External Conflict

Definition

External conflict refers to the struggle between a character and an outside force, such as another character, society, nature, or fate. This type of conflict is crucial in plot structure as it drives the action and development of major characters, creating tension and propelling the narrative forward. Understanding external conflict helps in analyzing how characters respond to challenges, influencing their growth and the overall story arc.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. External conflicts can take various forms, including man vs. man, man vs. society, man vs. nature, and man vs. fate.
2. This type of conflict is essential for creating dramatic tension in a story, which keeps readers engaged.
3. External conflicts often serve as catalysts for character development, revealing strengths and weaknesses through how characters respond to challenges.
4. In epic tales and sagas, external conflicts frequently reflect larger societal issues or moral dilemmas faced by the community.
5. Resolutions of external conflicts often lead to significant changes in characters and can alter the direction of the plot.

Review Questions

• How does external conflict influence character development in a narrative?
  • External conflict plays a critical role in shaping character development by forcing individuals to confront challenges that reveal their true nature. As characters deal with obstacles posed by external forces like antagonists or societal pressures, they undergo growth and transformation. This struggle not only drives the plot forward but also allows readers to connect with characters on a deeper level as they witness their responses to adversity.
• Discuss the different types of external conflicts and their impact on the overall plot structure.
  • External conflicts can be categorized into several types: man vs. man, where characters oppose each other; man vs. society, where characters struggle against societal norms or laws; man vs. nature, where characters face challenges from natural forces; and man vs. fate, where characters contend with predetermined outcomes. Each type of external conflict contributes to the overall plot structure by creating tension and engaging readers while guiding character decisions and actions that lead to key plot developments.
• Evaluate how external conflicts in epics and sagas reflect broader societal issues and contribute to thematic depth.
  • In epics and sagas, external conflicts often mirror significant societal challenges or moral dilemmas that resonate with audiences. These narratives typically involve grand struggles against formidable adversaries or overwhelming odds that symbolize larger issues faced by communities or civilizations. By analyzing these external conflicts, readers gain insight into themes such as heroism, sacrifice, justice, and the human condition, enriching their understanding of both the individual characters' journeys and the collective experiences of society.

Related terms

Internal Conflict:

A psychological struggle within a character, where they grapple with their own thoughts, feelings, or decisions.

Antagonist:

A character or force in opposition to the protagonist, often creating external conflict that must be resolved.

Climax:

The point in a story where the tension and conflict reach their highest peak, often leading to a turning point in the plot.