Conflict

Definition

Conflict refers to a struggle or clash between opposing forces, which can occur within a character's internal psyche or between different characters. This tension is crucial for character development and drives the narrative forward, shaping motivations, actions, and transformations as characters navigate their challenges.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conflict can be classified into different types, including internal conflict (within a character) and external conflict (between characters or outside forces).
2. It serves as a catalyst for change, compelling characters to confront their beliefs, make decisions, and ultimately grow.
3. Characters often reveal their true nature through how they handle conflict, showcasing traits like resilience, vulnerability, or aggression.
4. Conflict creates stakes within the narrative, engaging the audience and making them invested in the outcomes of the characters' struggles.
5. Effective use of conflict in storytelling can lead to deeper themes and messages, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with the characters' journeys.

Review Questions

• How does conflict influence a character's development throughout a story?
  • Conflict plays a vital role in shaping a character's development by forcing them to confront challenges and make critical decisions. As characters face conflicts, whether internal or external, they are pushed to grow and evolve in response to these struggles. This journey often reveals their strengths and weaknesses, ultimately leading to transformations that enhance the overall narrative.
• What are the different types of conflict that can be utilized in storytelling, and how do they affect the plot?
  • Storytelling can incorporate various types of conflict, including internal conflict where a character struggles with their own emotions or beliefs, and external conflict where characters face obstacles from other characters or forces. Each type of conflict significantly affects the plot by driving the narrative forward and creating tension that keeps the audience engaged. The resolution of these conflicts typically leads to character growth and thematic depth.
• Evaluate the impact of unresolved conflict on both character arcs and overall narrative cohesion.
  • Unresolved conflict can create lingering tension within character arcs and disrupt narrative cohesion by leaving important character journeys incomplete. When conflicts are not resolved, characters may remain stagnant or face unintended consequences that affect their relationships with others. This lack of resolution can lead to confusion for the audience, potentially diminishing emotional investment in the story and its themes. Thus, properly addressing conflicts is essential for providing satisfying character arcs and maintaining an engaging narrative flow.

Related terms

Protagonist:

The main character in a story who faces conflict and undergoes growth or change as a result of their experiences.

Antagonist: A character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict that propels the plot and influences character development.

Resolution: The part of the story where conflicts are resolved, leading to a change in characters and their relationships, often reflecting their growth.