Types of Conflict

What is Conflict?

A conflict is a struggle between opposing forces.

There are two main kinds of conflict in stories: internal and external.

Why is Conflict Important?

Without conflict, there is NO PLOT!It’s introduced in the rising action, faced

head on during the climax, works itself out in the falling action, and is solved in the resolution

See next page!

Internal Conflict: Character vs. SelfA struggle that takes place in a character's

mind is called internal conflict.

Example - a character may have to decide between right and wrong or between two solutions to a problem. Sometimes, a character must deal with his or her own mixed feelings or emotions.

Examples of Internal Conflicts

Looking into a mirror and feeling unattractive

Being embarrassed of your parents, your house, your clothes, and even your friends

Adapting to a new school and new friends

External ConflictA struggle between a character and an

outside force.Characters may face several types of

outside forces.

Types of External Conflict

Character vs. CharacterCharacter vs. NatureCharacter vs. Society

Types of External Conflicts

Character vs. Character – Conflict involves a struggle (either mental or physical between two characters)

Protagonist (good) Vs. Antagonist (bad)

ex. - Harry Potter vs. Voldemort

Character vs. Nature

Conflict involves a struggle between a character and elements of nature that are beyond his/her control, usually a fight to survive

ex. – Hatchet – Brian is attacked by a moose, weather elements are aproblem

- a tornado or hurricane destroying homes and affecting character’s lives

Character vs. Society

Conflict involves a struggle between a character and the rules/laws that govern the society in which he/she lives

ex. – Confessions of Charlotte Doyle – female trying to fit in to a male dominated profession / job

- arranged marriage

- racism

Other Types of Conflict

Character vs. SupernaturalCharacter vs. FateCharacter vs. Machine

Character vs. Supernatural

Conflict involves a struggle between a character and something that is above or beyond what is natural

ex. – Jade Green – a ghost story- Twilight - vampires

Character vs. Fate

Conflict involves a struggle between a character and something that is out of their control.

ex. – protagonist finds out they have

a rare disease

- “A Crush” – Ernie’s mom passes away and he has to learn to live in group home

Character vs. MachineConflict involves a struggle between a

character and a robotic force.

- movie – The Terminator

Is it internal or external? Type?

The Wizard of Oz

A League of Their Own

Lincoln

Wreck it Ralph

A Recap: Which type of conflict is in your book?Internal Conflict

Character vs. Self

External ConflictCharacter vs. CharacterCharacter vs. NatureCharacter vs. Society

Other Conflict Character vs. SupernaturalCharacter vs. FateCharacter vs. Machine