 Definition: › In literature, conflict is the struggle between opposing forces in a story. It creates tension and excitement for the reader.

 Internal Conflict  External Conflict

 Definition: › A struggle within one's self; a person must make some decision, overcome pain, resist an urge, etc. › Internal conflict is NOT visible to others  Example: › Ms. Sobotka really wants to go out to dinner with her friends but she knows she has papers to grade. She is conflicted about whether or not to go.

 Definition:  A struggle with a force outside one's self.  Example › Harry Potter versus Voldemort. Here, Harry has a conflict with a person that is NOT himself. › …

 Person versus self  Person versus person  Person versus circumstances (situation)  Person versus society

 1. Person versus Self › Internal › Example: Ms. Sobotka’s decision to go out to dinner.

 2. Person Versus Circumstances › External › Example: An adventurous ship crew knows they must deliver some important packages but there is a TERRIBLE storm brewing.  One more example??

 Person Versus Society › External › Example: Neo in the Matrix or Katniss in The Hunger Games

 Person versus Person › External › Example: Superman and Lex Luther

Internal ConflictExternal Conflict Person versus SelfPerson versus Circumstances Person versus Person Person versus Society

 1. A young girl wants to be a famous actress but has terrible stage fright  2. Two brothers both want to be athlete of the year and have to compete against each other  3. A new business owner wants to change the world through his recycling program, but the community prefers to throw things away.

 Janie and her sister want to have a picnic in the park, but it’s very chilly outside.  Leo is extremely angry with his brother, for wearing his shoes without asking. He wants to shove him, but he doesn’t want to get in trouble.  Lauren is trying to get her advisory class to welcome a new student. However, all of her classmates want to tease the new girl.