Conflict

Conflict means a struggle, a problem, or an obstacle that tries to stop the protagonist from accomplishing his/her goal.

Internal Conflict

Internal Conflict is the struggle in one’s own mind; it is inside the character.

My fear of spiders is

stopping me from going

into my room!

Should I go to that party even though I know there won’t be any

adults?

I don’t want to lie but I feel like I have to!

Internal Conflict

Character vs. Self This is the only type of internal

conflict. This conflict is caused by the

character’s own fear, confusion, and decision-making.

127 Hours ClipWhat should

I do!?

External Conflict

External conflict is any conflict outside of the character’s mind.

It can be a struggle against another character, nature, or society.

External Conflict

Character vs. Character This conflict is a physical fight or an

argument between two characters. A Christmas Story Clip

VS.

External Conflict

Character vs. Nature This conflict is a

character against the elements of nature.

Examples:▪ A flu virus outbreak threatens human survival▪ A rabid dog attacks a little girl▪ A man is stranded on an island with no way home

External Conflict

Character vs. Society The main character has a conflict

with a larger group, a community, a culture, or the law.

Examples:▪ College students protest a war▪ A man breaks the law by stealing▪ Two people decide to get married even though their families disapprove

Think about it

Write about a conflict that you have experienced recently. Was it internal or external?

Write one paragraph that uses at least 3 complete sentences.

Be prepared to share.

What type of conflict is it?

People are forced onto the roofs of their homes because of Hurricane Katrina.

What type of conflict is it?

A boy must decide between buying the Red Skins jersey and the Eagles jersey.

What type of conflict is it?

A young woman wants to go to college, but her culture won’t allow it. She shows up at college on the first day, and she is arrested.

What type of conflict is it?

One little girl trips another little girl, who falls on the ground and cries. The other girl offers her hand to help her up.

Practice

Read the chart to yourself. Then complete the second example

for each type of conflict.

Practice

Determine the type of conflict of each situation and then draw a picture based on it.