ConflictThe Types of Conflict

The Four Types of Conflict

Teaching

Person vs. Self

Man vs. Self Conflict

• A character is experiencing a struggle within his/her own mind or heart (facing a fear, making a decision).

• Internal Conflict

Man vs. Self

• Examples:

– Choosing to listen in class instead of talking to your friend

– A young lady wants to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower, but is afraid of heights

Man vs. Man

Man vs. Man Conflict

• A character is struggling against another character, physically, mentally, or verbally.

• External Conflict

Man vs. Man

• Examples:

– A boxing match

– Arguing over who won the card game

Man vs. Environment

Man vs. Nature Conflict

• A character is experiencing a struggle against some element of nature (a storm, a wild animal, etc…).

• External Conflict

Man vs. Nature

• Examples:

– A tornado destroying someone’s house

– A bear invading a camp site

Conflict Summarizer

• Choose one of the types of conflict to create your own conflict cartoon. Draw a color cartoon that is only three strips long on the sheet provided. Make sure you use dialogue and quality color pictures.

Essential Question How do I identify the four main types of

conflict in a literary plot and in non-print media?

Vocabulary:

Exposition SettingRising Action ClimaxResolution/DenouementComplication

Conflict

Power Questions

1. What type of conflict is represented in the above photograph?

A. man vs. self

B. man vs. man

C. man vs. supernatural

D. man vs. nature

Power Questions

2. What type of conflict is represented in the above photograph?A. man vs. selfB. man vs. manC. man vs. supernaturalD. man vs. nature

Power Questions

3. Which of the following would be an example of a plot with a man versus nature conflict?

A. a story about two brothers competing for the affections of the same young lady

B. a story about a farmer who must find a crop that is compatible with the land he owns

C. a story about a weatherman who has to learn to control his anger about his past

D. a story about a woman who has to learn a computer program to draw house plans

Answers to Power Questions

1. A – person vs. self

2. D – person vs. environment

3. B – a story about a farmer who must find a crop that is compatible with the land he owns