1. Opposing Forces Often, strong negative emotions are confusedwith conflict. Emotions like fear, anger, frustration or jealousydo not represent the conflict itself, but theyoften signal the presence of conflict.Ask yourself why the character feels this way,and you can usually discover the opposing forces or conflict that cause the emotion.

2. Opposing ForcesKelly had never been so frightened in hislife. From his hiding place under the bed,he heard the intruder pause at his doorway,then head down the hall.His first instinct was to get out of hisroom and dash for the door. He knew hecouldnt escape before the robber returned,though. Confused, he simply froze where hewas and waited.Why is Kellyfrightened?Intruder mightfind himcharacter vs.characterWhy is Kellyconfused?Run away orstay hiddencharacter vs. self 3. External ConflictCharacter vs. CharacterThe giant scooped Jack into his palm.Then he held him close to his face androared, Ill grind your bones to make mybread.Jack struggled in vain to escape. Thegoose let out a squawk.What have you there? asked the giant.Is that my golden goose? How dare youtry to steal her from me!Jack knew (if youll pardon theexpression) his goose was cooked. 4. Internal ConflictCharacter vs. SelfTony slapped the snooze button andburrowed back under the warm bedcovers.There wasnt much chance of falling backasleep though, not with todays classpresentation weighing so heavily on him.I could stay home sick, he thought. Hisnervousness really was making his stomachqueasy. His partners were counting on himthough, and he hated to let them down. Hetossed restlessly, trying to decide what to do. 5. Guided PracticeThe water was definitely higher now.Another foot and it would spill over thesandbags that shielded their pasture.Martin knew it was time to herd thelivestock to higher ground.Character vs. Nature 6. Guided PracticeZoey didnt know what to do. Yes, shehad told Rebekah she would go to themovies with her Friday night. However,that was before Kathryn had invited herto a pool party. She loved to swim!Character vs. Self 7. Guided PracticeMichaela loved to learn new things andwas naturally inquisitive. Unfortunately,she lived in a country that did not permitwomen to pursue an education.Character vs. Society 8. Guided PracticeBrian stuck his foot out into the aislejust as Rodney passed by carrying hisscience fair project. Rodney stumbledand the project crashed to the ground.Character vs. Character 9. Conflict GameBefore playing:Each person gets a 2-sided Internal/External Conflict card.Each group gets one set of Conflict Description cards.1. Turn over a colored Conflict Description card.2. Each person should flip their Internal/ExternalConflict to match the category of conflict described.3. Discuss any differences of opinion. When you reachan agreement, record it on your answer sheet.4. Repeat this process until time is called. 10. Conflict Game Answers#1 Two Irish boys have to hide their friendship fromtheir families because one is Catholic and theother is Protestant.EXTERNAL: Character vs. Society#2 A young sleuth tries to find out who stole thepriceless painting from a museum.EXTERNAL: Character vs. Character#3 Two children are adopted by an aunt who plots tosteal their inheritance.EXTERNAL: Character vs. Character 11. Conflict Game Answers#4 A star figure-skater must conquer her fear and getback on the ice after a terrifying accident.INTERNAL: Character vs. Self#5 When his father is badly hurt during hike deep inthe Montana wilderness, a young boy must makehis way back to civilization to get help.EXTERNAL: Character vs. Nature#6 Unhappy with her appearance, a young girlstruggles with an eating disorder.INTERNAL: Character vs. Self 12. Conflict Game Answers#7 The new girl in school learns that the popular girlsare out to get her after she wins a coveted spoton the cheerleading team.EXTERNAL: Character vs. Character#8 Adrift at sea, a group of shipwreck survivors findthemselves surrounded by sharks.EXTERNAL: Character vs. Nature#9 A prince trades places with a look-alike servant soeach can enjoy the others lifestyle.EXTERNAL: Character vs. Society 13. Conflict Game Answers#10 When a teen is offered a basketball scholarship hehas to decide whether or not to admit he faked anow famous half-court shot on YouTube.INTERNAL: Character vs. Self#11 A teacher is pressured to change a students gradeafter his parents donate money to the school.EXTERNAL: Character vs. Character#12 A time-travelers ship malfunctions and he has tofind a way to return to his present-day life.EXTERNAL: Character vs. Nature