Conflict

Definition

Conflict refers to a struggle or clash between opposing forces, ideas, or characters that creates tension and drives the narrative forward. It is essential for storytelling as it propels character development and plot progression, often forcing characters to confront challenges and evolve in response. Conflict can manifest in various forms, including internal struggles within a character or external disputes between characters or groups.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conflict is often categorized into different types, such as man vs. man, man vs. self, man vs. society, and man vs. nature, each providing unique dynamics to the storyline.
2. In narrative structures like the Hero's Journey, conflict typically appears in stages such as 'The Ordeal' where the hero faces significant challenges.
3. Conflict is crucial for character development; characters often grow and change as they navigate their struggles.
4. Without conflict, stories can feel flat or unengaging because there’s no tension to draw the audience in.
5. Resolutions in stories often hinge on how conflicts are addressed, impacting the overall message and theme.

Review Questions

• How does conflict serve as a driving force in narratives and impact character development?
  • Conflict serves as a driving force in narratives by introducing challenges that characters must confront and overcome. This struggle reveals their strengths, weaknesses, and growth as they navigate through various obstacles. As characters face conflict, their choices and responses often lead to deeper insights about themselves and others, ultimately enriching the storytelling experience.
• Analyze how different types of conflict contribute to the overall structure of a compelling story.
  • Different types of conflict contribute significantly to the overall structure of a compelling story by adding layers of complexity and tension. For example, an internal conflict can create emotional depth within a protagonist, while external conflicts with antagonists can enhance the stakes of the plot. These dynamics not only engage the audience but also help illustrate broader themes within the narrative, making the story more relatable and impactful.
• Evaluate the role of conflict resolution in shaping the themes and messages within a narrative.
  • Conflict resolution plays a crucial role in shaping themes and messages within a narrative by determining how characters learn from their struggles. The way conflicts are resolved can highlight moral lessons or emphasize important societal issues, affecting the audience's understanding and takeaway from the story. Effective resolutions can also provide closure for both characters and readers, reinforcing the story's central message about resilience, growth, or human connection.

Related terms

Protagonist: The main character in a story, often facing conflict that drives the narrative.

Antagonist: A character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict within the story.

Resolution:

The conclusion of a story where conflicts are resolved, leading to a sense of closure for the characters and audience.