Internal conflict

Definition

Internal conflict refers to a psychological struggle within a character, often marked by opposing emotions, desires, or beliefs. This type of conflict can drive character development and plot progression, revealing the complexities of human nature and the choices individuals must make in their lives. It is essential for creating relatable characters that resonate with audiences, as it showcases their vulnerabilities and moral dilemmas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Internal conflict often manifests as a battle between a character's values, beliefs, or desires, leading to growth or change over time.
2. It can create tension and suspense in a story, as audiences become invested in the character's struggles and resolutions.
3. Well-developed internal conflicts can make characters more relatable, as viewers may see parts of their own struggles reflected in the character's journey.
4. This type of conflict is crucial for establishing depth in characters, moving beyond surface-level traits to explore their motivations and fears.
5. Internal conflict can also influence a character's relationships with others, as their unresolved issues may impact how they interact with friends, family, and foes.

Review Questions

• How does internal conflict contribute to character development in storytelling?
  • Internal conflict plays a crucial role in character development by revealing the complexities of a character's emotions and beliefs. As characters face their inner struggles, they often undergo significant changes that influence their actions and decisions. This transformation creates a more relatable and engaging narrative for the audience, as they witness the character's growth and the resolution of their psychological battles.
• Discuss the relationship between internal conflict and motivation in character actions.
  • Internal conflict directly influences a character's motivation by highlighting the opposing desires or beliefs they must navigate. When characters grapple with their internal struggles, these conflicts shape their choices and drive their actions throughout the story. Understanding how internal conflict impacts motivation allows audiences to grasp the deeper reasons behind characters' decisions and behaviors.
• Evaluate how internal conflict interacts with external conflict to enhance storytelling.
  • Internal conflict interacts with external conflict to create a rich narrative tapestry that adds layers of complexity to a story. While external conflicts present challenges from outside forces, internal conflicts reveal the emotional stakes that characters face in overcoming these challenges. This interplay can heighten tension and drive plot progression, as characters must confront both their external obstacles and their inner dilemmas to achieve resolution.

Related terms

external conflict:

A struggle between a character and an outside force, such as another character, society, or nature, which often contrasts with internal conflict.

character arc: The transformation or inner journey of a character throughout a story, often influenced by their internal conflicts and the decisions they make.

motivation:

The reasons behind a character's actions and decisions, which can be influenced by their internal conflicts and desires.