In stage plays and television stories writers can make it seem like people are endlessly talking about anything and everything. The story often doesn't seem to have any rhyme or reason to the topics the characters discuss or any motivation behind it all other than to pass time.

Without even being aware of it people are in a perpetual game of one-upmanship. Even if you think you are just offering someone advice you are also positioning yourself as an expert if they take that advice. This is often subtle and can be rationalized away by the less cynical as purely altruistic but in fact it's a combination. Perception gives or takes power and that is what we jockey for without even being aware of it. With power we can more easily obtain other things we want: attention, services, love, food, sex, etc.

Expertise

You've likely had the urge to tell something you know when a related subject comes up. Putting yourself in the position of expert is a way to make people need you and thus transfer power to you. That's why there are so many know-it-alls in the world, they see the power it gives them when they know stuff so they fake it half the time.

Resource Control

If you own something of value, people will want to be around you to have access to it. If you are the first person in the neighborhood to have a video game system you will be in demand and will be able to use this power to get other things you want. This is the physical version of expertise but can be much more easily transferred, someone can steal your video games but not your knowledge. Resources are easier to obtain but also easier to lose.

Relationships

Knowing people can bring rewards. The ability to introduce others to people or get something from someone you know can put you in a power position. Not every friendship is the same. Just as no two people are the same. You trust some people more than you trust others. There is a delicate balancing act of personality, past behavior, and intuition that determines the strength of a relationship. In a situation where people all know each other, strength of relationships can help determine power levels.

Communication Skills

Great speakers are lauded and applauded. Your ability to get ideas across to others is a valuable skill. It can be pure persuasion that gets things you want but also the ability to communicate that can be a resource others want and are willing to trade things for. Often a friend will request a friend go with them somewhere to help sort out a situation: buy a new car or diffuse a fight. The ability to speak clearly and effectively is rare and if you have it you'll be on plane that others will wish they were on.

In stories characters have goals. If they involve getting something from someone or making them do something they will be jockeying for power in addition to directly pursuing their objectives. The desire for power is compelling in that it can be both a help and hindrance in a character's life. As you try to impress your friend's girlfriend hoping to get her to get him to lend you money, she could get the wrong idea and want to cheat on him with you. Oops. Don't cut parts or your story just because they don't seem like they are going anywhere if your story is mostly about interpersonal conflict, these stories meander just like we do in life.