Lesson 3.05 You've Got to Fight for Your Right

Conflict

Conflict is the struggle between two opposing forces in a story. Without conflict, the plot is rather dull. Although, not all conflict must be gut-wrenching. Often, the more subtle forms of internal conflict can impact a reader far more deeply.

There are two main types of conflict: internal conflict and external conflict.

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Internal conflict is the struggle of a character against himself. This places the character against his or her own will, confusion, or fears, meaning, the conflict occurs inside someone's head.

Oh, no! I studied so hard for my chemistry test, but I think I failed it. I'm stressed!

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External conflict is a struggle between outside forces. This does not always have to occur between two people; this type of conflict can happen against anything. There are five types of external conflict.

The Five Types of External Conflict
TYPE	CHARACTERISTICS	IMAGE
Character against character	Two characters are pitted against one another. It doesn't have to be a physical confrontation.	You took my sandwich at lunch! You are going to pay now!
Character against society	The main character clashes with society. The conflict exists among customs, beliefs, or actions in the community. This can include a community treating a character unfairly based on race, nationality, gender, language, religion, or disability.	I was the only one in class who completed my homework; now, everyone is mad at me.
Character against nature	The main character struggles against forces of nature or something in the environment. This may include weather, objects, or activities.	Please tell me I don't have to walk through this!
Character against supernatural beings	The main character combats supernatural forces or anything that is not natural.	Nooo! I don't want to go to planet Nylar!
Character against machine or technology	The main character is against robotic forces with artificial intelligence.	I can't get the bug out of my computer!

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Conflict is one of the most important parts of the plot; the conflict is the event that the plot is built around. The conflict can be something that happens, a disagreement between characters, or a series of events that cause characters trouble or confusion.

In many cases, the conflict within the story is the driving force towards the story goal. The antagonist The character or force that blocks the protagonist. causes or leads the conflict against the protagonist. The need to overcome the conflict is often the central focus of the protagonist The main character.

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