CONFLICT

Conflict – a struggle between opposing characters or opposing forces; component which drives the plot

Two Main Types of Conflict

1.) External Conflict – a character struggles with an outside force, which may be another character, society as a whole, or a natural force

2. ) Internal Conflict – takes place within a character’s mind 2.) Internal Conflict – takes place within a character’s mind. It is a struggle between opposing needs, desires, or emotions.

Four Main Categories of Conflict

Involves conflicts between people Man vs. Man Involves conflicts between people Examples include family conflict, trouble with a bully, difficulties in romance, etc….

Involves conflict between an individual and larger groups Man vs. Society Involves conflict between an individual and larger groups Examples include the outsider in a strange culture, a poor character’s struggle to “make it” in the business world, etc….

Involves conflict between an individual and the natural world Man vs. Nature Involves conflict between an individual and the natural world Examples include fighting a powerful hurricane, surviving after a plane crash in the desert, etc….

Involves characters’ psychological conflicts with themselves. Man vs. Self Involves characters’ psychological conflicts with themselves. Examples include overcoming a drug habit or alcoholism, grieving over the loss of a loved one, etc….