---
title: "Internal Conflict — AP Lit Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Internal conflict is a character's struggle within themselves between competing desires, values, or fears. It drives plot and character analysis in AP Lit Unit 3."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-lit/key-terms/internal-conflict"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP English Literature"
---

# Internal Conflict — AP Lit Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Internal conflict refers to the mental or emotional struggle that a character experiences within themselves. It is a battle between their desires, beliefs, or emotions.

## Related Study Guides

- [3.3 Conflict and plot development](/ap-lit/unit-3/conflict-plot-development/study-guide/IzUz2Kq1miXLL4wKntgE)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Psychological Conflict](/ap-lit/key-terms/psychological-conflict): Psychological conflict is another term for internal conflict. It focuses on the mental and emotional struggles that characters face within themselves.
- [External Conflict](/ap-lit/key-terms/external-conflict): External conflict refers to conflicts that occur between a character and an outside force, such as another character or nature.
- [Character Development](/ap-lit/key-terms/character-development): Character development involves the growth and change of a character throughout a story, often influenced by internal conflicts they face.