Internal Conflict

Definition

Internal conflict refers to the psychological struggle within a character, often involving opposing desires, emotions, or beliefs that create tension and drive the character's development. This struggle is crucial in storytelling as it shapes the character's decisions and ultimately influences the narrative's progression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Internal conflict is often highlighted during key plot points, where characters must confront their struggles to make crucial decisions.
2. In a hero's journey, internal conflict can manifest as doubts or fears that the hero must overcome to achieve their goals.
3. Rising action is typically driven by the character's internal conflict, as they navigate challenges that test their beliefs and desires.
4. Character arcs often showcase the resolution of internal conflict, leading to growth or transformation by the story's end.
5. Monologues can be powerful tools for revealing a character's internal conflict, allowing audiences to hear their thoughts and feelings directly.

Review Questions

• How does internal conflict enhance a character's development within a narrative?
  • Internal conflict enriches a character's development by presenting them with challenges that force them to confront their beliefs, fears, or desires. As characters grapple with these struggles, they become more relatable and complex, allowing audiences to connect with them on a deeper level. This struggle not only influences the character's choices but also drives the plot forward, making their eventual resolution more impactful.
• In what ways do rising action and internal conflict interconnect to create tension within a story?
  • Rising action builds tension by escalating the stakes and challenges that characters face, often rooted in their internal conflicts. As characters encounter obstacles that reflect their struggles—such as decisions that challenge their morals or desires—their emotional turmoil increases. This interplay keeps audiences engaged, as they anticipate how characters will navigate their internal dilemmas while dealing with external pressures.
• Analyze the significance of internal conflict in shaping a protagonist’s journey throughout a hero's journey framework.
  • In a hero's journey framework, internal conflict plays a pivotal role in shaping the protagonist's arc. Initially, the hero may grapple with self-doubt or fear of failure when called to adventure. As they encounter trials and tribulations, these internal struggles push them towards growth and self-discovery. By overcoming these conflicts, the hero emerges transformed—having gained wisdom or strength—which ultimately enhances the overall message of resilience and courage within the narrative.

Related terms

Motivation:

The underlying reason or driving force behind a character's actions, often influenced by their internal conflicts.

Dilemma: A situation in which a character faces a difficult choice between two or more conflicting options, often highlighting their internal conflict.

Character Development:

The process by which a character grows and changes over time, often as a result of resolving their internal conflicts.