External conflict is a key element in storytelling that involves a struggle between a character and an outside force. This conflict could be another character, society, nature, or any external obstacle that brings tension to the narrative. External conflicts drive the plot forward and help readers connect with the characters’ journeys. Here’s a breakdown of different types of external conflicts with examples to illustrate their impact.
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Character vs. Character
One of the most common forms of external conflict is character vs. character. This conflict occurs when two or more characters have opposing goals or values. The tension between them propels the story and keeps readers engaged.
Example: Harry Potter Series
The tension between Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort forms the core struggle in the “Harry Potter” books by J.K. Rowling. Harry symbolizes heroic ideals, directly opposing the sinister ambitions of Voldemort, who stands purely for evil. Their interactions are fraught with tension as Harry attempts to thwart Voldemort’s plans to dominate the wizarding world. This external conflict not only drives the plot but also allows readers to explore themes of bravery and the nature of good versus evil.
Example: Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” also provides a classic illustration of character vs. character conflict. The Montagues and Capulets, two feuding families, are represented through the forbidden love of Romeo and Juliet. Their relationship sparks various confrontations, showcasing how external societal pressures and familial expectations can intensify conflict.
Character vs. Society
In character vs. society conflicts, a character stands against societal norms, rules, or expectations. This conflict often highlights issues like injustice, inequality, or tradition, making it relevant to larger social discussions.
Example: The Handmaid’s Tale
Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” features a protagonist, Offred, who grapples with a totalitarian regime that forces women into subservience. The oppressive society serves as the external conflict, emphasizing themes of autonomy and resistance. Offred’s struggles against societal structures highlight the impact of repression on individual lives, making the conflict resonate deeply with readers.
Example: To Kill a Mockingbird
Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” showcases character vs. society conflict through Tom Robinson’s trial. Tom, a Black man wrongly charged with attacking a white woman, confronts the racist attitudes of Maycomb. Atticus Finch, as Tom’s lawyer, fights against deep-rooted racism in the town of Maycomb. This external conflict not only affects the characters involved but also critiques societal injustice, inviting readers to reflect on moral integrity and social change.
Character vs. Nature
Character vs. nature conflicts arise when characters must confront natural disasters, animals, or environmental challenges. These conflicts often test the resilience and survival skills of characters.
Example: The Call of the Wild
Jack London’s “The Call of the Wild” focuses on Buck, a tame dog suddenly sold into harsh Yukon territory amid the gold rush. Buck’s struggle against the elements and wild animals exemplifies the character vs. nature conflict. This external struggle showcases themes of survival, adaptation, and the instinctual call of the wild within Buck.
Example: Life of Pi
In Yann Martel’s “Life of Pi,” Pi Patel becomes trapped aboard a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean alongside a Bengal tiger. The struggle for survival against the ocean’s vastness and the predator’s nature becomes a profound journey of faith and endurance. This external conflict highlights the challenges of nature and the indomitable spirit of the human will.
Character vs. Technology
As technology evolves, so do the conflicts that arise from it. Character vs. technology conflicts occur when characters contend with machines, artificial intelligence, or the consequences of technological advancement.
Example: The Matrix
In the film “The Matrix,” Neo battles against a dystopian artificial intelligence that has enslaved humanity. The external conflict between human freedom and technological control is pivotal in the narrative. As Neo learns to navigate this digital reality, the story explores themes of choice, reality, and the implications of technological advancement.
Example: I, Robot
In Isaac Asimov’s “I, Robot,” the story is full of character vs. technology conflicts. Robots, designed to serve humans, begin posing ethical dilemmas and challenges to their creators. The protagonist, Del Spooner, questions the reliance on robotic technology while uncovering the dark consequences of such advancements. The external conflict serves as a vehicle to discuss trust, ethics, and the unforeseen consequences of innovation.
Character vs. Supernatural
Character vs. supernatural conflicts involve characters confronting ghostly, mythical, or supernatural forces that challenge their understanding of reality. These conflicts can create tension and evoke fear or suspense.
Example: The Haunting of Hill House
Shirley Jackson’s “The Haunting of Hill House” features characters who experience terror from supernatural elements within a mysterious mansion. The external conflict manifests through their psychological struggles and the haunting events that unfold. This story exemplifies how external supernatural forces drive the plot, illustrating the impact of fear and the unknown on the human psyche.
Example: The Sixth Sense
In the film “The Sixth Sense,” the protagonist, Cole Sear, struggles with his ability to see dead people. His external conflict involves navigating his supernatural encounters while trying to integrate into a world that doesn’t believe him. This conflict illuminates themes of fear, belief, and unresolved issues, making the supernatural elements relatable and compelling.
Character vs. Fate
Character vs. fate conflicts arise when characters struggle against destiny or predetermined outcomes. This type of conflict explores themes of free will versus fate and often leads to self-discovery.
Example: Oedipus Rex
In Sophocles’ tragedy “Oedipus Rex,” Oedipus is destined to kill his father and marry his mother. His efforts to avoid this prophecy create a tragic external conflict as he grapples with the inevitability of fate. The tension between Oedipus’s choices and the prophecy emphasizes themes of tragic irony and human limitation.
Example: The Fault in Our Stars
John Green introduces Hazel Grace Lancaster, a teenager whose life revolves around fighting cancer, in “The Fault in Our Stars.” The external conflict stems from her illness and the uncertainty of her survival, which she cannot control. This struggle against fate prompts profound reflections on life, love, and mortality, creating a poignant narrative that resonates with readers.
Character vs. Self
Although primarily classified as internal conflict, character vs. self conflicts can manifest externally when societal pressures or circumstances exacerbate the character’s inner struggles. This intersection showcases external obstacles that hinder the character’s personal growth.
Example: Fight Club
Chuck Palahniuk’s “Fight Club” details a man’s struggle with identity and consumerism. As he forms an underground fight club, he battles externally imposed expectations of masculinity and success. This external conflict amplifies his inner turmoil, illustrating how external forces can influence and complicate one’s internal conflicts.
Example: The Bell Jar
Sylvia Plath’s “The Bell Jar” explores Esther Greenwood’s descent into mental illness. Her external conflicts, such as societal expectations as a woman, compound her internal battles with identity and purpose. These external demands combine closely with her private confusion, showing clearly how personal issues frequently arise from cultural standards.
Character vs. Family
Character vs. family conflicts arise when a character faces opposition or pressure from family members. These conflicts are rich with emotional nuance and often reveal deeper truths about family dynamics.
Example: The Godfather
In Mario Puzo’s “The Godfather,” Michael Corleone finds himself torn between his aspirations and his family’s criminal legacy. The external conflict of loyalty to family versus personal ambition fuels the narrative as Michael navigates his path amid familial expectations and the moral complexities of his family’s actions.
Example: Little Women
Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women” portrays the four March sisters as they aspire to be independent women while balancing familial duties. Conflicts arise within the family, especially regarding societal expectations of women. This external struggle emphasizes the importance of family support while showcasing each sister’s growth amidst familial pressures.
The Role of External Conflict in Storytelling
Overall, external conflict is a crucial component of narrative structure. It not only develops characters but also raises stakes and engages readers. By examining various forms of external conflict, writers can create rich, multifaceted stories that resonate with audiences and evoke powerful emotions. Each type of external conflict serves as a vehicle for character development and thematic exploration, ultimately shaping the narrative’s impact on readers.
Additional Information
External conflict is a key ingredient in storytelling that often goes unnoticed. Here are some lesser-known secrets about it:
- Types of External Conflict: There are four main types of external conflict—man versus man, man versus nature, man versus society, and man versus the supernatural. Each type provides unique challenges that deepen characters and advance the plot.
- Motivation through External Conflict: Characters facing external conflicts often reveal their true motivations. These moments can deepen readers’ understanding of a character’s internal struggle and create a more complex narrative.
- Shifting Tides: External conflicts can evolve throughout a story. A character may initially face a personal antagonist but later find that societal expectations are their biggest obstacle, showcasing growth and change.
- Dual Conflicts: Some narratives cleverly interweave external and internal conflicts, allowing characters to grapple with both personal demons and tangible threats, enriching the story on multiple levels.
- Setting’s Role: The setting can act as a formidable external conflict in itself. Harsh weather, unforgiving landscapes, and even bustling cities can challenge characters just as much as any antagonist.
- Subtlety in Conflict: Not all external conflicts are loud and dramatic. Quiet conflicts, such as a character struggling against societal norms or inner peer pressure, can create tension and keep readers engaged without overt confrontations.
- Foreshadowing: External conflict can function as a vehicle for foreshadowing. Introducing elements of external struggle early in a story can subtly hint at larger issues that will come to fruition later.
- Cultural Context Matters: The perception of external conflict can change based on cultural context. What is seen as a clear-cut external battle in one culture may be interpreted differently in another, influencing characters’ actions and readers’ responses.
- Conflict Resolution Variations: Different genres offer various methods for resolving external conflicts. In some cases, the resolution is triumphant. Meanwhile, in others, it may lead to ambiguity or tragedy, shaping the overall message of the story.
- Audience Engagement: Readers often connect to external conflicts more easily than internal conflicts, making these situations key for drawing in audiences and keeping them invested in the characters’ journeys.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to External Conflict Examples
Q. What is external conflict in literature?
A. External conflict refers to a struggle between a character and an outside force, which can be another character, society, nature, or a situation. This type of conflict drives the plot forward and creates tension.
Q. Can you provide an example of a character vs. character conflict?
A. Sure! In “Harry Potter,” Harry faces off against Voldemort. Their battles highlight the struggle between good and evil, showcasing external conflict through their opposing goals.
Q. What’s an example of character vs. society conflict?
A. In “The Hunger Games,” Katniss Everdeen battles against the oppressive government of Panem. Her fight for survival and rebellion against societal norms illustrates this type of external conflict.
Q. How does character vs. nature conflict work?
A. “Life of Pi” places Pi Patel in desperate circumstances aboard a small lifeboat floating across the Pacific. Food disappears quickly, wild storms batter him, and a fierce tiger threatens his life daily. These conflicts depict nature’s unforgiving face, illustrating clearly how survival demands ruthless courage.
Q. Can you give an example of character vs. technology conflict?
A. In “I, Robot,” characters grapple with the implications of advanced robots and artificial intelligence. The struggle often revolves around ethical dilemmas and control over technology.
Q. How does character vs. fate fit into external conflict?
A. “Oedipus Rex” portrays Oedipus battling desperately to avoid a foreseen tragedy: murdering his father and marrying his mother. His attempts to evade this horrifying future ignite relentless conflict.
Q. What role does character vs. supernatural play in stories?
A. In “The Haunting of Hill House,” the characters face supernatural forces that challenge their sanity and safety. This conflict involves unseen entities influencing their lives and actions.
Q. What is an example of external conflict in a romantic story?
A. In “Romeo and Juliet,” their love is challenged by the feud between their families. This external conflict shapes their tragic relationship and drives the plot.
Q. How can the setting contribute to external conflict?
A. In “The Road,” the post-apocalyptic world poses dangers like scarcity and hostile survivors. The setting itself becomes a source of external conflict, challenging the characters at every turn.
Q. Can external conflict be resolved, and if so, how?
A. Yes, external conflict can be resolved through various means, such as character growth, cooperation, or confrontation. In stories, characters often emerge stronger or change their circumstances to resolve conflicts.
Conclusion
External conflict is a vital element in storytelling that drives plots forward and shapes characters. By exploring the different types of external conflicts—such as person vs. person, person vs. society, and person vs. nature—writers can create engaging narratives that resonate with readers. Understanding these examples can help you craft compelling stories that keep audiences hooked from the first page to the last. As you write your next tale, consider how external conflicts can add depth and excitement to your characters’ journeys. Happy writing!
