Internal conflict

Definition

Internal conflict refers to the psychological struggle within a character, often involving competing desires, beliefs, or emotions. This type of conflict is crucial for character development, as it reveals the complexities of a character's personality and motivations, making them more relatable and human. By exploring internal conflicts, narratives can delve into themes of identity, morality, and personal growth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Internal conflict can manifest as feelings of guilt, fear, or doubt, impacting a character's decisions and actions throughout the story.
2. This type of conflict is essential for character depth; it allows audiences to connect emotionally with characters by understanding their struggles.
3. Authors often use internal conflict to create tension in a narrative, as characters grapple with their choices and the consequences that follow.
4. Different genres handle internal conflict uniquely; for example, in dramas, it may focus on moral dilemmas, while in thrillers, it might involve survival instincts.
5. Internal conflict can lead to character growth or transformation, as characters confront their issues and emerge stronger or more self-aware by the end of the story.

Review Questions

• How does internal conflict enhance the depth of a character within a narrative?
  • Internal conflict enhances a character's depth by showcasing their struggles and contradictions, making them more relatable to the audience. When characters face dilemmas between their desires and moral beliefs, it provides insight into their psyche. This complexity adds richness to the narrative and allows readers to engage more deeply with the character's journey.
• In what ways can an author illustrate a character's internal conflict through narrative techniques?
  • Authors can illustrate a character's internal conflict through various narrative techniques such as inner monologue, dialogue, and symbolic imagery. By using inner monologue, readers gain direct access to the character's thoughts and feelings. Dialogue with other characters can reveal conflicting motivations, while symbols can represent the struggles faced. These techniques help convey the emotional weight of the internal battle.
• Evaluate how internal conflict contributes to thematic development in a story and provide an example.
  • Internal conflict contributes to thematic development by allowing characters to confront issues that resonate with broader societal or philosophical questions. For instance, in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', Hamlet's struggle with revenge versus morality highlights themes of indecision and existentialism. This internal turmoil not only drives the plot but also invites audiences to reflect on the complexities of human nature and ethical dilemmas.

Related terms

Character Arc: The transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story, often resulting from their internal conflicts.

Motivation: The driving force behind a character's actions, which can be shaped by their internal conflicts and desires.

Theme: The underlying message or central idea in a narrative, which often emerges through the exploration of a character's internal conflicts.