External conflict

Definition

External conflict refers to the struggle between a character and an outside force, which can be another character, society, nature, or fate. This type of conflict is crucial in driving the plot and revealing character traits, as it often pushes characters to face challenges that test their limits and beliefs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. External conflict can manifest in various forms, including character vs. character, character vs. society, character vs. nature, and character vs. fate.
2. This type of conflict is essential for plot development as it introduces obstacles that characters must overcome to achieve their goals.
3. External conflicts help to reveal key traits of characters, such as resilience, courage, or morality, as they respond to challenges posed by outside forces.
4. The resolution of external conflict often leads to significant turning points in a narrative, affecting not only the protagonist but also other characters involved.
5. Literary works often use external conflict to explore larger themes, such as social injustice or the human struggle against nature.

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 confront their beliefs and values. As they navigate these struggles against outside forces, readers gain insight into their motivations and growth. For example, a character battling societal norms may evolve in their understanding of justice and personal identity as they respond to these external pressures.
• Evaluate the role of external conflict in driving the plot forward in literature. Provide examples.
  • External conflict plays a critical role in driving the plot forward by introducing obstacles that create tension and compel characters to take action. For instance, in classic literature like 'The Great Gatsby', Gatsby's desire for Daisy faces societal expectations and class struggles, leading to pivotal events that shape the narrative. This interaction between characters and external forces maintains reader interest and advances the storyline.
• Synthesize how different forms of external conflict contribute to overarching themes in a narrative.
  • Different forms of external conflict contribute to overarching themes by illustrating the struggles faced by characters in their environments. For example, a character vs. nature conflict may highlight humanity's vulnerability against natural disasters, reinforcing themes of survival or resilience. Meanwhile, a character vs. society conflict can critique social structures and provoke discussions about justice and morality. By intertwining these conflicts with thematic elements, authors create layered narratives that resonate with readers on multiple levels.

Related terms

internal conflict: Internal conflict is the psychological struggle within a character, often involving conflicting desires or emotions that impact their decisions and actions.

protagonist:

The protagonist is the main character in a story, often facing external conflicts that propel their journey and development throughout the narrative.

antagonist:

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