An external conflict arises when a character confronts an obstacle outside of themselves, such as a physical threat, a societal expectation, or a natural disaster. Internal conflict, on the other hand, occurs when a character battles internal struggles, such as emotional turmoil, moral dilemmas, or psychological barriers. These conflicts are essential elements of storytelling as they provide obstacles for characters to overcome, shape their development, and evoke emotions in readers. External and internal conflicts can coexist within a narrative, influencing each other and driving the plot forward.
Understanding Conflict in Writing
Conflict is the backbone of any compelling story. It’s the driving force that keeps readers on the edge of their seats and makes them invested in the characters’ journeys. Without conflict, your writing would be flat and boring.
There are two main types of conflict: internal conflict and external conflict.
Internal conflict is the struggle that takes place within a character’s mind. It can be anything from a moral dilemma to a fear of failure. Internal conflict is essential for developing well-rounded, relatable characters. It shows us what they’re made of and how they’re growing.
External conflict is the struggle that comes from outside a character. This could be a fight with an antagonist, a natural disaster, or a social obstacle. External conflict is just as important as internal conflict. It provides tension and excitement, and it helps to drive the plot forward.
Both internal and external conflict are essential for writing compelling stories. They create tension, drama, and suspense. Without conflict, your writing would be flat and boring.
Here are some tips for writing effective conflict:
- Make it real. Conflict should be believable and relatable. It should be something that your readers can connect with.
- Make it personal. Conflict should affect your characters on a personal level. It should be something that they care about.
- Make it challenging. Conflict should be challenging for your characters. They should have to overcome obstacles and make difficult choices.
- Make it resolved. Conflict should have a resolution. This doesn’t mean that it has to be a happy ending, but it should leave your readers satisfied.
Internal Conflict
Internal Conflict: The Crucible of Character
My fellow scribblers, let’s delve into the realm of internal conflict, a tool that breathes life into our characters and ignites the flames of our stories.
Character Struggles: The Inner Turmoil of Hamlet
When Hamlet grapples with the weight of his father’s death and his uncle’s betrayal, we experience the raw emotions of a man torn between duty and desire. Internal conflict exposes the frailty of our heroes, lending them a relatable, human quality.
Motives and Desires: The Battle Within
A character’s motives are the driving forces behind their actions. When these motivations collide, as in the case of Macbeth’s ambition versus his conscience, we witness the struggle between right and wrong, between self-interest and the greater good.
Emotions and Irrationality: The Swaying Pendulum
Intense emotions can cloud judgment, leading characters down paths they may regret. When jealousy consumes Othello, it triggers a cascade of irrational decisions that ultimately lead to his downfall. This interplay between reason and passion adds a touch of unpredictability to our narratives.
Conscience and Morality: The Internal Compass
The battle between conscience and morality is a universal theme. When characters face moral dilemmas, they must weigh their actions against their core beliefs. Will they compromise their principles for the sake of survival, or will they remain true to their values?
Subconscious Influences: The Hidden Depths
Beneath the surface of our characters’ conscious thoughts lie subconscious desires and fears. These hidden forces can shape their behavior in unexpected ways. By exploring the subconscious, we can create characters with complex motivations that surprise both the reader and themselves.
In conclusion, internal conflict is the crucible in which our characters are forged. It reveals their vulnerabilities, tests their resolve, and ultimately drives the plot of our stories. By understanding the different types of internal conflict, you can create characters that are both relatable and compelling.
External Conflict: The Forces that Shape Our Stories
In the tapestry of fiction, conflict plays a pivotal role, driving the plot forward and shaping the characters’ journeys. External conflict arises when characters face obstacles from outside themselves, creating tension and challenges that test their resolve.
The Role of Antagonists
Every good protagonist needs an equally compelling antagonist, the force or individual who stands in their way. Antagonists can range from malicious villains to well-intentioned but misguided opponents. Their motivations may be nefarious or simply at odds with the protagonist’s goals, but their presence is crucial for creating conflict and propelling the story forward.
Physical Threats and Danger
Physical threats can take many forms, from violent encounters to environmental hazards. Characters may face danger from natural disasters, dangerous animals, or even other humans. These threats heighten the stakes and create a sense of urgency, forcing characters to make difficult choices under pressure.
Social Norms and Pressure
The weight of social expectations can be a powerful obstacle. Characters may struggle to conform to social norms, challenge societal standards, or overcome prejudice. These conflicts explore the complexities of identity, conformity, and the tension between personal desires and societal expectations.
Environmental Influences
The natural world can also play a role in external conflict. Characters may face challenges posed by weather conditions, natural disasters, or the unique characteristics of their environment. These factors can influence their decisions, limit their options, and add an element of realism to the story.
Harnessing External Conflict
Mastering external conflict is essential for crafting compelling stories that resonate with readers. By carefully crafting antagonists, weaving in physical threats and challenges, exploring social norms and pressures, and utilizing environmental influences, authors can create memorable conflicts that drive the plot forward and test the limits of their characters.
Well, there you have it, folks! Now you’re all clued up on the difference between external and internal conflict. I hope this article has shed some light on this literary device. If you’re looking to improve your writing, understanding conflict is a great place to start. Keep these concepts in mind as you read and write, and you’ll be a pro at crafting tales with gripping characters and compelling storylines. Thanks for stopping by, and be sure to check back later for more writing tips and tricks!