External conflict

Definition

External conflict refers to a struggle between a character and an outside force, which can be another character, society, nature, or a fate. This type of conflict is crucial in storytelling as it drives the plot and shapes character development, revealing the characters' motivations and growth through their interactions with these forces.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. External conflicts can manifest in various forms, such as man vs. man, man vs. nature, or man vs. society, each presenting different challenges for the characters.
2. These conflicts are essential for plot progression as they create tension and stakes that engage readers and keep them invested in the outcome.
3. The resolution of external conflicts often reveals themes and messages within a story, highlighting moral dilemmas or societal issues.
4. In character development, external conflict forces characters to confront their limitations and make choices that drive their growth throughout the narrative.
5. External conflicts can serve as catalysts for internal conflicts, showing how outside pressures can lead to deeper personal struggles.

Review Questions

• How does external conflict enhance character development in a story?
  • External conflict enhances character development by placing characters in challenging situations that force them to react and evolve. As characters confront obstacles presented by other characters, society, or nature, they reveal their true motivations, fears, and strengths. This interaction not only drives the plot forward but also allows readers to see how characters grow or change in response to these external pressures.
• Discuss how different types of external conflict impact the plot structure of a narrative.
  • Different types of external conflict significantly influence the plot structure by creating unique challenges and stakes. For instance, man vs. man conflict can lead to direct confrontations that escalate tension and drive action scenes, while man vs. nature may introduce survival themes that develop gradually over time. Each type of external conflict shapes the pacing and direction of the story, guiding the reader through various emotional experiences as characters navigate their struggles.
• Evaluate how external conflicts reflect societal issues within a narrative and influence readers' understanding of those issues.
  • External conflicts often mirror societal issues by positioning characters against larger forces that represent real-world challenges, such as prejudice or environmental crises. By navigating these conflicts, characters illustrate the impact of these issues on individuals and communities, fostering empathy and awareness among readers. This connection between external conflict and societal themes encourages readers to reflect on their own experiences and perspectives, enhancing their understanding of complex social dynamics.

Related terms

internal conflict: A psychological struggle within a character, often involving opposing desires or emotions, leading to personal growth or change.

antagonist:

The character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating external conflict and driving the story's tension.

resolution: The part of the story where the external conflict is resolved, leading to the conclusion of the plot and often character development.