Internal conflict

Definition

Internal conflict refers to the psychological struggle within a character, where they face opposing desires, emotions, or beliefs. This tension is crucial in storytelling as it shapes character development and influences their decisions, leading to heightened stakes and a deeper connection with the audience. Internal conflict often interacts with external challenges, revealing the complexities of a character's journey and their relationships with others.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Internal conflict drives character development by forcing characters to confront their fears, desires, and moral dilemmas.
2. It can create empathy in the audience as they relate to the struggles faced by characters, making their journeys more compelling.
3. The resolution of internal conflict often serves as a key turning point in the story, impacting the overall narrative arc.
4. Characters experiencing internal conflict may undergo significant changes that affect their relationships with other characters, influencing plot dynamics.
5. Effective dialogue can reveal a character's internal conflict through subtext, allowing audiences to infer deeper meanings behind what is being said.

Review Questions

• How does internal conflict enhance character development within a narrative?
  • Internal conflict enhances character development by providing depth to a character's motivations and actions. When characters grapple with opposing desires or moral dilemmas, it reveals their vulnerabilities and complexity. This struggle not only makes them more relatable but also allows for personal growth as they navigate through their challenges, ultimately influencing the overall direction of the story.
• In what ways does the resolution of internal conflict impact the relationships between characters in a story?
  • The resolution of internal conflict can significantly reshape relationships between characters. When a character confronts and resolves their inner struggles, it often leads to changes in how they interact with others. For example, overcoming fear might empower a character to communicate more openly with friends or confront an antagonist. These shifts can create new dynamics, deepen emotional connections, or even lead to conflicts with others who may not understand this transformation.
• Evaluate the role of subtext in dialogue when conveying a character's internal conflict and its effects on the narrative.
  • Subtext in dialogue is crucial for illustrating a character's internal conflict without explicit statements. It allows audiences to perceive underlying emotions and tensions that characters may not verbally express. By embedding hints of internal struggles within conversations, writers create layers of meaning that enhance the narrative. This technique fosters engagement as viewers interpret the complexities of relationships and character motives, adding richness to the storytelling experience.

Related terms

Character Arc: The transformation or growth a character undergoes throughout a story, often influenced by their internal struggles.

Motivation:

The reasons behind a character's actions and decisions, which can be deeply intertwined with their internal conflict.

Resolution:

The outcome of the character's internal conflict, which can lead to personal growth, change, or reinforcement of their beliefs.