Types of Conflict in Literature

Questions and Answers

What is conflict in literature?

The setting of the story

A struggle between or among characters or forces (correct)

The resolution of the story

The main character's victory

What is internal conflict?

A problem or struggle within a character.

Provide an example of internal conflict.

In 'Bystander' Eric struggles to accept and understand his dad's schizophrenia.

What is external conflict?

A problem or struggle between a character and someone or something outside of the character. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of external conflict.

In 'Bystander', Eric does not agree with Griffin's bullying but stays friends to avoid becoming a target himself. Signup and view all the answers

What is character vs.character conflict?

A problem or struggle between two characters. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of a character vs.character conflict.

In 'Bystander', Griffin bullies David Hallenback both verbally and physically. Signup and view all the answers

What is character vs.nature conflict?

A problem between a character and something in nature. Signup and view all the answers

Examples of character vs.nature conflicts include a character struggling to survive in the __________.

wilderness Signup and view all the answers

A character vs.society conflict occurs when a character has problems with __________.

society Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of character vs.society conflict.

A character doesn't fit in with the other kids at school. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Types of Conflict in Literature

Conflict is a central element in storytelling, representing struggles that drive the plot.
Main types of conflict include:
- Internal Conflict (Character vs. Self)
- External Conflict (with outside forces)

Internal Conflict

Defined as a struggle that occurs within a character's mind.
Example: Eric in "Bystander" grapples with accepting his father's schizophrenia, showcasing the emotional turmoil of internal conflict.

External Conflict

Refers to struggles between a character and external forces, such as other characters or nature.
Example: Eric’s struggle with Griffin exemplifies external conflict; Eric disagrees with Griffin’s bullying but remains friends to avoid being bullied himself.

Character vs. Character Conflict

Involves direct confrontation between two characters, often representing good versus evil dynamics.
Example: Griffin and David Hallenback's conflict in "Bystander" highlights bullying, where Griffin uses both verbal and physical aggression against David.

Character vs. Nature Conflict

Involves characters dealing with natural forces or elements.
Examples include:
- Surviving alone in the wilderness.
- Saving oneself or others from an erupting volcano.
- A fireman rescuing a child from a burning building.

Character vs. Society Conflict

Centers on conflicts between an individual and societal norms or expectations.
Examples include:
- A character feeling out of place among peers at school.
- A girl believing she must emulate magazine models to be deemed beautiful.
- A criminal evading law enforcement.

Description

Explore the key types of conflict that drive stories forward, including internal and external struggles characters face. Understand how these conflicts are illustrated through examples from literature, specifically the novel 'Bystander'. Delve into character dynamics that represent these conflicts in various settings.