Understanding the nuances of external and internal conflict is crucial for crafting compelling narratives. External conflicts arise from outside forces that create challenges for the characters. On the other hand, internal conflicts involve a character’s struggle within themselves. Both types of conflict are essential elements in storytelling that shape characters and drive plots.
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The Nature of External Conflict
External conflict refers to the struggles that occur between a character and outside forces. These forces include several types: other characters, societal norms, nature, and technology. This type of conflict appears on the surface and often takes center stage in the story, making it easier for readers to understand.
Types of External Conflict
- Character vs. Character: This is the classic showdown between two opposing forces. Think about the rivalry between Harry Potter and Voldemort. Their conflict is apparent, physical, and often culminates in epic battles.
- Character vs. Society: This involves a character facing obstacles from societal expectations or norms. A compelling example is “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood, where the protagonist grapples with the oppressive structures of a dystopian society.
- Character vs. Nature: In these conflicts, characters find themselves battling against natural elements. The survival journey in “Hatchet” by Gary Paulsen illustrates how the protagonist struggles against the wilderness after a plane crash.
- Character vs. Technology: In an age where technology is both a boon and a bane, narratives often explore the tensions between humans and machines. A classic example is “The Matrix,” where characters face both the physical and psychological implications of living in a simulated reality.
Real-World Example of External Conflict
Consider a modern scenario where a group of friends decides to hike a challenging mountain. As they encounter inclement weather, they face not only the natural challenge but also potentially clash with each other’s tempers when their initial plans go awry. The external forces—the mountain and the weather—serve as critical hurdles, making their journey more intriguing and layered.
The Nature of Internal Conflict
Internal conflict, on the other hand, is more subtle. This struggle occurs within a character’s mind and heart. These conflicts often revolve around emotions, morals, desires, or beliefs. Although not always visible, they are equally significant for character development and thematic depth.
Types of Internal Conflict
- Character vs. Self: This is the most common type of internal conflict, touching on issues such as guilt, fear, or a desire for redemption. For instance, in “Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoevsky, Raskolnikov struggles with his conscience after committing a crime, leading to intense psychological turmoil.
- Moral Dilemmas: Characters often face choices that challenge their ethical beliefs. In “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, Atticus Finch must navigate the societal pressure to conform and his commitment to justice when defending Tom Robinson.
- Desire vs. Duty: This type of conflict occurs when a character’s personal goals clash with their responsibilities. In “Les Misérables” by Victor Hugo, Jean Valjean’s pursuit of a new life often conflicts with his obligations to society and the law.
Real-World Example of Internal Conflict
Imagine a young adult deciding whether to pursue a passion for art or take over the family business. This struggle pits personal desire against familial duty, leading to feelings of guilt, anxiety, and self-doubt. The emotional toll of such a decision can be a rich ground for storytelling, providing readers with relatable challenges.
The Interplay of External and Internal Conflict
Although external and internal conflicts differ, they often interact and enrich the story. An external conflict can trigger an internal struggle, while internal conflicts can influence how characters respond to external challenges.
Example of Interplay
Consider a character in a high-stakes job who is faced with a choice between advancing their career (external conflict) or staying true to their ethical principles (internal conflict). Each option presents different challenges that characters must navigate.
In “A Few Good Men,” the military trial creates a conflict that pushes Lt. Kaffee to confront his own struggle. Lt. Kaffee must choose between building his career and doing what is right by uncovering the truth. The audience becomes invested in both the courtroom drama and the characters’ personal stakes.
Impact on Character Development
This interplay enables deeper character exploration. External conflicts often catalyze internal growth. As characters grapple with their external circumstances, they unearth values and insights about themselves.
In “The Great Gatsby,” Jay Gatsby’s pursuit of Daisy represents an external conflict shaped by societal structures and personal desires. The internal conflict between his yearning for love and the reality of his situation encapsulates the tragedy of his character, showcasing how deeply intertwined external conditions can affect internal quests.
Writing External and Internal Conflicts in Your Narrative
When crafting your narrative, consider how these conflicts can drive your plot and deepen your characters. The effective use of both external and internal conflicts can elevate a simple storyline into a gripping tale that resonates with readers.
Tips for Integrating Conflict
- Create Relatable Characters: Readers connect with characters who face conflicts they understand. Develop characters with traits, dreams, and fears that reflect their internal struggles.
- Balance Conflicts: Ensure your story features a mix of both external and internal conflicts. One may dominate, but a well-rounded narrative benefits from both dimensions.
- Utilize Subplots: Subplots can serve as a means to explore either form of conflict without overshadowing the main story arc. They can also mirror or contrast the primary conflict, adding richness to the narrative.
- Show, Don’t Tell: Allow readers to experience characters’ conflicts through their actions and decisions rather than stating them outright. Build tension through action so readers sense it as it unfolds.
- Character Growth Through Conflict: Let the resolution of conflicts influence character growth. Characters should evolve as a result of the challenges they face, helping to maintain reader engagement throughout your narrative.
Additional Information
Understanding external and internal conflict can elevate your writing game. Here are some deep facts most people may not know:
- External conflict drives plot action: This type of conflict comes from outside the protagonist, such as antagonists, environmental challenges, or societal pressures. It is essential for creating a dynamic narrative that keeps readers engaged.
- Internal conflict shapes character development: While external conflict can push a story forward, internal conflict delves into a character’s psyche, revealing their motivations, fears, and desires. This psychological struggle allows for rich character arcs and transformation.
- Both conflicts can intertwine: A character’s internal and external conflicts can have a deep connection. For instance, a character grappling with their moral compass might face an external antagonist who embodies the opposite values, heightening both conflicts simultaneously.
- Conflict can be subtle: Not all external conflicts involve villains and battles. Everyday conflicts, such as job loss or relationship troubles, can be equally compelling and relatable, driving the narrative without the typical action-packed scenarios.
- The stakes matter: High stakes in either type of conflict make for a riveting story. An internal struggle about fear or doubt can be just as powerful as a life-or-death external struggle, resonating with readers on a personal level.
- Resolution doesn’t equal resolution: A story doesn’t need to resolve all conflicts neatly. An unresolved internal conflict can leave readers pondering long after they finish the book. On the other hand, external conflicts may resolve in unexpected or bittersweet ways.
- Conflicts can evolve: As characters grow and change, their conflicts should also evolve. An internal struggle that starts as a brief doubt can escalate into a significant hurdle, influencing how they respond to external challenges.
- Point of view influences conflict perception: The way a story is told—through first-person or third-person narration—can shape the presentation of internal and external conflicts, affecting the reader’s connection to the characters’ struggles.
- Conflict can vary in intensity: Not every moment of conflict has to be high-stakes. Varying the intensity of conflicts, from minor disagreements to life-altering decisions, can create a compelling rhythm and keep readers engaged and curious.
- Conflict is universal: Regardless of genre or style, conflict is a universal theme. Readers from all walks of life can relate to struggles, making it a timeless element in storytelling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to What Is External And Internal Conflict
Q. What is external conflict?
A. External conflict occurs when a character faces obstacles outside of themselves, such as other characters, society, or nature.
Q. What is internal conflict?
A. Internal conflict happens within a character, involving their own thoughts, feelings, and moral dilemmas.
Q. Can you give an example of external conflict?
A. Sure! A classic example is a hero battling an enemy or a character trying to survive in a blizzard.
Q. How does internal conflict drive a story?
A. Internal conflict adds depth to characters, making them relatable as they struggle with their feelings or choices.
Q. Are both types of conflict necessary in a story?
A. Yes, both external and internal conflicts help create tension and drive the narrative forward.
Q. How can a character resolve external conflict?
A. A character can resolve external conflict by overcoming obstacles through action, cleverness, or teamwork.
Q. What are some ways to show internal conflict in writing?
A. Writers can illustrate internal conflict through a character’s thoughts, dialogues, and emotional responses.
Q. Can a single conflict be both external and internal?
A. Absolutely! A character might face external challenges that also trigger their internal struggles.
Q. How does a writer balance external and internal conflict?
A. By weaving both types of conflict into the plot, a writer can create a richer and more engaging story.
Q. Why is understanding these conflicts important for readers?
A. Recognizing external and internal conflicts helps readers connect with characters and appreciate the story’s themes.
Conclusion
Understanding external and internal conflict enhances our appreciation of storytelling. External conflicts, such as battles against nature or other characters, push plotlines forward and create tension. Internal conflicts, focused on characters’ emotions and decisions, add depth and relatability. By recognizing these types of conflict, readers can better connect with the motivations and challenges faced by characters, enriching their reading experience. Whether you’re writing your own story or analyzing someone else’s, keep these conflicts in mind to elevate your understanding of literature.
