Conflict drives all compelling stories forward. Whether it’s a character battling their demons or facing an outside adversary, understanding the types of conflicts can elevate a narrative significantly. The main question: What is the difference between internal and external conflict, and why is it essential for storytelling? The answer lies in exploring how each conflict shapes characters and plots.
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Defining Internal Conflict
Internal conflict refers to the psychological struggle within a character. It’s the battle against one’s own emotions, beliefs, or morals. This type of conflict adds depth, making characters more relatable and realistic. An internal battle might involve a protagonist grappling with self-doubt or being torn between two choices.
Example of Internal Conflict
Take the character Elizabeth Bennet from Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” as an example. Elizabeth struggles internally with her prejudices against Mr. Darcy. Initially, her feelings lead her to believe he is arrogant and proud. However, as the story progresses, she wrestles with her impressions and eventually must confront her feelings about love and socio-economic disparities.
Dimensions of Internal Conflict
- Identity Crisis
Characters may experience an identity crisis that propels them into questioning who they truly are. For example, Holden Caulfield in “The Catcher in the Rye” faces deepening alienation as he wrestles with insecurity and struggles to understand adulthood. - Moral Dilemmas
A character could face a moral dilemma, creating a clash between personal values and societal expectations. In Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” Hamlet wrestles with moral questions about revenge upon discovering someone murdered his father. His internal conflict not only drives the plot but also examines themes of mortality and morality. - Emotional Struggles
Internal conflicts often revolve around emotions. A character dealing with grief may find themselves engaged in an internal tug-of-war. In Patrick Ness’ “A Monster Calls,” the protagonist, Conor O’Malley, battles profound sorrow and guilt over his mother’s illness, impacting his ability to cope with reality.
Defining External Conflict
External conflict, in contrast, involves a character facing challenges from outside forces. This can include other characters (antagonists), societal issues, natural disasters, or anything that challenges the protagonist externally. It often catalyzes the character’s journey and development.
Example of External Conflict
In the iconic story “The Lord of the Rings,” Frodo Baggins faces an external struggle against the dark forces led by Sauron. The difficult journey to destroy the One Ring physically represents the constant fight against evil forces, gaining momentum as Frodo’s determination grows.
Dimensions of External Conflict
- Character vs. Character
This is the most common form of external conflict in literature. It’s one character opposing another. The world of “Harry Potter” is rich in character conflicts, where Harry faces Voldemort and his followers. Their hostility drives the series’ tension and ultimately leads to key plot resolutions. - Character vs. Society
This kind of conflict happens when a character openly challenges social rules or issues. In “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood, Offred fights against a dystopian society that subjugates women. Her struggles highlight the significant theme of resistance against oppressive societal structures. - Character vs. Nature
Nature can also serve as an external antagonist. In “Life of Pi,” Pi Patel faces relentless challenges in the Pacific Ocean, from hunger to storms. His struggle against nature emphasizes survival instincts and human resilience. - Character vs. Fate
Sometimes, characters contend with an unavoidable fate. In “Oedipus Rex,” Oedipus fights against a prophecy that foretells his doom. His attempts to defy his fate lead to tragic consequences, showcasing the power of external forces beyond individual control.
The Interaction of Internal and External Conflict
Both internal and external conflicts are crucial in shaping a character’s arc and the overall story. Often, they coexist, strengthening the narrative. The character’s internal struggles can influence their decisions in external conflicts, creating richer dynamics in the plot.
Example of Combined Conflicts
Atticus Finch, a central figure in To Kill a Mockingbird, faces an internal moral struggle as he stands against the external pressures of racism during Tom Robinson’s trial. His internal conflict regarding what is right versus the societal norms of racism amplifies the stakes of his external struggles, revealing the complexity of moral conviction amidst societal pressures.
Characters Evolving Through Conflict
Conflict is an excellent tool for character development. Whether internal, external, or a combination of both, it forces characters to evolve, adapt, or face consequences for their choices.
- Character Growth
Jay Gatsby’s longing for Daisy Buchanan in “The Great Gatsby” reflects both his yearnings and the external constraints imposed by society. His fatal flaw lies in his internal delusion about love and success, leading to his external clashes with Tom Buchanan. - Redemption Arcs
Characters can redeem themselves through resolved internal conflict. Ebenezer Scrooge, the central figure in “A Christmas Carol,” experiences a profound inner change shaped by confronting past and present realities. His journey through his past and present, catalyzed by the visitations of the spirits, showcases the complex interplay between internal and external challenges.
How Writers Can Use Conflict
Writers can utilize internal and external conflicts strategically to enrich their storytelling. Understanding individual characters’ struggles informs dialogue, action, and character arcs. Here are practical techniques to effectively utilize conflict in writing:
Developing Complex Characters
Creating characters with nuanced internal conflicts makes them relatable to readers. Delve into their backgrounds and motivations. Ensure there’s a balance – a character should not exist solely as a vehicle for conflict but as a whole person with needs, desires, and fears.
Plot as a Reflection of Conflict
Outline your plot with an understanding of how conflicts will arise and evolve. Structuring the story around the progression of internal and external struggles strengthens the narrative and ensures that each scene propels character development forward.
Dialogue That Reflects Internal Struggles
Use dialogue to reveal the characters’ internal conflicts. Characters might express their doubts, desires, or fears through conversations, often revealing more than they intend. This approach creates layers in storytelling, as readers can see through the façade a character may present to the world.
Conflict Resolution
The resolution of conflict can set the tone for the narrative. Whether it ends in triumph or tragedy, the outcome should reflect the internal evolution and external challenges that have been navigated throughout the story.
Maintaining Balance
Maintaining a strong balance between internal and external conflicts sustains reader interest. Too much internal reflection without action may cause readers to lose interest, while all external action might leave them wanting more depth. A well-crafted story weaves both types of conflict seamlessly.
By understanding the roles and interactions of internal and external conflicts, writers can create compelling, multi-dimensional narratives that resonate deeply with readers. Addressing both dimensions not only drives the plot but also enriches character development. When characters grapple with challenges inside and outside themselves, the story becomes more than a simple tale; it turns into a captivating exploration of what it means to be human.
Additional Information
Internal and external conflicts are essential in storytelling, yet there are nuances about them that many overlook.
- Character Depth: Internal conflict adds layers to a character’s personality. Readers connect more deeply with characters who face their demons, showcasing the struggle between desires, morals, and fears.
- Plot Momentum: External conflict drives action. It forces characters to respond to events, pushing the plot forward. Without it, stories can feel stagnant or directionless.
- Dual Conflicts: Stories that skillfully intertwine both internal and external conflicts create a richer narrative. A character’s internal battle often mirrors the external one, enhancing emotional impact.
- Conflict Resolution: The way conflicts are resolved reveals a character’s growth. An internal resolution can lead to a more satisfying conclusion than merely overcoming external challenges.
- Symbiotic Relationship: Internal and external conflicts support each other. The struggle within can create the circumstances for external conflict, demonstrating how personal issues can lead to broader consequences.
- Reader Engagement: Engaging readers often requires balancing both types of conflict. While external conflict grabs attention, internal conflict keeps readers invested in character fates.
- Voice and Perspective: The way a character perceives their internal conflict can influence the story’s voice. First-person narratives can dive deeply into internal struggles, while third-person perspectives might lean on external actions.
- Genre Variation: Different genres prioritize internal or external conflict differently. For example, literary fiction often leans more towards internal conflict, while action genres center on external conflicts.
- Conflict Evolution: Conflicts can evolve throughout a story. What begins as an external conflict can reveal deeper internal ones over time, showcasing the complexity of the characters’ journeys.
- Themes and Messages: The interplay between internal and external conflicts can communicate themes or messages more effectively. Authors use this relationship to explore human nature, morality, and societal issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to Internal Vs External Conflict
Q. What is internal conflict?
A. Internal conflict refers to a struggle that takes place within a character’s mind. It often involves emotions, beliefs, and personal dilemmas.
Q. What is external conflict?
A. External conflict is a struggle between a character and an outside force, which can include other characters, society, nature, or even technology.
Q. Can you give an example of internal conflict?
A. Sure! A character might struggle with guilt over a decision that hurt someone they care about, leading to self-doubt and emotional turmoil.
Q. What’s an example of external conflict?
A. An example of external conflict is a character fighting against a villain or trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world.
Q. Why is internal conflict important in stories?
A. Internal conflict adds depth to characters, making them relatable and realistic. It prompts readers to connect with their struggles and growth.
Q. How does external conflict drive a narrative?
A. External conflict often propels the plot forward, creating tension and action. It pushes characters to confront challenges and evolve through those experiences.
Q. Can a story have both internal and external conflict?
A. Yes, many stories feature both types of conflict. Characters might face external challenges while simultaneously dealing with their inner struggles.
Q. How can authors effectively blend internal and external conflict?
A. Authors can interweave these conflicts by allowing a character’s internal struggles to influence their reactions to external events, adding complexity to their choices.
Q. Do all characters experience internal conflict?
A. Not necessarily, but well-rounded characters typically show some level of internal conflict, which helps to reveal their motivations and growth.
Q. How can readers identify conflict in a story?
A. Readers can spot conflict by looking for moments of struggle, challenges characters face, and the emotional weight of their decisions throughout the narrative.
Conclusion
Clearly recognizing the distinction between internal and external conflict helps writers strengthen their storytelling. Internal conflict drives character development and adds depth to your story, while external conflict propels the plot and creates tension. Mastering both types of conflict not only engages readers but also allows you to weave richer narratives. So, whether your characters are battling their demons or facing outside challenges, embracing conflict will elevate your storytelling to new heights.
