Internal Conflict

Definition

Internal conflict refers to the psychological struggle within a character that can create tension and drive the narrative. It is often rooted in the character's desires, fears, values, and choices, leading to moments of self-doubt and moral dilemmas. This struggle makes characters more relatable and memorable, as audiences can empathize with their challenges and growth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Internal conflict is crucial for character development, as it reveals deeper layers of their personality and values.
2. Characters facing internal conflicts are often more relatable because they reflect real human struggles such as fear, guilt, and ambition.
3. Effective use of internal conflict can heighten the stakes in a narrative, making the character's journey more compelling and engaging.
4. Writers can use dialogue, monologues, and visual storytelling to portray a character's internal conflicts and thoughts.
5. Internal conflict often leads to a climax in the story where the character must make a critical decision that reflects their growth.

Review Questions

• How does internal conflict contribute to character development within a story?
  • Internal conflict plays a significant role in character development by exposing the struggles a character faces, which helps shape their identity. As characters wrestle with their desires and fears, they often undergo significant changes that make them more relatable. This growth can lead to richer storytelling as the audience witnesses how the character navigates their internal battles and ultimately evolves.
• In what ways can writers effectively portray internal conflict in their characters?
  • Writers can effectively portray internal conflict through various techniques such as inner monologues that reveal a character’s thoughts and emotions. Additionally, physical reactions or changes in behavior can signal an internal struggle. Dialogue with other characters can also help showcase these conflicts by allowing characters to express their dilemmas, making their struggles more visible to the audience.
• Analyze how internal conflict can influence the theme of a narrative and its overall impact on the audience.
  • Internal conflict significantly influences the theme of a narrative by highlighting essential human experiences such as choice, morality, and personal growth. As characters grapple with their internal struggles, the themes emerge more clearly, allowing audiences to connect with the story on a deeper level. This connection often results in a profound emotional impact, as viewers reflect on their own experiences related to similar conflicts, enriching their understanding of the narrative's message.

Related terms

Character Arc:

The transformation or growth a character undergoes throughout a story, often influenced by their internal conflicts.

Motivation: The reasons behind a character's actions, which can be deeply affected by their internal conflicts and desires.

Theme:

The underlying message or central idea of a story that is often highlighted through characters' internal conflicts.