Literary Conflict

What is conflict?? The incompatibility between two characters or forces in a story Creates the tension and interest in the story- WHAT WILL HAPPEN??? Can be internal or external

External vs. Internal External Internal External Conflict takes place outside of the body Internal Internal Conflict takes place inside of the body/mind

External There are a variety of examples of external conflict…but we will focus on 3

External Man vs. Man The most straightforward type of conflict pits the protagonist directly against another character with apparently opposing aims.

Example of Man vs. Man http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8nHCZqgFA8

External Man vs. Nature This type of conflict pits a story's main character or characters against a natural force such as a flood, predatory animal, or disease epidemic.

Example of Man vs. Nature http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx9lmuMJmsY

External Conflict Man Vs. Technology Main character is opposed by computers, machines, some type of technology.

Example of Man vs. Technology https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIjUSzpYcuA

External Man vs. Society In many stories, the protagonist battles an unjust element of government or culture.

Example of Man vs. Society http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RSO9paxHf8

There is one type of internal conflict

Internal Man vs. Self Some literary conflicts take the form of a character struggling to overcome fear, addiction, emotional damage or other crippling personal issue.

Example of internal conflict http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKGcR2Cnd9w

1. Man vs. ? A. Self B. Nature C. Society D. Man

2. Man vs. ? A. Self B. Nature C. Society D. Man

3. Man vs. ? A. Self B. Nature C. Society D. Man

4. Man vs. A. Self B. Nature C. Society D. Man

5. Man vs. ? A. Self B. Nature C. Society D. Man

6. Man vs. ? A. Self B. Nature C. Society D. Man

7. Man vs. ? A. Self B. Nature C. Society D. Man

8. Man vs. ? A. Self B. Nature C. Society D. Man

(news story about the Titanic) 9. Man vs. ? “…If the ship had only taken a different path it would have avoided the icebergs. If only the guard on duty had had a pair of binoculars.” (news story about the Titanic) A. Self B. Nature C. Society D. Man

10. Man vs. ? Charles decided to steal a car. He was arrested and sent to jail to await his trial. He should have known better than to mess with the “rules.” A. Self B. Nature C. Society D. Man

11. Man vs. ? “I don’t care who you talk to!” screamed Sarah to Frank. “I just wish I had never met you!” A. Self B. Nature C. Society D. Man

12. Man vs. ? Tom began to argue with himself; should he stay at home and study, or should he go to the party? A. Self B. Nature C. Society D. Man

13. Man vs. ? Tom began to stumble through the dark cave cutting his hands on what must have been sharp rocks. A. Self B. Nature C. Society D. Man

Bob told his girlfriend, “I hope I never see you again!” 14. Man vs. ? Bob told his girlfriend, “I hope I never see you again!” A. Self B. Nature C. Society D. Man

15. Man vs. ? Sally didn’t care if she was the only girl on the football team. She knew convincing the school board to bend the rules would be the hardest part. A. Self B. Nature C. Society D. Man

Answer Key 1. B 2. A 3. D 4. C 5. A 6. B 7. C 8 D 9. B 10. C 11.D

Grading Scale -1 93 -2 86 -3 80 -4 76 -5 69 -6 63 -7 56 -8 49