Internal Conflict

Definition

Internal conflict refers to a psychological struggle within a character, often involving opposing desires, beliefs, or emotions. This struggle can reveal deeper themes and character development as it forces the character to confront their own thoughts and feelings, ultimately impacting the plot and overall narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Internal conflict often drives a character's actions and decisions, leading to important plot developments.
2. This type of conflict can manifest in various ways, such as guilt, fear, indecision, or moral dilemmas.
3. Authors use internal conflict to create tension and suspense, making readers more invested in the character's journey.
4. Resolutions of internal conflict can lead to significant moments of growth for characters, enhancing their complexity.
5. Identifying internal conflicts helps readers understand the deeper themes within the narrative, connecting character experiences to broader societal issues.

Review Questions

• How does internal conflict contribute to character development within a story?
  • Internal conflict plays a crucial role in character development by forcing characters to face their emotions and beliefs. As they grapple with these struggles, they may evolve in response to their experiences. This transformation can reveal different facets of their personality and lead to growth, allowing readers to connect more deeply with the characters' journeys.
• In what ways can internal conflict influence the plot of a narrative?
  • Internal conflict can significantly influence the plot by creating pivotal moments where characters must make difficult choices. These choices often drive the story forward and can result in unforeseen consequences or resolutions. By exploring these inner struggles, authors enhance the narrative's complexity and maintain reader engagement through suspense and emotional investment.
• Analyze how internal conflict can be used to illustrate broader themes within literature, providing examples from various works.
  • Internal conflict serves as a powerful tool for illustrating broader themes such as identity, morality, and societal expectations in literature. For instance, in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', the protagonist's internal struggle with revenge and morality highlights themes of madness and existentialism. Similarly, in 'The Catcher in the Rye', Holden Caulfield's conflicts around adulthood and alienation reflect themes of innocence versus experience. By showcasing these personal battles, authors encourage readers to reflect on complex issues that resonate beyond the individual character's experience.

Related terms

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

Character Development:

The process by which a character undergoes significant changes throughout the story, often influenced by their internal conflicts and resolutions.

Theme:

The underlying message or central idea of a literary work that is often explored through characters' internal conflicts and interactions.