External Conflict

Definition

External conflict refers to the struggle between a character and an outside force, which can be another character, society, nature, or a supernatural element. This type of conflict drives the plot forward and adds tension, showcasing how characters respond to challenges in their environment or against opposing forces.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. External conflict is essential for developing the plot, as it presents challenges that characters must face and overcome.
2. Common forms of external conflict include man vs. man, man vs. society, man vs. nature, and man vs. fate.
3. This type of conflict not only reveals character traits but also serves to highlight the themes of the narrative.
4. The resolution of external conflicts often leads to character development and can result in significant changes within the story's world.
5. In dramatic works, external conflict is crucial for building tension and engaging the audience emotionally.

Review Questions

• How does external conflict contribute to character development in storytelling?
  • External conflict plays a significant role in character development by forcing characters to confront challenges that reveal their true nature. As they face obstacles from other characters or forces in their environment, they must make choices that often lead to growth or change. This struggle not only shapes their personalities but also influences their relationships with others in the narrative.
• Compare and contrast external conflict with internal conflict in terms of their impact on plot structure.
  • While external conflict involves struggles with outside forces that create direct challenges for characters, internal conflict is centered on personal dilemmas within a character's mind. Both types of conflict are crucial for plot structure; external conflicts drive action and propel the story forward, while internal conflicts add depth by exploring a character's emotional journey. Together, they create a more complex narrative that engages the audience on multiple levels.
• Evaluate how external conflicts reflect broader societal issues within a narrative framework.
  • External conflicts often serve as a mirror to societal issues, highlighting struggles that resonate beyond individual characters. For example, conflicts between a character and society may reflect themes of injustice, inequality, or cultural clashes. By engaging with these conflicts, narratives can comment on real-world problems and inspire audiences to think critically about their own societies and values, ultimately adding layers of meaning to the story.

Related terms

Internal Conflict: A psychological struggle within a character, often involving emotions, desires, or decisions that lead to personal growth or change.

Protagonist: The main character in a story who faces external conflicts and drives the narrative forward through their actions and decisions.

Antagonist: The character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and challenging them throughout the story.