1. Conflict in Literature

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

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

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

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

6. 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

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

8. 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.

9. External Conflict Subcategories
Man vs. Man
Man vs. Environment

10. 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.

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

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

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

14. 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