External Conflict

Definition

External conflict refers to the struggle between a character and an outside force that hinders their goals or desires. This can involve conflict with other characters, society, nature, or technology. Understanding external conflict is crucial for analyzing how characters respond to challenges, the inciting incidents that propel the story forward, and the thematic elements woven throughout the narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. External conflict is often categorized into several types: character vs. character, character vs. society, character vs. nature, and character vs. technology.
2. The inciting incident typically introduces the external conflict that propels the protagonist into action, setting the stage for their journey.
3. In plot points, external conflicts can serve as pivotal moments that alter a character's direction and challenge their motivations.
4. External conflicts play a significant role in theme development by showcasing how characters respond to societal pressures or natural challenges.
5. Scene descriptions often highlight external conflicts through visual cues and action sequences that illustrate the tension between characters and their surroundings.

Review Questions

• How does external conflict enhance character development throughout a story?
  • External conflict enhances character development by forcing characters to confront obstacles that reveal their true nature and values. As characters engage with outside forces, such as other characters or societal expectations, their reactions provide insight into their personalities and motivations. This struggle often leads to growth or change, making external conflict a key element in driving character arcs.
• In what ways can an inciting incident effectively establish the external conflict within a narrative?
  • An inciting incident can effectively establish external conflict by presenting a challenge or obstacle that disrupts the status quo for the protagonist. This event not only serves as a catalyst for the story but also introduces the primary opposition that the character will face, whether it be another individual, societal norms, or environmental factors. By clearly defining this external struggle early on, audiences become engaged and invested in how the protagonist will respond and evolve.
• Evaluate the relationship between external conflict and thematic elements in storytelling. How can they influence each other?
  • External conflict and thematic elements are deeply intertwined in storytelling as they can shape each other significantly. The nature of an external conflict often reflects broader societal issues or moral dilemmas, enhancing the thematic depth of a narrative. For instance, if a character struggles against societal norms (external conflict), it can evoke themes of individuality versus conformity. Conversely, themes can also influence how external conflicts are constructed, with writers using these struggles to explore complex ideas such as justice, freedom, or survival.

Related terms

Internal Conflict:

Internal conflict is the psychological struggle within a character, often involving conflicting desires or beliefs.

Antagonist:

An antagonist is a character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating external conflict that drives the story.

Climax:

The climax is the point of highest tension in a narrative where the main conflict reaches its peak, often leading to a resolution.