Conflict in Literature www.englishisamazing.com

Internal Conflict Definition: A struggle that takes place in a character's mind is called internal conflict.

Internal Conflict is … NOT a visual or tangible opposition. a character dealing with his or her own mixed feelings or emotions.

Example of Internal Conflict A character may have to decide between right and wrong or between two solutions to a problem.

Internal Conflict Man vs. himself Internal conflict is often referred to as man vs. himself since the struggle is inside one’s head.

Man vs. Himself Examples Atticus is worried he will lose his court case Gene is jealous of his best friend’s popularity Charlie Sheen went crazy

External Conflict Definition: A struggle between a character and an outside force is an external conflict.

Example of External Conflict Characters may face several types of outside forces. The outside force may be another character. It may be the character and the community. The outside force may also be forces of nature. For example, a story might be the main character struggling against the arctic cold.

External Conflict Subcategories Man vs. Man Man vs. Environment

Man vs. Man This is mostly seen in the form of two characters against each other. It can also be represented by a group of people. It does not have to be a physical confrontation; it can be a battle between two ideas.

Man vs. Man Examples The Titans vs. the Olympians (in Mythology) Deborah vs. her mother-in-law (in “Everyone loves Raymond”)

Man vs. Environment Environment is defined as anything surrounding a person. This can include weather, objects, activities. Basically anything external EXCEPT people.

Man vs. Environment Examples Tom Hanks vs. Environment in “Cast Away” The environment of “Hunger Games” is perilous

Conflict Quick Review Internal Conflict External Conflict MAN VS. HIMSELF MAN VS. MAN MAN VS. ENVIRONMENT *not tangible *other characters *any outside force *in the mind *not just physical confrontation *anything in surroundings *decisions, feelings, emotions *opposing ideas *weather, objects, activities