External Conflict

Definition

External conflict refers to a struggle between a character and an outside force, which can be another character, society, or nature. This type of conflict is crucial for driving the plot and developing multi-dimensional characters, as it reveals their motivations and growth in response to challenges they face.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. External conflicts are essential for establishing the stakes in a story, making the audience invested in the characters' journeys.
2. This type of conflict can take many forms, including character vs. character, character vs. society, or character vs. nature.
3. Successful resolution of external conflicts often leads to significant character development and thematic depth in the narrative.
4. Conflict drives the action forward and helps maintain narrative momentum by keeping viewers engaged and invested in the outcomes.
5. Effective introduction of external conflicts is crucial for captivating audiences early on, setting up the drama and engaging them from the start.

Review Questions

• How does external conflict contribute to the development of multi-dimensional characters?
  • External conflict plays a key role in shaping multi-dimensional characters by forcing them to confront challenges that reveal their strengths and weaknesses. As characters face outside forces, their reactions and decisions allow audiences to see different facets of their personalities. This struggle not only drives the plot but also fosters empathy, as viewers witness characters' growth through overcoming obstacles, making them more relatable and complex.
• In what ways do external conflicts enhance the relationships between characters in a narrative?
  • External conflicts often act as catalysts for change within character relationships by placing them in situations that test their bonds. For example, when two characters face a common antagonist or struggle against societal pressures together, it can either strengthen their connection or create rifts based on differing responses to the conflict. The dynamics of these relationships evolve as characters navigate external struggles, leading to moments of tension, resolution, or even betrayal.
• Evaluate the impact of effectively balancing external conflict with exposition on narrative momentum in episodic drama.
  • Balancing external conflict with exposition is crucial for maintaining narrative momentum in episodic drama because it ensures that audiences stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed by backstory. When external conflicts are introduced alongside necessary exposition, viewers gain context while remaining invested in the unfolding action. This balance allows for dynamic storytelling where conflicts can drive character arcs forward while viewers also understand the stakes involved. A well-paced integration of both elements keeps the story flowing smoothly and enhances viewer satisfaction.

Related terms

Protagonist:

The main character in a story, often facing external conflicts that drive the narrative forward and reveal their traits.

Antagonist:

A character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating external conflict and tension in the story.

Climax:

The point of highest tension in a narrative, where the main conflict reaches its peak and the outcome becomes clear.