External Conflict

Definition

External conflict refers to the struggle between a character and an outside force, which can be another character, society, nature, or technology. This type of conflict drives the narrative forward and often acts as a catalyst for character development and plot progression, intertwining with various story elements such as secondary storylines, character motivations, and overarching themes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. External conflict often sets up the primary tension in a story, making it essential for keeping audiences engaged.
2. This type of conflict can manifest in various forms such as physical confrontations, societal pressures, or natural disasters.
3. Characters facing external conflict typically experience significant change in their beliefs or attitudes as they navigate these challenges.
4. In complex narratives, multiple external conflicts can occur simultaneously, intertwining with A, B, and C storylines to create a richer experience.
5. Effective external conflict not only reveals the character's strengths and weaknesses but also highlights broader themes within the narrative.

Review Questions

• How does external conflict enhance character development in a television pilot?
  • External conflict enhances character development by forcing characters to confront challenges that test their values, beliefs, and abilities. As characters react to outside forces—be it another character, societal expectations, or environmental challenges—they are pushed to grow and adapt. This growth is often illustrated through their choices and actions in response to these conflicts, revealing deeper layers of their personality and motivations.
• What role does external conflict play in shaping both A and B storylines within a pilot?
  • External conflict plays a crucial role in shaping both A and B storylines by providing central challenges that propel the plot forward. In an A storyline, the main character's journey may revolve around a significant external struggle that drives the narrative. Meanwhile, B storylines often explore secondary conflicts that further develop supporting characters or subplots. These conflicts create opportunities for interconnections between storylines, enriching the overall narrative and highlighting thematic elements.
• Evaluate how external conflict interacts with character arcs and thematic development throughout a series.
  • External conflict interacts with character arcs by serving as a catalyst for transformation and growth across episodes. As characters face external challenges, they undergo changes that align with their arcs—moving from one state of being to another. Simultaneously, these conflicts reflect broader themes of resilience, identity, or societal struggle. The interplay between external conflict and thematic development enhances viewer engagement by illustrating how characters navigate not only personal trials but also universal issues relevant to the audience.

Related terms

Internal Conflict: Internal conflict is the psychological struggle within a character's mind, often involving emotions, thoughts, or personal dilemmas that impact their decisions and actions.

Protagonist:

The protagonist is the main character in a story who faces challenges and conflicts, driving the narrative while experiencing growth or change throughout the plot.

Antagonist:

The antagonist is a character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and tension that propels the story forward.