External conflict is a fundamental element of storytelling that occurs outside the minds of characters, manifesting as struggles between characters and external forces. This conflict can take various forms: man versus man, man versus nature, man versus society, or man versus technology. Understanding external conflict is essential for writers who want to create compelling narratives that engage readers and drive the plot forward.
Yes, external conflict is what keeps readers on the edge of their seats. It showcases the obstacles characters face, adds complexity to the story, and highlights character development. By exploring its facets, writers can construct narratives that resonate with themes of survival, justice, and the human condition.
Table of Contents
Why is External Conflict Important?
External conflict is essential because it drives the plot and influences character development. Without conflict, there would be no narrative tension or stakes. Readers would find it challenging to become invested in characters or their journeys.
Driving the Plot Forward
Conflict propels the story by creating obstacles that characters must navigate. These challenges could include confrontations, dilemmas, or unforeseen events, all of which keep readers engaged.
Throughout “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling, Harry confronts several demanding external conflicts. His interactions with Professor Quirrell and Lord Voldemort keep readers on edge and ensure that the plot remains dynamic.
Creating Tension
External conflicts naturally generate tension. The stakes escalate as characters face increasing challenges, leading to climactic moments that captivate readers.
Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” showcases Gatsby caught between his former dreams and reality. When Tom Buchanan openly challenges Gatsby, the charged friction intensifies, driving forward the narrative’s tension.
Encouraging Character Growth
When characters confront external conflicts, they often experience growth and transformation. These challenges reveal their strengths, weaknesses, and moral dilemmas, shaping their arcs throughout the narrative.
Charles Dickens, in “A Christmas Carol,” uses Scrooge’s external struggle against ghostly visitors to spark dramatic change. Their tense interactions turn greed and cold-heartedness into empathy and warmth, showing how conflict drives personal transformation.
Types of External Conflict
Man Versus Man
Perhaps the most familiar form of external conflict is man versus man, where characters directly oppose one another. This form of conflict can stimulate plot progression through action-packed encounters, moral dilemmas, or interpersonal rivalries.
For example, think of classic tales like “Romeo and Juliet,” where the Montagues and Capulets engage in a bitter feud that ultimately affects the star-crossed lovers. The conflict between these two families propels the plot. It underscores themes of love and hate, demonstrating how external forces can influence personal choices.
Alternatively, in modern narratives like “Harry Potter,” Harry’s struggle with Voldemort exemplifies this type of conflict. Their opposing goals create tension, leading to thrilling confrontations that are central to the story’s progression. These examples show how man versus man external conflicts can drive character motivations and act as a catalyst for change.
Man Versus Nature
Man versus nature conflict highlights the struggle between a character and environmental forces. This type can include challenges like natural disasters, animals, or the intricacies of surviving in the wilderness. This type of external conflict is instrumental in showcasing resilience, adaptability, and survival instincts.
A vivid example can be found in “Life of Pi,” where the protagonist, Pi, must endure harsh ocean conditions while sharing his lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. His battle against the elements, his resourcefulness in finding food and shelter, and his struggle to maintain hope illustrate human perseverance. The external nature conflict in this story elevates the narrative beyond mere survival, diving into philosophical themes of faith and strength in adversity.
Man Versus Society
Conflicts against societal norms or expectations epitomize the man versus society struggle. This external conflict surfaces when characters challenge established beliefs or question social structures, showcasing moral dilemmas and the quest for justice.
Atticus Finch, the central figure in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” faces widespread prejudice when representing a wrongly accused man. The external conflict between Atticus and the entrenched societal attitudes acts as a powerful backdrop for exploring themes of racism, morality, and courage. His struggle represents more than a pursuit of justice; it emphasizes broader questions about human behavior and collective responsibility.
Man Versus Technology
As society increasingly grapples with technological advancements, the man versus technology conflict becomes more prevalent. This external conflict emerges when characters must navigate the complexities and dilemmas posed by technology, whether it’s electronic interfaces or artificial intelligence.
Consider the narrative tension in “The Matrix,” where Neo finds himself in a world dominated by artificial intelligence. The conflict he faces, both internally and externally, pits him against a system that enslaves humanity. This struggle prompts questions about free will, reality, and the consequences of technology on human existence. Such conflicts enable writers to explore contemporary issues and reflect on humanity’s relationship with technology.
Man Versus Fate
In this conflict, a character faces an unavoidable destiny or a force outside their control. These stories often delve into themes of free will, fate, and identity.
In “Oedipus Rex” by Sophocles, Oedipus fights against a prophecy that foretells him to kill his father and marry his mother. The external conflict arises from his struggles against the predetermined fate that he ultimately cannot escape.
Layers of External Conflict
External conflict often possesses multiple layers, intertwining different types into a cohesive narrative. Providing depth to a story, these layers enhance character development and allow for a multidimensional view of adversities faced.
For instance, consider a story set in a post-apocalyptic world where survival is paramount. A character, Emma, navigates the dangers of her environment (man versus nature) while contending with fellow survivors, competing for limited resources (man versus man). Additionally, societal structures that have collapsed force Emma to grapple with moral questions about what it means to be human in an amoral world (man versus society). This rich tapestry of external conflicts provides a more engaging narrative experience.
How to Write External Conflict
Writing compelling external conflict requires careful planning and execution. Here are several strategies to effectively incorporate this element into your storytelling:
Establishing Clear Stakes
Introducing high stakes is essential in creating and engaging external conflicts. Characters should have clear objectives, and the obstacles they face must feel real and impactful. For example, in a suspense thriller, a character racing against time to prevent a disaster creates an immediate connection with readers. High-stakes situations compel readers to invest emotionally in the characters’ journeys.
Dynamic Antagonists
Crafting well-rounded antagonists enhances the complexity of external conflicts. Antagonists should possess their motivations and goals that directly oppose the protagonist. In “The Hunger Games,” President Snow exemplifies a formidable antagonist, as his quest for power and control stands in stark contrast to Katniss Everdeen’s fight for freedom. This conflict brings depth to the narrative and highlights the protagonist’s growth through adversity.
Diverse Settings
Utilizing varied settings can enhance the intensity of external conflicts. Whether it’s a hostile desert, a bustling city, or a dystopian society, each environment can act as an antagonist in its own right. The setting influences the characters’ choices, adding layers to the conflict.
In “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy, the desolate, post-apocalyptic landscape reflects the characters’ desperation and challenges. The external conflict against the barren world they navigate amplifies the emotional weight of their journey, emphasizing survival amid despair.
Pacing and Tension
Maintaining a steady pace and building tension are critical aspects of external conflicts. Writers can achieve this through plot twists, cliffhangers, or unexpected obstacles that keep readers engaged. The escalating nature of external conflict creates a rollercoaster-like experience for the audience, making them eager to see how characters navigate their challenges.
In thrillers like “Gone Girl,” the pacing shifts as layers of deception unfold, keeping readers guessing and invested in the external conflicts facing the characters.
Recognizing External Conflict in Various Genres
External conflict manifests differently across genres. Understanding these distinctions can help writers apply external conflict more effectively.
In Literary Fiction
External conflict in literary fiction often reveals profound societal issues and human experiences. Characters may grapple with societal expectations, ethical dilemmas, or cultural constraints.
Sylvia Plath, through Esther Greenwood’s resistance to social standards in “The Bell Jar,” explores the external conflict between individual ambitions and community demands and emphasizes complex psychological issues.
In Fantasy and Science Fiction
Fantasy and science fiction frequently feature external conflicts involving fantastical creatures or advanced technology. The stakes can revolve around the fate of entire worlds or species.
Frodo and the Fellowship, from J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” confront Sauron’s armies directly. This external conflict highlights the timeless collision between the enemy powers of good and evil.
In Mystery and Thriller
In these genres, external conflict often centers around crime, deception, or the race against time. Protagonists typically face antagonists or societal systems working against them.
In “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn, Nick Dunne faces the external conflict of a media frenzy and suspicion from law enforcement while trying to clear his name after his wife goes missing.
In Romance
External conflicts in romance often revolve around obstacles preventing relationships from flourishing. This conflict can include societal disapproval, familial pressure, or personal insecurities.
Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” shows Elizabeth Bennet handling tough social traditions and frequent misconceptions. Such external conflict places her connection to Mr. Darcy in danger.
Balancing Internal and External Conflicts
While the focus here is on external conflict, it is vital to harmonize it with internal conflict. Characters are often shaped by the external challenges they face, leading to their internal growth or regression. Balancing these two types of conflicts creates a richer narrative.
For example, in “The Great Gatsby,” Gatsby’s pursuit of wealth and status (external conflict) juxtaposes with his internal struggles related to love and identity. The interplay between external and internal conflicts provides depth, revealing the characters’ motivations and vulnerabilities.
Reader Engagement through External Conflict
External conflict captivates readers by allowing them to see the characters’ struggles, triumphs, and growth. Struggles reflecting on everyday situations build emotional recognition, prompting readers to compare the story’s characters with their situations. A well-crafted external conflict resonates with the audience, reinforcing themes that bolster emotional engagement.
Consider the popularity of dystopian novels such as “The Handmaid’s Tale.” The external conflict faced by the protagonist, Offred, against an oppressive regime, echoes real-world struggles for autonomy and rights, allowing readers to reflect on societal structures and their implications. This connection between external conflict and readers’ realities enhances the narrative’s impact.
Additional Information
External conflict is a fundamental element in storytelling that shapes characters and drives plots in surprising ways.
- Types of External Conflict: There are four main types: person vs. person, person vs. nature, person vs. society, and person vs. machine. Each brings unique challenges and stakes that can push characters toward growth or tragedy.
- Motivation Revealed: External conflict often serves as a mirror for a character’s internal struggles. When characters face challenges outside of themselves, their reactions reveal deeper motivations and vulnerabilities.
- Raising the Stakes: External conflict can escalate quickly, forcing characters into high-pressure situations. This escalation keeps readers engaged and invested in the characters’ journeys.
- Setting as Conflict: The environment can be an external antagonist. A character navigating a treacherous landscape or a bustling city is just as much in conflict with their surroundings as with other characters.
- Conflict Resolution Ignites Growth: Characters often undergo significant transformation as they navigate external conflicts. Overcoming challenges can lead to self-discovery and change in values, beliefs, or identity.
- Unexpected Allies: External conflict can forge unexpected alliances. Characters who might not usually work together may unite against a common external foe, thus enriching the story’s dynamics.
- Foreshadowing Through Conflict: Introducing external conflict early can serve as foreshadowing. The way characters respond to early challenges can hint at their eventual growth or failures.
- Literary Themes: External conflicts often highlight broader societal issues, such as class struggle, injustice, or environmental concerns, making them relevant and resonant with readers.
- Cultural Reflections: The nature of external conflict can be influenced by the culture of the characters. Different societies emphasize various forms of conflict, infusing stories with diverse perspectives and values.
- Creating Tension: Well-crafted external conflicts create tension that compels readers to turn the page. Modern techniques like timed events or ticking clocks can intensify the urgency of the conflict.
- Subversion of Expectations: Great stories often subvert typical external conflicts. For example, a seemingly simple external problem can unveil deeper, more complex issues that surprise readers.
- Antagonist Complexity: The external conflict’s antagonist doesn’t always have to be pure evil. Understanding their motivations and backstories can add richness to the conflict and make the story more engaging.
- Conflict Breeds Drama: Every reader loves a good drama, and external conflict is a key ingredient. It creates scenarios that are ripe for tension, betrayal, and emotional highs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to What Is External Conflict
Q. What is external conflict in literature?
A. External conflict places characters directly against something outside themselves. It might involve another person, social pressures, natural dangers, or circumstances beyond control.
Q. How is external conflict different from internal conflict?
A. External conflict involves forces outside the character. Meanwhile, internal conflict is the struggle within a character’s mind, often related to emotions or decisions.
Q. Can you give an example of external conflict?
A. Sure! An example of external conflict is a hero fighting against a villain or a character trying to survive in a natural disaster.
Q. Why is external conflict important in a story?
A. External conflict pushes the plot forward and heightens tension. Stories become gripping, compelling readers to read further. It also helps to develop characters and themes.
Q. What are the common types of external conflict?
A. Common types include character vs. character, character vs. nature, character vs. society, and character vs. technology.
Q. How can external conflict impact character development?
A. Characters often grow and change through their struggles with external conflict, revealing their strengths, weaknesses, and motivations.
Q. Does every story need external conflict?
A. While not every story requires external conflict, most compelling narratives include some form of it to maintain reader interest.
Q. How can writers effectively create external conflict?
A. Writers can create external conflict by introducing antagonists, societal pressures, or challenging situations that characters must confront.
Q. Can external conflict be resolved?
A. Yes, external conflict can be resolved through the character’s actions, choices, or growth, leading to a satisfying conclusion for the reader.
Q. What should writers avoid when portraying external conflict?
A. Writers should avoid making external conflicts feel contrived or predictable. Authenticity and stakes keep the conflict engaging.
Conclusion
Understanding external conflict is a critical aspect of writing that enriches storytelling. By exploring various types of external conflict, employing engaging strategies, and creating dynamic environments, writers can craft memorable narratives that resonate with their audience. Whether through the tension of man versus man or the complexity of man versus society, external conflict drives the story onward and builds emotional investment from the audience. The art of balancing external conflicts with internal struggles deepens character development, ensuring narratives remain impactful and thought-provoking.
