External conflict

Definition

External conflict refers to the struggle between a character and outside forces that impact their journey, whether it be other characters, society, nature, or technology. This type of conflict drives the narrative and is essential for creating tension and advancing the plot.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. External conflict often serves as a catalyst for character development, pushing the protagonist to confront challenges and grow throughout the story.
2. In narratives structured around various frameworks, such as three-act or five-act structures, external conflicts typically manifest during key plot points and rising action.
3. The nature of external conflict can vary widely, including person vs. person, person vs. society, person vs. nature, and person vs. technology.
4. Protagonists often face multiple layers of external conflict that intertwine with their personal journeys, making the resolution of these conflicts crucial to the overall narrative arc.
5. Effective external conflicts create suspense and engage the audience by highlighting the stakes involved for the protagonist and how these struggles impact their goals.

Review Questions

• How does external conflict contribute to character development in a story?
  • External conflict challenges the protagonist by placing them in situations that require them to make difficult choices or confront significant obstacles. This struggle not only propels the plot forward but also forces characters to evolve. As they navigate through these challenges, they often learn more about themselves and their values, leading to meaningful growth and transformation throughout the narrative.
• In what ways can external conflict manifest in different narrative structures?
  • External conflict can take many forms depending on the narrative structure employed. For example, in a three-act structure, it might be introduced early on during the exposition, escalate through rising action, and reach its peak during the climax. In a five-act structure, it could evolve through various complications leading to a resolution that ultimately defines the protagonist's journey. These conflicts not only maintain audience engagement but also enhance the thematic depth of the story.
• Evaluate how external conflict interacts with rising action and plot points to shape a narrative's climax.
  • External conflict is pivotal in shaping both rising action and crucial plot points that lead to a story's climax. Rising action intensifies external conflicts by presenting obstacles that escalate tension for the protagonist, building anticipation for the climax. Key plot points often serve as turning moments where conflicts come to a head, compelling characters to confront their challenges. This interplay between external conflicts and narrative structure ultimately drives toward an impactful climax that resolves key tensions within the story.

Related terms

Internal Conflict:

A psychological struggle within a character, involving emotions, beliefs, or decisions that create tension and challenge their character development.

Antagonist: The character or force that opposes the protagonist, often serving as the primary source of external conflict in a story.

Climax:

The turning point in a story where the main conflict reaches its peak intensity, leading to a resolution of the external conflicts faced by the protagonist.