By the end of this lesson, you will be able to: identify Conflict as it appears in literature. identify Conflict as it appears in literature. distinguish between Internal and External conflict. distinguish between Internal and External conflict. place conflict in one of three subcategories. place conflict in one of three subcategories.

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

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

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

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