Internal conflict

Definition

Internal conflict refers to the psychological struggle within a character, where they face opposing desires, beliefs, or emotions that create tension and affect their decision-making. This often manifests through a character's thoughts and feelings as they grapple with their choices, leading to significant development and transformation. The complexity of internal conflict is crucial in understanding character interactions and can drive the narrative by highlighting personal dilemmas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Internal conflict is often depicted through soliloquies or monologues, allowing audiences to gain insight into a character's psyche.
2. Characters facing internal conflict may exhibit signs of indecision, guilt, or anxiety, showcasing the emotional turmoil they experience.
3. This type of conflict is pivotal in shaping the moral choices characters make, leading to themes of redemption or tragedy.
4. Internal conflict can influence external conflicts as characters' decisions based on their inner struggles may affect their relationships and actions in the story.
5. In many narratives, resolution of internal conflict often marks a turning point for the character, leading to growth or downfall.

Review Questions

• How does internal conflict influence character development in narratives?
  • Internal conflict plays a vital role in character development as it forces characters to confront their deepest fears, desires, and values. This psychological struggle can lead to significant changes in a character’s beliefs and actions over time. As characters navigate their inner turmoil, audiences witness their growth or decline, making their journey relatable and impactful.
• In what ways can internal conflict impact a character's interactions with others in the narrative?
  • Internal conflict can create tension in a character's interactions with others by causing them to act unpredictably or inconsistently. For example, if a character is torn between loyalty and ambition, their decisions may lead to strained relationships or conflicts with allies. This dynamic showcases how unresolved internal issues can spill over into external relationships, further complicating the narrative.
• Evaluate the significance of internal conflict within the broader context of themes such as fate versus free will in narratives.
  • Internal conflict is significant in exploring themes like fate versus free will as it embodies the struggle between predetermined outcomes and personal choice. Characters faced with internal conflicts often question their agency and whether their choices are truly theirs or dictated by external forces. This thematic exploration invites audiences to reflect on their own lives, considering how much control they have over their destinies amidst competing desires and societal expectations.

Related terms

Character Arc: The progression and transformation a character undergoes throughout a story, often influenced by their internal conflicts.

Motivation: The reasons or desires that drive a character's actions, which can often be in conflict with their internal struggles.

Foreshadowing: A literary device used to give hints or clues about what will happen later in the narrative, which can be tied to a character's internal conflict.