External conflict

Definition

External conflict refers to the struggle between a character and an outside force, which can include other characters, society, nature, or even fate. This type of conflict is crucial for advancing the plot and developing characters, as it often drives them to face challenges that reveal their true nature and growth throughout the narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. External conflict can manifest in various forms, such as man vs. man, man vs. society, man vs. nature, or man vs. fate.
2. This type of conflict is essential for creating tension and suspense in a story, keeping readers engaged and invested in the outcome.
3. Characters facing external conflicts often experience significant development as they confront challenges that test their beliefs, values, and abilities.
4. The resolution of external conflict can lead to crucial turning points in the narrative, affecting the character's trajectory and the story's overall message.
5. In plays, external conflict can be highlighted through dialogue and action, making it a key element in building drama and engaging the audience.

Review Questions

• How does external conflict enhance character development within a narrative?
  • External conflict plays a vital role in character development by forcing characters to confront challenges that test their strengths and weaknesses. As they navigate these struggles, readers gain insight into their motivations, values, and growth. This process not only makes characters more relatable but also allows them to evolve in response to their experiences, ultimately shaping the narrative's direction.
• In what ways do external conflicts contribute to the pacing and structure of a story?
  • External conflicts are crucial for pacing and structure as they create moments of tension that propel the plot forward. By introducing challenges that characters must face, these conflicts can establish a rhythm that keeps readers engaged. The rising action typically builds around external conflicts until it reaches a climax, where these struggles are confronted head-on, leading to resolution and furthering the overall narrative arc.
• Evaluate the significance of external conflict in conveying themes and messages within literature and plays.
  • External conflict is significant in conveying themes and messages as it often embodies larger societal issues or universal human experiences. Through characters' struggles against external forces, authors can explore themes such as justice, identity, or resilience. This allows audiences to reflect on their own lives and circumstances while also engaging with deeper moral questions posed by the narrative. By observing how characters respond to external conflicts, readers can draw parallels to real-world situations and gain insights into human behavior.

Related terms

internal conflict: A psychological struggle within a character, often involving emotions, desires, or moral dilemmas that impact their decisions and actions.

antagonist:

The character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict that propels the story forward.

climax:

The turning point in a story where the main conflict reaches its peak, leading to the resolution of the external conflict.