Internal Conflict

Definition

Internal conflict refers to the psychological struggle within a character, often involving opposing desires, beliefs, or emotions that create tension and drive the character's development. This type of conflict is central to understanding characters, as it shapes their motivations and decisions, influencing the overall narrative arc and thematic depth of a story.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Internal conflict is often portrayed through a character's thoughts and emotions, allowing readers to gain insight into their struggles.
2. This type of conflict can serve as a catalyst for character growth, leading to important transformations throughout the story.
3. Writers often use internal conflict to build suspense, as readers are drawn into the character's struggle and uncertainty.
4. Internal conflict can manifest in various ways, including moral dilemmas, identity crises, or emotional turmoil.
5. The resolution of internal conflict can significantly impact the plot's outcome and reveal key themes about the human experience.

Review Questions

• How does internal conflict contribute to character development in a story?
  • Internal conflict plays a crucial role in character development by revealing the complexities of a character's psyche. When characters face inner struggles, such as conflicting desires or moral dilemmas, it drives them to make choices that shape their journey. As they navigate these challenges, they often evolve, gaining deeper self-awareness or altering their beliefs, which enriches the overall narrative.
• In what ways does internal conflict enhance the themes presented in a story?
  • Internal conflict enhances themes by providing depth and nuance to the characters' experiences. When characters grapple with their inner struggles, it often reflects broader ideas such as identity, morality, or personal growth. These conflicts can illustrate the complexities of human nature and provoke thought about the themes being explored, making them resonate more powerfully with readers.
• Evaluate how internal conflict differs from external conflict and its implications on plot structure and character arcs.
  • Internal conflict differs from external conflict in that it occurs within a character’s mind rather than between characters or between characters and outside forces. This distinction has significant implications for plot structure and character arcs; while external conflicts often drive action and plot progression through tangible events, internal conflicts focus on emotional depth and character evolution. The resolution of internal conflicts can lead to pivotal moments in a character’s journey, influencing how they respond to external challenges and shaping the narrative's overall direction.

Related terms

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

Character Motivation:

The reasons or goals that drive a character's actions and decisions, often tied to internal conflicts they face.

Theme: The underlying message or central idea explored in a work of literature, often revealed through the resolution of conflicts, including internal ones.