External conflict

Definition

External conflict refers to a struggle between a character and an outside force, which can be another character, society, or nature. This type of conflict is critical in storytelling as it often drives the plot and reveals the character's motivations and challenges. Understanding external conflict helps in analyzing how characters interact with their environments and other individuals, shaping their journeys and growth throughout a narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. External conflict can take various forms, such as man vs. man, man vs. nature, or man vs. society, each creating different challenges for characters.
2. This type of conflict is essential for creating tension and excitement in a story, engaging readers and driving the plot toward resolution.
3. Characters facing external conflicts often experience significant growth or change as they confront obstacles that test their beliefs and values.
4. Writers use external conflict to highlight themes within a story, such as survival, justice, or personal freedom, making it a powerful tool in creative writing.
5. Resolutions of external conflicts can lead to climactic moments in a story, providing pivotal turning points that affect the character's future actions and relationships.

Review Questions

• How does external conflict shape a character's development throughout a narrative?
  • External conflict significantly influences a character's development by presenting challenges that require them to make decisions and take action. As characters confront outside forces, such as antagonists or societal pressures, they reveal their true selves and often undergo growth or transformation. These struggles can highlight their values, beliefs, and weaknesses, ultimately making them more relatable and dynamic to readers.
• Analyze how external conflict contributes to the overall theme of a story.
  • External conflict plays a crucial role in illustrating the central themes of a story by placing characters in situations that challenge their morals or beliefs. For example, when a protagonist faces societal injustice, the ensuing struggle not only develops the plot but also underscores themes of equality and resistance. Through these conflicts, writers effectively convey messages about human experiences and societal issues, making them resonate with readers.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of various types of external conflict in enhancing narrative structure.
  • Different types of external conflict enhance narrative structure by creating layers of tension and complexity within the plot. For instance, 'man vs. nature' conflicts can evoke feelings of isolation and survival instincts, while 'man vs. man' conflicts introduce interpersonal dynamics that can drive emotional stakes. By strategically using various external conflicts, writers maintain reader engagement and create compelling arcs that lead to satisfying resolutions or poignant revelations at the story's climax.

Related terms

internal conflict: A psychological struggle within a character, often involving moral dilemmas or emotional struggles that affect their decisions.

protagonist: The main character in a story, often facing external conflicts that propel their development and the narrative forward.

antagonist: A character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating external conflict and tension within the story.