External conflict

Definition

External conflict refers to the struggle between a character and an outside force, which can be another character, society, nature, or a technology. This type of conflict is crucial in storytelling as it creates tension and drives the plot forward while also influencing character development. It showcases how characters respond to challenges beyond their control, adding depth to their motivations and choices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. External conflict is often categorized into different types such as character vs. character, character vs. society, and character vs. nature.
2. This type of conflict is essential for driving the narrative forward and keeping readers engaged by creating stakes that need resolution.
3. External conflicts can lead to significant character growth as they challenge characters to confront obstacles and adapt to changing circumstances.
4. The resolution of external conflict is typically found at the climax of the story, where characters confront their challenges head-on.
5. Effective use of external conflict can enhance themes within a story, such as survival, justice, or the struggle for power.

Review Questions

• How does external conflict enhance the plot of a story?
  • External conflict enhances the plot by introducing obstacles that characters must face, which creates tension and suspense. This struggle keeps readers engaged as they want to see how characters will navigate these challenges. Additionally, external conflicts often drive key events in the narrative, leading to climaxes where resolutions are sought, ultimately shaping the direction of the story.
• Discuss how external conflict can influence a character's motivation and development throughout a story.
  • External conflict can significantly influence a character's motivation by forcing them to confront challenges that test their values and desires. As characters deal with outside forces, they often experience growth or change in response to these conflicts. This interaction with external obstacles can reveal deeper layers of a character's personality and clarify what they truly want or believe in, leading to more complex character arcs.
• Evaluate the importance of external conflict in relation to themes of societal issues presented in literature.
  • External conflict plays a vital role in addressing societal issues within literature by allowing characters to confront systems of power or societal norms. Through conflicts with societal structures, authors can explore themes like injustice, inequality, or resistance. This connection not only enriches the narrative but also invites readers to reflect on real-world issues, making the story relevant and impactful beyond its fictional context.

Related terms

internal conflict:

A psychological struggle within a character, often involving conflicting emotions or desires.

antagonist: The character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and tension in the story.

plot:

The sequence of events that make up a story, including the conflict, climax, and resolution.