Internal or External

Conflict in Literature

Character Conflict

• Character conflict refers to the internal or external struggle a character faces within themselves or with others.

Types of Conflict

Character vs. Nature

• Character vs. nature conflict occurs when a character struggles with the natural world or environment (e.g., a character fighting against a storm).

Character vs. Supernatural

• Character vs. supernatural conflict occurs when a character struggles with supernatural or paranormal forces (e.g., a character fighting against a ghost or demon).

Character vs. Society

• Character vs. society conflict occurs when a character struggles against the rules, norms, or expectations of their society.

Examples of Conflict

The Tale of John Henry

• The tale of John Henry is an example of character vs. nature conflict, where John Henry struggles against a machine.

Internal vs. External Conflict

Internal Conflict

• Internal conflict occurs when a character struggles with their own thoughts, feelings, or morals.
• Example: a character deciding whether to tell the truth or keep a secret.

External Conflict

• External conflict occurs when a character struggles against external forces, such as other characters, nature, or society.
• Example: a character fighting against a villain.

Importance of Conflict in a Story

Including Both Internal and External Conflict

• Including both internal and external conflict in a story creates a more engaging and complex narrative.

Character Motivation

Character vs. Society Conflict

• In character vs. society conflict, a character may take action against their society due to feelings of injustice, morality, or a desire for change.

Characteristics of Character vs. Society Conflict

Multi-Faceted Conflict

• A story can have more than one character vs. society conflict, creating a layered and complex narrative.

Unresolved Conflict

• Character vs. society conflicts don't always have to be resolved in literature, leaving the reader wondering about the character's fate.

"Test Your Conflict-Savvy: Can You Identify Internal vs External Conflict in Literature?" This quiz challenges your ability to distinguish between internal and external conflicts in literature. From characters battling their own inner demons to facing obstacles from the outside world, this quiz will test your knowledge of literary conflict. Sharpen your skills and impress your book club with your newfound conflict-savvy!