External Conflict

Definition

External conflict refers to the struggle between a character and an outside force, which can include other characters, society, nature, or technology. This type of conflict is crucial in driving the plot forward and helps to create tension and drama in a story, allowing audiences to engage deeply with the characters' challenges.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. External conflict can take many forms, including man vs. man, man vs. nature, man vs. society, and man vs. technology.
2. This type of conflict is essential for establishing stakes in the narrative, helping audiences understand what is at risk for the characters involved.
3. External conflicts often force protagonists to confront their limitations and grow as they work through challenges presented by antagonists or other forces.
4. Writers use external conflict to build suspense and keep viewers engaged, as they anticipate how characters will resolve their struggles.
5. The resolution of external conflicts typically leads to a turning point in the narrative, impacting character arcs and overall story direction.

Review Questions

• How does external conflict shape the development of protagonists and antagonists in a narrative?
  • External conflict significantly influences both protagonists and antagonists by placing them in situations that test their beliefs, goals, and motivations. For protagonists, these conflicts drive their growth as they face challenges that require them to adapt or change. On the other hand, antagonists embody the opposing forces that create obstacles for the protagonist, showcasing their own motivations and desires through their actions.
• In what ways does external conflict contribute to effective scene structure and purpose within a screenplay?
  • External conflict is pivotal in creating dynamic scenes that propel the narrative forward. Each scene should ideally present a challenge or obstacle related to the external conflict, increasing tension and engaging viewers. By structuring scenes around these conflicts, writers ensure that each moment serves a purpose in highlighting character struggles or advancing the plot, ultimately leading to a more cohesive storytelling experience.
• Evaluate how escalating external conflict impacts storytelling techniques and character development throughout a screenplay.
  • Escalating external conflict heightens emotional stakes for characters and viewers alike, creating a more engaging experience. As external conflicts become more intense, characters are pushed to their limits, revealing deeper facets of their personalities and prompting significant growth or transformation. This escalation serves as a catalyst for pivotal moments in the story, allowing writers to utilize effective storytelling techniques such as foreshadowing, suspense, and irony to enhance audience investment in the characters' journeys.

Related terms

Protagonist:

The main character in a story who faces external conflicts and undergoes significant growth or change.

Antagonist: The character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating external conflict and driving the story's tension.

Climax:

The peak of the story where the primary external conflict reaches its highest intensity, leading to a resolution.