Conflict

Definition

Conflict refers to a struggle or clash between opposing forces, ideas, or characters that drives the narrative forward. In documentary storytelling, conflict adds tension and engages the audience, often highlighting social issues or personal struggles. It can be external, such as societal conflicts, or internal, dealing with personal dilemmas, and is essential for creating a compelling narrative that resonates with viewers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conflict is often the backbone of a compelling documentary, driving the narrative and keeping viewers interested.
2. Documentaries frequently showcase real-life conflicts that reflect larger societal issues, making them relatable and impactful.
3. Both external conflicts (like social injustice) and internal conflicts (such as personal dilemmas) are important to creating depth in documentary storytelling.
4. The way conflict is presented can influence how viewers perceive the subjects of the documentary, often evoking empathy or prompting action.
5. Effective resolution of conflict in a documentary can lead to powerful conclusions that leave a lasting impression on the audience.

Review Questions

• How does conflict serve as a driving force in documentary storytelling?
  • Conflict acts as a key element that propels the narrative in documentary storytelling by introducing challenges that characters or subjects must face. This struggle not only keeps viewers engaged but also provides a framework for exploring deeper themes related to society or personal experiences. By presenting various forms of conflict, documentaries can highlight real-world issues and evoke emotional responses from audiences.
• Discuss how different types of conflict can affect the audience's understanding of a documentary's message.
  • Different types of conflict—both external and internal—can shape how audiences interpret the messages within a documentary. External conflicts may expose systemic issues like inequality or injustice, prompting viewers to consider their role in these societal problems. In contrast, internal conflicts might provide insight into personal struggles, allowing audiences to connect with subjects on an emotional level. The way these conflicts are presented can significantly influence audience perception and engagement with the documentary's themes.
• Evaluate the importance of conflict resolution in documentaries and its impact on audience takeaway.
  • Conflict resolution in documentaries is crucial as it can dictate the overall message and emotional impact of the film. A well-crafted resolution not only provides closure but also encourages viewers to reflect on the issues presented throughout the narrative. When audiences witness how conflicts are resolved—whether through triumph or failure—they may be inspired to take action or change their perspectives on similar real-world situations. Thus, resolution serves as both a conclusion and an invitation for further contemplation on pressing societal matters.

Related terms

Tension: Tension is the emotional strain that arises from conflict, keeping viewers engaged and invested in the outcome.

Resolution:

Resolution is the conclusion of a conflict where the opposing forces find closure, offering insights or lessons learned.

Character Arc: Character arc is the transformation or growth a character undergoes throughout the story, often as a result of facing and overcoming conflict.