identifying conflict in novels
A conflict is a disagreement, struggle, or problem. There are two main kinds of conflict in stories: internal and external.
Internal Conflict
A struggle that takes place in a character's mind is called internal conflict. For example, a character may have to decide between right and wrong or between two solutions to a problem. Sometimes, a character must deal with his or her own mixed feelings or emotions.
External Conflict
A struggle between a character and an outside force is an external conflict. Characters may face several types of outside forces.
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Internal Conflict
A struggle that takes place in a character's mind is called internal conflict. For example, a character may have to decide between right and wrong or between two solutions to a problem. Sometimes, a character must deal with his or her own mixed feelings or emotions.
External Conflict
A struggle between a character and an outside force is an external conflict. Characters may face several types of outside forces.
- The outside force may be another character. (Character vs. character)
- It may be the community. (Character vs. community)
- The outside force may also be forces of nature. For example, a story might be the main character struggling against the arctic cold. (Character vs. nature)
Click on the icon below to download the Powerpoint shown in class:
| Internal and External Conflict |
