The short story "the interlopers" begins with a man named Ulrich von Gradwitz patrolling his forest in search of his enemy Georg Znaeym. After introducing the protagonist the author tells us a brief understanding of Ulrich's background. The Von Gradwitz family and the Znaeym have carried a family feud running for three generations over a piece of forested land. Ulrich's grandfather had won ownership of the bordered land in court which had been illegally owned by the Znaeym's.
             Ulrich is out with his men hunting in the dark forest during a cold winter night. Although they are not in quest for four footed quarry but they were patrolling the disputed land for human enemy. Deep in Ulrich's thoughts he carried a desire to capture Georg Znaeym. The feud over the forest had turned into a personal one for him.
             The starting incident in the story occurs when Ulrich arrives face to face with the man he sought in the disputed forest. This type of conflict is called man vs. man. In front of him stood Georg Znaeym armed with a rifle. Each man stood silent glaring at one another carrying hatred in their hearts and an intention to kill. Before either could attack both men wanted to speak words of offence against each others honor and then shoot their rifle. It was at this moment where they would determine who would own the bordered land.
             Before either one could strike "Nature's own violence overwhelmed them both." This complication is one type of conflict called man vs. nature. At this moment none of the two men gained control over the disputed forest. Nature took its course and a storm crashed over their heads where a falling beech tree pinned both of them to the ground.
             One of the complications which take place while they both are helpless under the tree is when Ulrich offers a hand in friendship during their struggles to get out. Immediately after the tree incident the two quarrel with each...