Internal Conflict

Definition

Internal conflict refers to the psychological struggle within a character, often involving conflicting desires, beliefs, or emotions. This type of conflict plays a critical role in shaping the character's journey and can drive plot developments, character arcs, and thematic depth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Internal conflict can manifest as feelings of guilt, doubt, fear, or indecision, impacting how characters respond to external challenges.
2. This type of conflict is essential for creating relatable characters that audiences can empathize with, as it reflects universal human experiences.
3. Writers often use internal conflict to establish stakes in a story; the higher the emotional tension within a character, the more invested the audience becomes.
4. A well-crafted internal conflict can lead to a compelling character arc, where the character evolves by confronting and resolving their struggles.
5. Balancing internal conflict with external conflict is key to maintaining narrative tension and depth, providing both action and emotional engagement.

Review Questions

• How does internal conflict contribute to character development and growth throughout a story?
  • Internal conflict plays a vital role in character development by forcing characters to confront their fears, doubts, or moral dilemmas. This struggle often leads to significant personal growth as characters learn from their experiences and make choices that reflect their evolving beliefs. As they navigate their internal battles, audiences witness transformation and change, which deepens emotional engagement and investment in the story.
• Discuss the relationship between internal conflict and external conflict in storytelling. How can they complement each other?
  • Internal conflict and external conflict often work hand-in-hand in storytelling. While external conflicts present tangible challenges that propel the plot forward, internal conflicts provide the emotional stakes that enrich the narrative. For example, a character facing an external threat may simultaneously grapple with feelings of inadequacy or fear of failure. This interplay creates a more complex narrative where overcoming external obstacles also requires addressing internal struggles, thus deepening the audience's connection to the character's journey.
• Evaluate how an author can effectively balance internal and external conflicts to enhance narrative tension and thematic resonance.
  • An author can effectively balance internal and external conflicts by weaving them together so that they influence one another throughout the story. For instance, an external event might trigger an internal crisis for the character, while resolving their internal conflict could empower them to tackle external challenges more effectively. By aligning these conflicts, an author can create a richer tapestry of tension that not only drives the plot but also reinforces themes such as resilience, identity, or redemption. This layered approach engages readers on both emotional and intellectual levels.

Related terms

Character Arc:

The transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story, often marked by significant changes in beliefs, values, or behavior.

External Conflict:

The struggle between a character and external forces, such as other characters, society, or nature, which contrasts with internal conflicts.

Motivation:

The reasons or drives behind a character's actions and decisions, often tied to their internal struggles and desires.