Internal conflicts are struggles within an individual’s mind or spirit, while external conflicts pit a character against an outside force. Character, setting, plot, and theme are four essential elements of a story that can be affected by both internal and external conflicts. Internal conflicts can include a character’s struggle with their own morality, their fears, or their desires, while external conflicts can include a character’s struggle against a villain, a natural disaster, or a social injustice.
Internal and External Conflicts
Conflicts are essential to any story. They provide tension, drama, and suspense. Without conflict, a story would be dull and uninteresting.
There are two main types of conflict: internal and external.
Internal Conflict
Internal conflict is a struggle that takes place within a character’s mind. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as:
- Competing desires
- Moral dilemmas
- Fear and insecurity
- Guilt and shame
Internal conflict can be very challenging for characters. They may feel torn between two different courses of action, or they may struggle to overcome their own inner demons. However, internal conflict can also be very rewarding. When characters overcome their inner struggles, they often grow and develop as a result.
Examples of Internal Conflict
- A character who is torn between their loyalty to their family and their loyalty to their country.
- A character who is struggling to overcome their addiction to drugs or alcohol.
- A character who is struggling to forgive themselves for a past mistake.
External Conflict
External conflict is a struggle that takes place between a character and an outside force. This force can be another character, a group of people, or even nature itself.
External conflict can be just as challenging as internal conflict. Characters may have to fight for their lives, overcome obstacles, or stand up for what they believe in. However, external conflict can also be very rewarding. When characters overcome their external struggles, they often gain strength, courage, and resilience.
Examples of External Conflict
- A character who is fighting against a tyrannical government.
- A character who is trying to survive in a hostile environment.
- A character who is being pursued by a dangerous criminal.
Distinguishing Between Internal and External Conflict
In some cases, it can be difficult to distinguish between internal and external conflict. For example, a character who is struggling with a moral dilemma may be experiencing both internal and external conflict. However, there are a few key differences between the two types of conflict:
- Internal conflict is always psychological, while external conflict can be either physical or psychological.
- Internal conflict is often more subtle than external conflict.
- Internal conflict can be resolved within the character’s mind, while external conflict often requires action to be resolved.
Conflict, whether internal or external, is a great way to create tension, drama, and suspense in stories.
Question 1:
What is the difference between internal and external conflicts?
Answer:
Internal conflict is a struggle that occurs within a character’s mind, while external conflict is a struggle that occurs between a character and an outside force.
Question 2:
How do internal conflicts affect characters in a story?
Answer:
Internal conflicts can motivate characters to change, grow, or overcome obstacles. They can also create tension and suspense, as readers wonder how the character will resolve the conflict within themselves.
Question 3:
What are some common examples of external conflicts?
Answer:
External conflicts include conflicts between characters, conflicts between a character and nature, and conflicts between a character and society.
Thanks for hanging out with me today, folks! I hope this little dive into the world of internal and external conflict has been helpful. Remember, every story has its own unique set of challenges and obstacles, and it’s up to the characters to overcome them. So the next time you’re reading a book or watching a movie, pay attention to the conflicts that are unfolding. They’re what make the story interesting and relatable. And if you’re ever feeling stuck in your own life, remember that every conflict presents an opportunity for growth and change. Until next time, keep reading, keep writing, and keep conquering those conflicts!