1. Literary Elements
Conflict

2. Definition--Conflict
The Problem that a character is faced with in the story.

3. Four Types of Conflict Character vs. Character
One character in conflict with another
Disagreement, Competition, Physical Fight

4. Four Types of Conflict Character vs. Environment
Character struggles to survive against the harsh forces of nature
In conflict with dangers posed by the natural world

5. Four Types of Conflict Character vs. Society
Character is in conflict with a group
Character and/or his ideas are rejected by group
Character rejects group or its ideas
Often found in conjunction with Internal Conflict

6. Four Types of Conflict Internal Conflict
Conflict within the heart or mind of a character
Emotional upset
Uncertainty about what to do

7. Patterns of Conflict
Character generally makes several attempts to solve problem—often 3 attempts
Attempts are unsuccessful
Character eventually must take desperate measures to solve problem

8. Outcomes of Conflict
Character overcomes Problem (happy ending)—most common outcome in stories
Problem overcomes Character (tragic ending)
Character learns to live with the Problem (problem unresolved)—most realistic outcome

9. Final Word about Conflict
Conflict is driving force behind story
Without a problem there is no story
Considered most important of literary elements