External Conflict

Definition

External conflict refers to a struggle between a character and an outside force, which can include other characters, society, nature, or any external circumstances. This type of conflict is crucial in storytelling as it drives the narrative forward and reveals the protagonist's struggles, motivations, and growth. Understanding external conflict helps in analyzing how characters respond to challenges and how these interactions shape the story's resolution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. External conflict is typically categorized into four main types: character vs. character, character vs. society, character vs. nature, and character vs. fate.
2. This type of conflict is essential for creating tension and drama in a narrative, making it engaging for the audience.
3. External conflicts often serve as catalysts for a character's development and can lead to significant turning points in the story.
4. In many stories, external conflicts are resolved through confrontations or actions that demonstrate a character's growth or change.
5. The resolution of external conflicts can have lasting implications on the story’s themes and messages, often reflecting broader societal issues.

Review Questions

• How does external conflict influence character development throughout a narrative?
  • External conflict plays a significant role in shaping a character's journey by presenting challenges that test their values, beliefs, and resilience. As characters face obstacles from outside forces, such as other characters or societal expectations, they often experience growth or transformation. This interaction not only reveals their true nature but also engages the audience by highlighting their struggles and triumphs.
• Analyze how external conflict can create tension within a story and impact its overall theme.
  • External conflict generates tension by placing characters in situations where they must confront opposing forces, whether it's another character, societal norms, or natural disasters. This tension keeps the audience engaged and invested in the outcome of these struggles. Additionally, how these conflicts are resolved can reinforce the story's overarching themes, such as the importance of resilience in the face of adversity or the critique of societal values.
• Evaluate the relationship between external conflict and plot structure in storytelling.
  • External conflict is fundamentally tied to plot structure as it propels the narrative forward through rising action, climax, and resolution. The presence of external challenges creates pivotal moments that define plot progression and ultimately lead to climax—the peak of tension where conflicts come to a head. This relationship not only ensures that the story remains dynamic but also emphasizes how characters navigate their external circumstances, shaping their arc and the story's conclusion.

Related terms

Internal Conflict:

A psychological struggle within a character, often involving conflicting desires or emotions.

Protagonist:

The main character in a story, often facing external conflicts that drive the plot.

Antagonist: A character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating external conflict in the narrative.