TYPES OF CONFLICT UNIT 1: Short fiction

What is a conflict? Definition: A struggle between opposing forces; the main problem in a story

Two most basic types of conflict External: A character struggles against an outside force (nature, physical obstacle, another character, etc.) Internal: The character struggles with themselves to solve a problem or make a difficult choice.

Take some walking notes! Visit each of the six purple cards around the room to learn about the different types of external and internal conflicts. Be sure to write down the example provided AND come up with an example of your own. Be prepared to explain your findings!

Character vs… Character Society Nature Technology Fate Self

Check for Understanding 1. A talking cow fights an epic battle against an evil wizard. 2. A boy struggles to fit in because he was born with webbed toes. 3. Hurricane Katrina decimated an entire southern city. 4. A ninth grade student must choose between staying up late to study or cheating on a math quiz. 5. The Roadrunner hits Wiley Coyote on the head with a hammer.

Types of external conflict: Character vs. Character – Two characters fight against one another Example: Harry Potter vs. Voldemort

Types of external conflict: Character vs. Society – A character goes against a large, organized group; Challenges the norm Example: Katniss Everdeen vs. The Capital

Types of external conflict: Character vs. Nature – Character struggles against a force or element of nature Example – A person vs. a hurricane

Types of external conflict: Character vs. Object – Character is pitted against a machine or technology Example – Ms. J vs. the oven

Types of external conflict: Character vs. Fate – Character is at the mercy of destiny or conditions beyond their control Example – Romeo and Juliet’s love is doomed to fail.

The only type of internal conflict: Character vs. Self – A character struggles with themselves over an issue or dilemma Example – Students struggle with the decision to do homework or to take a nap.