Conflict

Definition

Conflict is a struggle or clash between opposing forces, which drives the narrative and creates tension in storytelling. It can occur internally within a character or externally between characters or between a character and their environment. This struggle is essential for developing characters, exploring motivations, and advancing the plot.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conflict can be categorized as internal (within a character) or external (between characters or against outside forces), each type serving to deepen the narrative.
2. A strong conflict motivates characters and propels the story forward, making it a vital element in developing character arcs and themes.
3. Conflicts are often resolved in the climax of a story, creating a satisfying payoff for the audience after building tension throughout the narrative.
4. Character backstory often influences how conflicts arise and are handled, as past experiences shape their motivations and reactions.
5. Subtextual themes often emerge from conflicts, providing deeper meaning and insight into the characters' struggles and the overall message of the story.

Review Questions

• How does conflict shape character development in storytelling?
  • Conflict is crucial for character development because it reveals the characters' true selves, including their strengths and weaknesses. As characters face challenges, their choices and responses to conflict help audiences understand their motivations and growth over time. The way they deal with conflict also shapes their relationships with other characters, further enriching the narrative.
• In what ways can internal and external conflicts interact to enhance the story's emotional depth?
  • Internal and external conflicts can interact in powerful ways that add layers to the story. For instance, a character may struggle with personal doubts (internal conflict) while facing societal pressures or antagonistic characters (external conflict). This duality creates rich emotional experiences for both the character and the audience, allowing themes of identity, choice, and consequence to emerge more profoundly.
• Evaluate how unresolved conflict can affect pacing and momentum in a narrative.
  • Unresolved conflict can significantly impact pacing by creating a sense of urgency and suspense that keeps audiences engaged. When conflicts linger without resolution, they drive momentum as viewers become invested in how they will be resolved. This can lead to heightened tension throughout the narrative, ultimately culminating in a powerful climax where multiple threads of conflict converge, influencing the overall emotional payoff of the story.

Related terms

Tension:

The mental or emotional strain that arises from uncertainty or opposition, keeping audiences engaged as they anticipate resolutions to conflicts.

Climax:

The most intense point in a narrative, where conflicts reach their peak and characters must confront their struggles head-on.

Resolution:

The part of a narrative where conflicts are resolved, providing closure to the story and addressing the tensions that have built up.