a struggle between a character and the laws or beliefs of a group a struggle between a character and his/her feelings

Tobias wolff most likely named his short story "mortals" because the story explores the theme of people coming to terms with the idea that one day they too will die. wanting to find out what their loved ones really think of them. achieving immortalit by being "big people" while they are alive. hoping that they will have accomplished something before they die.