Internal Conflict

Definition

Internal conflict refers to the psychological struggle within a character, often involving opposing desires, emotions, or beliefs. This type of conflict is crucial in storytelling as it adds emotional depth and complexity to character arcs, influencing their decisions and growth throughout the narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Internal conflict is often depicted through a character's thoughts, feelings, and dilemmas, showcasing their emotional struggles.
2. This type of conflict can lead to significant character development, as characters confront and resolve their inner turmoil.
3. Writers use internal conflict to create tension and suspense, engaging the audience by making them invested in the character's journey.
4. Characters experiencing internal conflict may undergo transformations that reflect broader themes of the story, such as identity, morality, or redemption.
5. The resolution of internal conflict often serves as a key moment in a story, marking a turning point in the character's arc and influencing the overall narrative direction.

Review Questions

• How does internal conflict contribute to the emotional depth of a character's journey?
  • Internal conflict enhances the emotional depth of a character by exposing their vulnerabilities and complexities. As characters grapple with opposing desires or beliefs, they become more relatable and human to the audience. This struggle allows for profound moments of introspection and can lead to pivotal changes in their motivations and actions throughout the story.
• In what ways can internal conflict be effectively portrayed on stage or screen to enhance storytelling?
  • Internal conflict can be portrayed through various techniques such as monologues, facial expressions, and body language that reveal a character's inner thoughts and struggles. Flashbacks or dream sequences may also be used to illustrate a character's past experiences that contribute to their current conflict. Additionally, contrasting dialogue with other characters can highlight the character's turmoil and enhance audience engagement.
• Evaluate how internal conflict shapes a character's arc and impacts the overall narrative structure of a story.
  • Internal conflict is central to shaping a character's arc as it drives their development and influences their choices. As characters confront their inner struggles, they may experience growth or change that significantly alters their relationships with others and their role in the narrative. This dynamic creates a more layered storyline, allowing for thematic exploration of issues such as self-acceptance, moral dilemmas, or personal redemption, ultimately enriching the overall structure of the story.

Related terms

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

External Conflict: A struggle between a character and an outside force, such as another character or society, which contrasts with internal conflict and shapes the narrative.

Motivation: The reasons behind a character's actions and decisions, often rooted in their internal conflicts, desires, and goals.