A character’s problem or struggle

Ms. Zayas, CMS English

There is typically ONE MAIN conflict in a selection. The main conflict, or central conflict, is the problem the MAIN CHARACTER has in the story.

There can be several other conflicts throughout the different storylines or “subplots.”

External Conflict The person has a problem/struggle with

ANOTHER PERSON Also called “Individual vs. Individual”

An external conflict does not have to be a fight or an argument. It can be a disagreement, misunderstanding, or dislike.

Internal Conflict The person is having a struggle WITHIN

himself or herself Also called “Individual vs. Self” Often in the narrator’s head., or thoughts

External Conflict A person struggling with a NATURAL force

(i.e. the weather) “Individual vs. Nature”

External Conflict A person struggles with a group of

people, or the majority. “Individual vs. Society”

External Conflict A person struggles with something man-

made, such as electronics, a car, or a computer.

“Individual vs. Technology”

GUIDED PRACTICE

Jacob could not believe it! He didn’t make the varsity team. After three years of J.V. he deserved to be on that team!

Man vs. Self (Individual vs. Self)

Kristy got home from work and decided to relax after a long day. She sat on the couch and pulled out her laptop. Just to make sure, she checked the day’s report. The entire file had been erased! To make it worse, there was no back-up file.

Character vs. Technology (Individual vs. Technology)

Ariana asked her dad for clothes, but he said she would have to wait until they went school shopping. She was frustrated, because she really wanted a new outfit for this weekend.

Frustration: Character vs. Self, “Individual vs. Self”

Disagreement: Character vs. Character, “Individual vs. Individual”

Todd and Bud got into a scuffle on the floor.

Character vs. Character

Miguel lost his job as an engineer because the Okies came in looking for work. Because of his skin color, he was told he could either dig ditches, lay track, or go home.

Man vs. Society, “Individual vs. Society””

Esperanza sympathized with the strikers, but could not stop working because she had to support Mama by paying her doctor’s bills.

Man vs. Self, “Individual vs. Individual”

The people of the camp ran into their tiny houses to avoid the dust that tried to get into their mouths and noses. The shut the windows and stuffed rags in the cracks of the doors, but the tiny grains of dirt and sand managed to seep in anyway.

Character vs. Nature, “Individual vs. Nature”

NOW TIME FOR…

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE