External conflict

Definition

External conflict refers to the struggle between a character and an outside force, such as another character, society, or nature. This type of conflict is crucial in storytelling as it drives the narrative forward, creating tension and drama that can develop characters and scenes effectively. In feature writing, external conflict helps to reveal the motivations, challenges, and growth of characters as they navigate their environment and relationships.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. External conflict can manifest in various forms, including person vs. person, person vs. society, and person vs. nature.
2. This type of conflict often serves as a catalyst for character development, revealing strengths and weaknesses through challenges faced.
3. In feature writing, creating vivid scenes that illustrate external conflict can engage readers and draw them into the story's emotional landscape.
4. Effective external conflicts can lead to climactic moments in a narrative, where characters face their greatest challenges or confrontations.
5. Writers often use external conflict to highlight themes within their stories, showcasing societal issues or moral dilemmas through the characters' experiences.

Review Questions

• How does external conflict enhance character development in feature writing?
  • External conflict enhances character development by forcing characters to confront challenges that reveal their true nature. As characters face struggles against outside forces, such as other individuals or societal expectations, their responses can showcase personal strengths and weaknesses. This process allows readers to understand characters more deeply and observe their growth throughout the narrative.
• What are some techniques writers use to depict external conflict in scenes effectively?
  • Writers can use vivid imagery, dialogue, and pacing to depict external conflict effectively in scenes. By crafting dynamic interactions between characters or creating tense situations against natural elements, they immerse readers in the struggle. Additionally, incorporating sensory details can heighten emotional stakes, making conflicts feel immediate and relatable.
• Evaluate the role of external conflict in shaping the themes of a feature article. How can it influence the reader's perspective?
  • External conflict plays a significant role in shaping the themes of a feature article by illustrating broader societal issues through individual experiences. By highlighting the struggles of characters against social norms or environmental challenges, writers can provoke thought and empathy among readers. This approach encourages readers to engage with the underlying messages presented in the narrative and reflect on their own perspectives regarding similar conflicts in real life.

Related terms

internal conflict:

A psychological struggle within a character, often involving opposing desires or emotions that can affect their decisions and development.

character arc: The transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story, often influenced by their experiences with external conflicts.

plot structure: The organized framework of a story that outlines the sequence of events, including conflicts, rising action, climax, and resolution.