External conflict, a literary device commonly employed in fiction, depicts a struggle between a protagonist and an antagonist, creating a narrative tension that propels the plot forward. This struggle can manifest in various forms, including person vs. person, person vs. society, person vs. nature, or person vs. fate. Understanding the nature and dynamics of external conflict is crucial for analyzing and appreciating the complexities of literary works.
Understanding External Conflict
External conflict, a fundamental element in storytelling, arises when a character faces obstacles or challenges originating outside of themselves. These obstacles can be physical, social, or emotional, and they drive the plot and development of the characters.
Types of External Conflict
- Person vs. Person: The protagonist faces a direct conflict with another character, such as a rival, enemy, or antagonist.
- Person vs. Nature: The protagonist’s struggles involve dealing with forces of nature, such as storms, disasters, or hostile environments.
- Person vs. Society: The protagonist faces opposition from societal norms, institutions, or authority figures.
- Person vs. Technology: The protagonist encounters challenges posed by technological advancements, AI, or machines.
- Person vs. Supernatural: The protagonist confronts supernatural beings, forces, or phenomena, such as ghosts, curses, or divine interventions.
Elements of External Conflict
- Incitant: The event that triggers the conflict and sets the story in motion.
- Rising Action: The series of events that escalate the conflict and increase tension.
- Climax: The peak of the conflict, where the protagonist faces the greatest challenge or obstacle.
- Falling Action: The events that resolve the conflict and lead to the story’s outcome.
- Resolution: The final outcome of the conflict, whether it is positive or negative for the protagonist.
Table of Examples
| Type of Conflict | Example |
|---|---|
| Person vs. Person | Hamlet’s confrontation with Claudius over his father’s murder |
| Person vs. Nature | The sailor’s struggle against a raging storm at sea |
| Person vs. Society | The feminist protagonist’s fight for equality |
| Person vs. Technology | The protagonist’s battle against a sentient AI system |
| Person vs. Supernatural | The main character’s encounter with a malevolent ghost |
Question 1:
What does external conflict mean in literature?
Answer:
External conflict refers to a struggle between a protagonist and an external force or obstacle, such as nature, society, or another character.
Question 2:
What is the primary characteristic of external conflict?
Answer:
The salient attribute of external conflict is that it arises from elements outside the protagonist’s control or internal psyche.
Question 3:
How does external conflict differ from internal conflict?
Answer:
External conflict is distinct from internal conflict, which involves struggles within the protagonist’s mind and emotions.
And that’s all there is to it, folks! External conflict is all about those juicy struggles that characters face with the outside world. It’s like a high-stakes game of tug-of-war, where the characters are trying to overcome obstacles or achieve their goals. Thanks for joining me on this little adventure into the literary world. If you’re craving more literary wisdom, be sure to swing by again soon. Who knows what other writing secrets we can uncover together?