conflict in literature

Internal ConflictInternal Conflict

Definition:Definition:

A struggle that takes place in a character's A struggle that takes place in a character's mind is called internal conflict. mind is called internal conflict.

Internal Conflict is …Internal Conflict is …NOT a visual or tangible NOT a visual or tangible

(can’t touch it) opposition. (can’t touch it) opposition.

a character dealing with his a character dealing with his

or her own mixed feelings or or her own mixed feelings or

emotions.emotions.

Example of Internal Example of Internal ConflictConflict

A character may have to decide between A character may have to decide between right and wrong or between two solutions right and wrong or between two solutions to a problem. to a problem.

Internal ConflictInternal ConflictSubcategorySubcategory

Man vs. himselfMan vs. himself

Internal conflict is Internal conflict is often referred to as often referred to as man vs. himself since man vs. himself since the struggle is inside the struggle is inside one’s head.one’s head.

Quiz TimeQuiz Time

Now you’re ready to take a quiz!Now you’re ready to take a quiz!

Internal Conflict QuizInternal Conflict Quiz

Question 1:Question 1:

Internal conflict is NOT:Internal conflict is NOT:

a.a. visible

b.b. difficult

c.c. serious

The answer isThe answer is

VisibleVisible

Internal Conflict QuizInternal Conflict Quiz

Question 2:Question 2:

Internal conflict is often referred to as:Internal conflict is often referred to as:

a.a. man vs. man

b.b. man vs. himself

c.c. man vs. external forces

The answer isThe answer is

Man vs. Man vs. HimselfHimself

External ConflictExternal Conflict

Definition:Definition:

A struggle between a character and an A struggle between a character and an outside force is an external conflict. outside force is an external conflict.

Example of External Example of External ConflictConflict

Characters may face several types of Characters may face several types of outside forces. outside forces. The outside force may be another The outside force may be another character. It may be the character and the character. It may be the character and the community. community. The outside force may also be forces of The outside force may also be forces of nature. For example, a story might be the nature. For example, a story might be the main character struggling against the main character struggling against the arctic cold. arctic cold.

External ConflictExternal ConflictOther categoriesOther categories

Man vs. ManMan vs. Man

Man vs. EnvironmentMan vs. Environment

Man vs. ManMan vs. Man

This is mostly seen in the form of two This is mostly seen in the form of two characters against each other. characters against each other.

It can also be represented by a group of It can also be represented by a group of people. people.

It does not have to be a physical It does not have to be a physical confrontation; it can be a battle between confrontation; it can be a battle between two ideas. two ideas.

Man vs. EnvironmentMan vs. Environment

Environment is defined as anything Environment is defined as anything surrounding a person.surrounding a person.

This can include weather, objects, This can include weather, objects, activities.activities.

Basically anything external EXCEPT Basically anything external EXCEPT people.people.

External ConflictExternal Conflict

Now you’re ready to take Now you’re ready to take a quiz!a quiz!

External Conflict QuizExternal Conflict Quiz

Question 1:Question 1:

Which is NOT an example of external Which is NOT an example of external conflict?conflict?

a.a. other charactersother characters

b.b. forces of natureforces of nature

c.c. decisions decisions

The answer is The answer is

DecisionsDecisions

Which is not an example of man Which is not an example of man vs. environment?vs. environment?

a) hurricanea) hurricane

B) fightB) fight

C) blizzardC) blizzard

The answer isThe answer is

fightfight

ConflictConflictQuick ReviewQuick Review

•Internal Conflict •External Conflict

•MAN VS. HIMSELF•MAN VS. MAN

•MAN VS. ENVIRONMENT

•*not tangible •*other characters •*any outside force

•*in the mind•*not just physical confrontation •*anything in surroundings

•*decisions, feelings, emotions •*opposing ideas•*weather, objects, activities