By the end of this lesson, you will be able to: identify conflict as it appears in literature. identify conflict as it appears in literature. distinguish between internal and external conflict. distinguish between internal and external conflict. place an external conflict in one of three subcategories. place an external conflict in one of three subcategories.

Internal Conflict Definition: A struggle that takes place in a character's mind is called internal conflict.

Internal Conflict is … a character dealing with his or her own mixed feelings or emotions.a character dealing with his or her own mixed feelings or emotions.

Example of Internal Conflict A character may have to decide between right and wrong or between two solutions to a problem. A character may have to decide between right and wrong or between two solutions to a problem.

Internal Conflict Subcategory Man vs. himself Internal conflict is often referred to as man vs. himself since the struggle is inside one’s head.

External Conflict Definition: A struggle between a character and an outside force is an external conflict.

Example of External Conflict Characters may face several types of outside forces. The outside force may be another man. It may be the character and the community. The outside force may also be forces of nature. For example, a story might be the main character struggling against the arctic cold. The outside force may be an issue caused by society. An example could be legislation to fight for a change.

External Conflict Subcategories Man vs. Man Man vs. SocietyMan vs. Man Man vs. Society Man vs. NatureMan vs. Nature

Man vs. Man This is mostly seen in the form of two characters against each other. It can also be represented by a group of people. It does not have to be a physical confrontation; it can be a battle between two ideas.

Man vs. Nature Often the character is faced in a situation to overcome obstacles relating to weather or a natural disaster. The struggle is between the man and the universe. There is a force working against the main character.

Man vs. Society Man is challenged by an opposed theory Society is unable to see man’s point of view Man is searching for change

Conflict Quick Review Refer to your conflict graphic organizer from class to review examples of each type of conflict.