External conflict

Definition

External conflict refers to the struggle between a character and an outside force, which could be another character, society, nature, or fate. This type of conflict is crucial in storytelling as it drives the plot and creates tension, pushing characters to confront obstacles and challenges that influence their development. It highlights stakes and motivations while shaping the interactions between protagonists and antagonists, impacting character growth and narrative structure.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. External conflicts can take various forms, including man vs. man, man vs. nature, man vs. society, and man vs. fate.
2. The presence of external conflict is essential for establishing the stakes of the story, making the audience care about what happens to the characters.
3. Characters facing external conflicts often experience significant growth and change as they navigate challenges and confront their adversaries.
4. Key moments like the inciting incident usually reveal the central external conflict that propels the plot and engages the audience.
5. The resolution of external conflict is often pivotal to achieving a satisfying climax, where characters either overcome their challenges or face dire consequences.

Review Questions

• How does external conflict enhance the development of both protagonists and antagonists in a narrative?
  • External conflict is a catalyst for character development as it forces both protagonists and antagonists to confront their motivations, values, and desires. As they navigate their struggles against outside forces, such as other characters or societal expectations, they reveal their true selves. This confrontation not only deepens audience engagement but also illustrates how characters change over time based on their experiences with these conflicts.
• Analyze how external conflict shapes the overall stakes of a story and its impact on plot progression.
  • External conflict establishes the stakes by highlighting what characters stand to lose or gain throughout the narrative. As tensions rise due to these conflicts, it propels the plot forward by creating obstacles that must be addressed. This dynamic keeps audiences invested, as they witness how different conflicts challenge characters and lead them toward pivotal moments that define their journeys.
• Evaluate the significance of external conflict in determining a character's arc and ultimate resolution at the climax of a story.
  • External conflict is crucial in shaping a character's arc as it presents them with challenges that catalyze personal growth and transformation. The way a character responds to these conflicts not only determines their development but also influences the climax—where tensions reach their peak. In resolving these conflicts, whether through success or failure, characters reflect on their journeys, revealing deeper themes about resilience, morality, or identity within the narrative.

Related terms

Internal Conflict: A psychological struggle within a character, often involving emotional turmoil or moral dilemmas that influence their choices.

Antagonist:

A character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and driving the narrative forward.

Stakes:

The consequences or risks involved in the conflict, which heighten tension and compel characters to take action.