Internal Conflict

Definition

Internal conflict refers to a psychological struggle within a character, often involving opposing desires, emotions, or beliefs. This struggle can drive a character's actions and development, influencing the overall plot and thematic depth of a narrative. Understanding internal conflict is crucial as it shapes character motivations and adds complexity to the story, making it essential in various forms of writing, including short fiction, novels, drama, and stories.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Internal conflict often manifests as a character grappling with decisions that reflect their values and desires, leading to moments of self-doubt or realization.
2. This type of conflict is usually highlighted through internal dialogue, flashbacks, or emotional turmoil that reveals a character's thoughts and feelings.
3. Characters experiencing internal conflict can create tension in the narrative, as their unresolved struggles may impact their relationships with other characters.
4. In drama, internal conflict can be portrayed through soliloquies or monologues, allowing the audience to witness a character’s inner battles directly.
5. Effective internal conflict can elevate a story by making characters relatable and their journeys more impactful, often resonating with readers on a personal level.

Review Questions

• How does internal conflict contribute to character development within a narrative?
  • Internal conflict plays a significant role in character development by providing insight into a character's motivations and emotional states. As characters grapple with their internal struggles, they often undergo transformations that reveal deeper aspects of their personalities. These conflicts can lead to crucial turning points in the story where characters make decisions that affect their growth and relationships with others.
• In what ways can internal conflict enhance the theme of a story?
  • Internal conflict can enhance the theme of a story by highlighting the complexities of human emotions and moral dilemmas. When characters face inner turmoil, it often brings forth themes such as identity, choice, sacrifice, or redemption. These struggles not only engage the audience but also allow for a richer exploration of the central ideas presented in the narrative.
• Evaluate the significance of internal conflict in drama compared to other narrative forms.
  • In drama, internal conflict is particularly significant as it allows for immediate emotional engagement through performance. Unlike written narratives where readers interpret characters' thoughts over time, drama conveys these struggles visually and audibly through actors’ expressions and dialogue. This immediacy creates a powerful connection between the audience and the characters’ experiences, making internal conflicts even more impactful in conveying the story's emotional core.

Related terms

Character Development:

The process by which a character undergoes change or growth throughout the narrative, often influenced by internal conflicts they face.

Theme:

The central idea or message conveyed in a story, which can be illuminated through the internal struggles of characters.

Plot:

The sequence of events in a narrative that is often driven by characters' conflicts, including internal struggles that lead to climax and resolution.