External Tension

Definition

External tension refers to the conflict or pressure that arises from outside sources affecting a character, situation, or narrative. This type of tension often involves forces such as societal expectations, cultural conflicts, or opposing characters that challenge the protagonist. Understanding external tension is key to analyzing how characters respond to their environment and how these pressures drive the plot forward.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. External tension can manifest through interactions between characters, societal pressures, or conflicts with nature.
2. This type of tension is crucial in establishing stakes for the protagonist and can lead to pivotal moments in the plot.
3. External tensions often serve as catalysts for character development, forcing characters to confront their limitations and evolve.
4. In literature, external tension is frequently juxtaposed with internal conflict to create a richer narrative experience.
5. Writers use external tension to engage readers by creating suspense and anticipation regarding how conflicts will resolve.

Review Questions

• How does external tension influence character development throughout a narrative?
  • External tension plays a significant role in character development by presenting challenges that force characters to confront their beliefs, values, and motivations. As characters navigate through these external conflicts—such as societal expectations or antagonistic forces—they often undergo significant growth or change. This process helps readers understand the complexities of the characters and makes their journeys more relatable and compelling.
• In what ways can external tension contribute to the overall narrative arc of a story?
  • External tension contributes to the overall narrative arc by providing the necessary conflicts that propel the plot forward. It creates obstacles for the protagonist that must be resolved for the story to progress, leading to key moments such as climaxes and resolutions. The presence of external tension enhances suspense and engagement for readers, as they become invested in how these tensions will be addressed and what outcomes will emerge.
• Evaluate the relationship between external tension and thematic elements within a literary work.
  • The relationship between external tension and thematic elements is significant in shaping a literary work's message. External tensions often highlight key themes such as struggle against societal norms, personal sacrifice, or the fight for justice. By examining how characters respond to external tensions, readers can uncover deeper meanings about human nature and societal issues, making themes resonate more profoundly within the context of the narrative.

Related terms

Internal Conflict: A psychological struggle within a character, often involving emotions, desires, or moral dilemmas that influence their decisions and actions.

Narrative Arc: The chronological construction of plot in a story, typically following a pattern of exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

Dramatic Irony: A situation where the audience knows more about the circumstances or future events in a story than the characters do, creating tension and engagement.