1. CHARACTER CONFLICT A problem or struggle between two opposing forces in a story.

2. TYPES OF CONFLICT  Person vs. Person  Person vs. Self  Person vs. Society  Person vs. Nature.  Person vs. Fate (God)

3. The Outsiders

4. Person vs. Person A problem between characters EXAMPLE: Arguing with another person. OUTSIDER EXAMPLE: In the Outsiders, Ponyboy stayed out past his curfew and his brother, Darry, became angry.

5. Person vs. Self  A problem within the character’s own mind  Having a difficult time deciding what to do. EXAMPLE: Unable to decide whether or not to go to the 8 th grade formal. OUTSIDER EXAMPLE: Both Pony and Johnny had a difficult time deciding on whether or not they should turn themselves in to the police or stay in hiding.

6. Person vs. Society  A problem between character and society, law, institution, or some tradition. EXAMPLE: A student who continues to break the school rules. OUTSIDERS EXAMPLE: The Greasers were not accepted by the people in their town. Many people thought they were “hoods” just because of the way they looked and acted.

7. Person vs. Nature  A problem between character and nature – a blizzard, hurricane, mountain climb, etc  When a natural event gets in the way of a goal. EXAMPLE: Getting stuck in a snow storm and unable to make your flight. OUTSIDERS EXAMPLE: It was raining when the Greasers fought the Socs. The rain caused more difficulties for them during the rumble.

8. Person vs. Fate (God)  A problem that appears to be well beyond a character’s control  A problem that occurs from being at the wrong place at the wrong time. EXAMPLE: Being diagnosed with a disease. OUTSIDERS EXAMPLE: Johnny had no control over his death which occurred from the fire at the church.