Internal Conflict

Definition

Internal conflict refers to the psychological struggle within a character, where they grapple with opposing desires, beliefs, or emotions. This type of conflict is crucial for character development, as it reveals the complexities of a character's personality and can drive their decision-making process. It often leads to significant changes in the character's behavior and perspective throughout the narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Internal conflict often serves as a catalyst for character development, pushing characters to confront their fears, desires, or moral dilemmas.
2. It can manifest in various forms, such as guilt, indecision, or self-doubt, which adds depth to a character's personality.
3. Effective internal conflict can enhance audience engagement by creating relatable struggles that reflect real-life experiences.
4. Writers can depict internal conflict through various techniques like inner monologues, flashbacks, and symbolic imagery.
5. The resolution of internal conflict is frequently pivotal to a character's journey, leading to personal growth or transformation by the end of the narrative.

Review Questions

• How does internal conflict contribute to a character's development throughout a story?
  • Internal conflict plays a crucial role in shaping a character's development as it forces them to confront their own beliefs and desires. This struggle often leads to growth and change, allowing characters to evolve based on their experiences. As they navigate these inner battles, audiences witness how these conflicts influence their decisions and ultimately shape their identities.
• In what ways can dialogue be used to reveal a character's internal conflict?
  • Dialogue can effectively uncover a character's internal conflict by showcasing their thoughts and emotions during interactions with others. Characters may express doubts, fears, or contradictions in what they say, reflecting their internal struggles. Additionally, conversations with other characters can serve as a mirror, prompting them to confront their feelings and dilemmas more directly.
• Evaluate the significance of resolving internal conflict in relation to the overall narrative arc of a story.
  • Resolving internal conflict is vital to the narrative arc as it often marks a turning point for the character. This resolution not only impacts the individual but also influences the plot direction and outcomes for other characters. By overcoming their inner struggles, characters may achieve personal growth that enriches the overall theme of the story, illustrating how individuals can change and adapt in response to their challenges.

Related terms

Character Arc:

The transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story, often influenced by their internal conflicts.

Motivation:

The reasons behind a character's actions, which can often stem from internal conflicts that compel them to make choices.

Dialogue:

The spoken exchanges between characters that can reveal internal conflicts through their interactions and emotional expressions.