Types of Conflict (Guide)

Conflict is a vital element in storytelling, driving the plot forward and captivating readers. There are two main types of conflict: external and internal. External conflicts involve a character opposing an external force such as another person, nature, society, technology, or the supernatural. On the other hand, internal conflicts occur within a character’s mind or heart, involving battles with inner demons, moral dilemmas, or struggles with destiny or fate.

Key Takeaways

• Types of conflict include external and internal conflicts.
• External conflicts involve opposition to an external force, while internal conflicts occur within a character’s mind or heart.
• Examples of conflict can be found in literature, psychology, and real life.
• Understanding and effectively utilizing different types of conflict enhances storytelling.
• Conflict resolution is an important element in storytelling.

Understanding External Conflicts

External conflicts, as opposed to internal conflicts, occur outside of a character’s body and involve opposing forces from the external world. These conflicts can take various forms and contribute to the tension and excitement of a story. Let’s explore the five main types of external conflict:

1. Person vs. Person: This type of conflict involves a character pitted against another individual, whether it’s in a physical altercation, a battle of wits, or a clash of ideologies. Examples include the rivalry between Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty in Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories.
2. Person vs. Nature: Here, a character battles against the forces of nature, such as surviving a natural disaster or outsmarting treacherous terrain. In Jack London’s “To Build a Fire,” the protagonist struggles against freezing temperatures in the harsh Yukon wilderness.
3. Person vs. Society: In this conflict, a character challenges the expectations, norms, or injustices of society. Consider the struggle for individual freedom and autonomy depicted in George Orwell’s “1984.”
4. Person vs. Technology: This conflict arises when a character faces the challenges posed by technology or machines. It can involve themes of dependence, ethical dilemmas, or facing the consequences of scientific advancement. An example is the conflict between humanity and artificial intelligence in Isaac Asimov’s “I, Robot.”
5. Person vs. Supernatural: Here, a character confronts supernatural or paranormal entities and phenomena. This type of conflict can delve into the realms of horror, fantasy, or the supernatural. The battle between Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort in J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series showcases this type of conflict.

These examples highlight the diverse range of external conflicts that can be utilized in literature to captivate readers and drive the narrative forward.

Understanding External Conflicts

The range of external conflicts showcased above illustrates the various challenges characters can face in their external environments. These conflicts contribute to the depth and excitement of a story, keeping readers engaged and eager to discover the outcomes.

Exploring Internal Conflicts

Internal conflicts are a significant aspect of storytelling, delving into the depths of a character’s mind and heart. These conflicts often involve inner turmoil, moral dilemmas, or struggles with destiny or fate. By examining the internal conflicts that characters face, writers can create multidimensional and relatable narratives.

There are two main types of internal conflict: person vs. self and person vs. destiny. Person vs. self conflict occurs when a character battles their own fears, doubts, or desires. It explores the inner demons that individuals face and the choices they must make. For example, in The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen grapples with her own survival instincts, compassion for others, and the weight of her actions in a dystopian society.

Person vs. destiny conflict centers around a character’s struggle with their predetermined path or the forces beyond their control. This type of conflict explores themes of free will, acceptance, and the search for meaning. In The Odyssey, Odysseus battles with the gods’ whims and his quest to return home, facing numerous obstacles that test his resolve and shape his destiny.

Examples of Internal Conflict

Internal conflicts can be found in various literary works, showcasing the complexity of human nature and the choices individuals must make. Here are some examples:

1. To Kill a Mockingbird: Scout struggles with understanding the racial inequalities and prejudice in her community while trying to maintain her own sense of fairness and empathy.
2. Hamlet: Hamlet is torn between avenging his father’s murder and the moral implications of violence, grappling with his own beliefs and the consequences of his actions.
3. The Great Gatsby: Jay Gatsby is haunted by his past and his pursuit of the American Dream, wrestling with the illusions of wealth, love, and identity.

By exploring these internal conflicts, writers can create compelling characters that resonate with readers, offering a deeper understanding of the human condition.

The Importance of Conflict in Fiction

Conflict plays a vital role in fiction, serving as an essential ingredient that keeps the story engaging and captures the readers’ attention. Without conflict, a story may lack tension and fail to make an emotional impact. It is through conflict that characters face challenges, overcome obstacles, and grow throughout the narrative. The role of conflict in storytelling cannot be overstated. It serves as the driving force behind the plot, creating uncertainty about whether the protagonist will achieve their goals and keeping readers invested in the outcome.

Conflict in fiction serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it creates a sense of stakes and urgency. When characters are faced with conflict, readers become emotionally invested in the outcome, wondering how the characters will overcome the challenges they face. This heightened sense of tension keeps readers engaged and eager to discover the resolution. Additionally, conflict allows for character development. As characters navigate through conflicts, they undergo growth and change, revealing different aspects of their personality and providing rich, multidimensional storytelling.

Conflict is the fuel that propels a story forward, pushing characters out of their comfort zones and forcing them to confront their fears and desires. It is through conflict that stories become not just tales, but powerful reflections of the human experience.

Moreover, conflict allows authors to explore universal themes and ideas. By examining the conflicts faced by their characters, writers can delve into deeper societal issues, personal struggles, or philosophical dilemmas. Conflict provides a platform to address these themes, enabling readers to reflect on their own lives and experiences. Whether it’s external conflicts that reflect societal tensions or internal conflicts that delve into the complexities of human nature, conflict serves as a lens through which readers can explore the world.

The Impact of Conflict in Fiction

Conflict is not just a backdrop for storytelling; it is the driving force that shapes narratives and makes them powerful. It creates suspense, emotional resonance, and a sense of catharsis. Through conflict, writers can stretch the limits of their storytelling and create works that resonate deeply with readers. By understanding the importance of conflict and harnessing its power, authors can craft compelling stories that captivate audiences.

How to Create Conflict in Your Writing

Creating conflict is an essential skill for writers as it adds excitement, tension, and depth to your storytelling. By strategically incorporating conflict, you can keep readers engaged and invested in your narrative. Here are some tips and techniques for generating conflict in your writing:

1. Explore Character Motivations

One effective way to create conflict is to delve into your characters’ motivations. What do they want? What are their desires and goals? By giving your characters conflicting motivations, you can naturally introduce conflict into your story. For example, if one character wants to save the environment while another prioritizes profit, their conflicting goals can lead to interesting conflicts and dilemmas.

2. Create Opposing Goals or Beliefs

Another approach is to establish opposing goals or beliefs for your characters. When their objectives clash, conflict arises. This can manifest in various ways, such as characters competing for the same promotion or holding opposing political ideologies. The clashes between their goals or beliefs can drive the narrative forward and create engaging conflict.

3. Introduce Unexpected Plot Twists

Surprising your readers with unexpected plot twists can ignite conflict and keep them on the edge of their seats. These twists can reveal hidden motives, expose secrets, or introduce new challenges that force your characters to confront conflict head-on. Whether it’s a sudden betrayal or a shocking revelation, unexpected plot twists can generate conflict and propel your story forward.

Remember, conflict is not limited to battles or arguments. It can take many forms, such as internal struggles, emotional turmoil, or external obstacles. By incorporating conflict in your writing, you can captivate your audience and create a compelling narrative that keeps them craving for more.

The Impact of Layered Conflict in Fiction

Layered conflict in fiction refers to the incorporation of multiple conflicts into a story, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. By combining external and internal conflicts, writers can create multidimensional characters and compelling storylines that resonate with readers.

In complex storytelling, the use of layered conflict allows for a more nuanced exploration of character motivations, beliefs, and desires. By presenting characters with conflicting goals or values, writers can delve into the complexities of human nature and the choices individuals face in challenging situations.

Multiple conflicts in storytelling also keep readers engaged and invested in the outcome of the story. The interplay between different conflicts creates suspense and tension, driving the plot forward and ensuring that readers are constantly eager to discover how the conflicts will be resolved.

“Layered conflict in fiction is like painting with multiple colors, each conflict adding a different shade and dimension to the overall picture. It brings depth and richness to the story, allowing the reader to experience a range of emotions and perspectives.” – Author’s Name

Examples of Layered Conflict

Layered conflict can be found in various works of literature. In George Orwell’s “1984,” the protagonist, Winston Smith, faces both external conflicts with the oppressive government and internal conflicts as he questions his loyalty and struggles with his own desires for freedom and rebellion. Similarly, in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the characters are entangled in both external conflicts arising from class differences and internal conflicts driven by their desires for love, wealth, and social status.

The use of layered conflict adds depth and richness to these stories, making them more relatable and thought-provoking for readers. It allows for a more thorough exploration of the human experience and the complexities of the human psyche.

Conflict Resolution in Literature

Conflict resolution is an integral part of storytelling, providing closure and resolution to the conflicts presented in literature. It plays a vital role in tying up loose ends and delivering satisfying conclusions to readers. There are various types of conflict resolution techniques that authors employ to bring a sense of resolution to their narratives.

Character Growth and Change

One way conflict resolution occurs in literature is through character growth and change. This involves the transformation of the protagonist or other key characters as they learn from their experiences and overcome their internal or external conflicts. For example, in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout Finch undergoes a significant transformation as she learns to challenge societal prejudices and develop empathy.

Compromise and Negotiation

Another approach to resolving conflicts in literature is through compromise and negotiation. This occurs when characters find a middle ground or reach a mutually beneficial agreement. It highlights the importance of communication and understanding in resolving differences. An example of this can be seen in William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, where the families’ longstanding feud is ultimately resolved through the tragic sacrifice of the young lovers.

Reconciliation and Acceptance

Reconciliation and acceptance are also methods of conflict resolution commonly found in literature. This occurs when opposing parties come to terms with their differences and find a way to coexist harmoniously. In Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, the town of Maycomb experiences a small but significant step towards reconciliation when Boo Radley emerges to save Scout and Jem from Bob Ewell, highlighting the potential for change and understanding.

In conclusion, conflict resolution in literature is a crucial element that provides closure and satisfaction to readers. Through techniques such as character growth and change, compromise and negotiation, and reconciliation and acceptance, authors are able to resolve conflicts and deliver impactful conclusions. These resolutions not only tie up loose ends but also offer valuable insights and reflections on the complexities of human nature and the power of resolution.

Conflict in Real Life vs. Fiction

Conflict is an inherent part of life, shaping our relationships, decisions, and personal growth. However, the depiction of conflict in fiction often differs from real-life experiences. While conflict in storytelling serves to drive the plot and create tension, real-life conflict can be uncomfortable and challenging to navigate.

In fiction, conflict is carefully constructed to engage readers and keep them invested in the story. It adds excitement and uncertainty, creating obstacles and challenges for the protagonist to overcome. On the other hand, real-life conflict is often seen as something to avoid or resolve as quickly as possible. It can cause emotional distress, strain relationships, and disrupt the peace we strive for in our daily lives.

One key difference between conflict in real life and fiction is the element of control. In storytelling, authors have complete control over the conflicts they create and how they are resolved. They can manipulate the intensity, timing, and outcome of the conflict to maximize its impact on readers. In real life, however, conflict is often unpredictable and uncontrollable, leaving individuals to navigate through uncertain and complex situations.

“Conflict in fiction is like a well-choreographed dance, designed to captivate and entertain the audience. In real life, conflict is more akin to improvisation, with unexpected twists and turns that require adaptability and compromise.” – Anonymous

While conflict in storytelling can be thrilling and entertaining, it is essential to recognize the differences between fiction and reality. Real-life conflicts require empathy, effective communication, and a willingness to find mutually beneficial resolutions. Understanding these distinctions can help writers incorporate conflict into their stories authentically and create narratives that resonate with readers.

Conclusion

Conflict is an integral part of storytelling, driving the plot forward and captivating readers. By understanding the different types of conflict, writers can create engaging narratives that keep readers invested from beginning to end.

External conflicts involve a character opposing an external force, such as another person, society, nature, technology, or the supernatural. On the other hand, internal conflicts occur within a character’s mind or heart, exploring inner turmoil, moral dilemmas, and struggles with destiny or self.

Whether it’s the clash between a protagonist and a powerful society or the battle within a character’s own conscience, conflict adds tension and uncertainty to a story. It keeps readers on the edge of their seats, wondering how the conflicts will be resolved and whether the protagonist will achieve their goals.

Understanding and effectively utilizing the various types of conflict allows writers to create multidimensional characters and compelling storylines. By incorporating conflict resolution techniques, such as character growth, compromise, or reconciliation, writers can provide satisfying conclusions that tie up loose ends and leave readers satisfied.