Conflict Conflict is the dramatic struggle between two forces in a story. Without conflict, there is no plot.

Plot: Types of Conflict Character vs Character Character vs Nature Character vs Society Character vs Self Character vs Fate

Conflict – Two Levels Internal Conflict- A struggle that takes place within a character’s own mind, as he or she wrestles with difficult thoughts, feelings, or choices. External Conflict- involves a struggle between a character and an outside force. The external problem that is standing in the way of the character and his or her goals

Internal Conflict Character vs. self Conflict forces character to choose between the easy road and the hard road to achieve a goal Human nature wants to avoid difficult or unpleasant situations

External Conflict The problem can be a natural disaster, loss of a job, death of a loved one, etc. Character vs. Character Character vs. Nature Character vs. Society

Plot: Character vs. Character Conflict This type of conflict finds the main character in conflict with another character, human or not human.

Plot: Character vs. Nature Conflict This type of conflict finds the main character in conflict with the forces of nature, which serve as the antagonist.

Plot: Character vs. Self Conflict In this type of conflict, the main character experiences some kind of inner conflict.

Plot: Character vs. Society Conflict This type of conflict has the main character in conflict with a larger group: a community, society, culture, etc. Watch this movie clip and write down the different types of conflict you see/hear. Raiders of the Lost Ark IMAX Movie CLIP - Throw Me the Idol (2012) - Harrison Ford Movie - YouTube

Conflict Isn’t….. Conflict isn't arguments and disagreements between characters. While arguments and disagreements may result from conflict, if they aren't firmly grounded in meaningful emotional conflict, they are nothing more than bickering between disagreeable characters.

Conflict Isn’t….. Conflict isn't unmotivated behavior. A big, strong, tough hero who treats the heroine with arrogance and disrespect may make her mad, but unless the reader has some inkling of his motivation, he'll just be an annoying, arrogant bully.

Conflict Isn’t….. Conflict isn't external circumstances alone. To be effective, external situations must affect the goals, motivations, and emotions of the characters if they are going to be conflicts. If the characters are merely inconvenienced by them, but go on about their business without the situations having a severe, emotional impact on their lives, they are events, not conflicts.

Conflict and Plot-CONNECTION Plot is the unfolding of the story, the way the characters deal with their conflicts. Plot begins when something happens to send the orderly, focused, comfortable life of a character into a new, unexpected direction. This new direction created new problems and new emotional upheavals for the characters.

5 Stages of Plot-REVIEW 1. Exposition-Introduces setting and characters; Reveals conflict 2. Rising Action- Introduces obstacles that make the conflict more complicated; Builds suspense 3. Climax-Turning Point; Presents conflict at its most intense and dramatic point 4. Falling Action- Begins to reveal outcome of climax; Eases the tension; Shows how main character resolves the conflict 5. Resolution-Reveals the story’s final outcome; Ties up any loose ends

What type of Conflict? Sarah overhears Jim bragging about his malicious plan to ridicule her best friend. Angered, she confronts Jim and becomes even more incensed when he denies every word. ________ vs. ________

What type of Conflict? A blinding snowstorm hits while Tim is hiking in unfamiliar territory. Suddenly, he loses his bearings and has no idea how to find his way home. _________vs. _________

What type of Conflict? The year is 1961. Sarah works in a factory at a time when workers must put in long hours and deal with dismal, even dangerous, conditions on the job. ________ vs. ________

What type of Conflict? Hannah accepted Jim’s marriage proposal against the strong wishes of her family. If she marries him, they will never speak to her again. It’s one day before her wedding, and Hannah is doubting her decision. ___________ vs. _________

What type of Conflict? In Home Alone, a young boy takes on would-be robbers who enter his house. ___________ vs. _________

What type of Conflict? A lawyer is conflicted within himself about telling the truth in his business practices and personal life in the movie Liar, Liar. ___________ vs. _________

What type of Conflict? Mike and Sulley go against the practices of the entire Monster race when they befriend a child in Monsters, Inc. ___________ vs. _________

What type of Conflict? Chickens in Chicken Run attempt to beat their fate of being turned into chicken pot pies. ___________ vs. _________

What type of Conflict? A teenage boy in A Cry in the Wild crash-lands a plane in the Canadian wilderness. ___________ vs. _________