Conflict University High School of Science and Engineering Ms. Benfield

What is conflict? Conflict is the struggle between two forces, when the main character, or protagonist, encounters a problem- a force which may prevent him or her from achieving a goal. There are four basic types of conflict, each involving a different type of obstacle or antagonist.

Character Versus Character The protagonist has a problem with one or more of the other characters. Example: Shiloh, by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor Marty Preston wants to save a young beagle named Shiloh from his cruel owner.

Character Versus Self The protagonist must deal with a problem within himself. The character has conflicting emotions that draw him in different directions. Example: The Door in the Wall, by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor Robin de Bureford is full of self-pity because of the illness that crippled his legs.

Character Versus Society The character has a problem with a particular sector of society: family, friends, community, rules, government, and so on. Example: Holes, by Louis Sachar Stanley Yelnats is sent to prison camp because a pair of old sneakers falls onto him and he is wrongfully accused of stealing them.

Character Versus Nature The character must deal with a force of nature. Example: Out of the Dust, by Karen Hesse Billy Jo Kelby and her family struggle to survive the devastating dust storms that hit Oklahoma in the 1930’s.

Which Type of Conflict? 1.In Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, by Mildred Taylor, Cassie and Little Man do not want the school books that were given to them. The charts on the inside covers show that until they were in very poor condition, they were given to white children. A.Character vs. Character B.Character vs. Self C.Character vs. Society D.Character vs. Nature

Which type of conflict? 2. In Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry, Annemarie Johansen and her family must hide Ellen Rosen from the Nazis. A.Character vs. Character B.Character vs. Self C.Character vs. Society D.Character vs. Nature

Which type of conflict? 3. In The Great Gilly Hopkins, by Katherine Paterson, Gilly is hungry, but she refuses to eat because she is afraid to accept Maime Trotter’s kindness. A.Character vs. Character B.Character vs. Self C.Character vs. Society D.Character vs. Nature

Which type of conflict? 4. In Call It Courage, By Armstrong Sperry, Mafatu has to fight a heavy squall while at sea. A.Character vs. Character B.Character vs. Self C.Character vs. Society D.Character vs. Nature

Which type of conflict? 5. In Crispin, by Avi, Crispin has been declared a “wolf’s head”. People have the right to kill him on sight. A.Character vs. Character B.Character vs. Self C.Character vs. Society D.Character vs. Nature