Conflict

Definition

Conflict refers to the struggle between opposing forces, whether internal (within a character) or external (between characters or between a character and their environment). This tension is essential for driving narratives and shaping characters, as it creates stakes that engage readers. Conflict can highlight character development, influence the story arc, and determine the news value of a story by establishing relevance and reader interest.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conflict is often categorized into different types, such as person vs. person, person vs. self, person vs. society, and person vs. nature.
2. In narratives, conflict helps develop characters by revealing their motivations, desires, and flaws through their responses to challenges.
3. A well-crafted conflict keeps readers engaged by raising questions about how it will be resolved and what consequences will follow.
4. Conflict is not just a plot device; it can also serve to convey themes and messages within a story, highlighting moral dilemmas or societal issues.
5. In journalism, conflict can enhance news value by emphasizing drama or tension within a story, capturing reader interest through compelling narratives.

Review Questions

• How does conflict contribute to character development within a narrative?
  • Conflict is vital for character development because it forces characters to confront their challenges and make choices that reveal their true selves. As they navigate through various conflicts, whether internal or external, their motivations and growth become clear. Readers witness how characters react under pressure, leading to deeper insights into their personalities, values, and transformations throughout the story.
• Discuss how the structure of a story arc incorporates conflict to maintain reader engagement.
  • The structure of a story arc is built around conflict, which acts as a catalyst for the narrative progression. At the beginning of a story, an initial conflict is introduced that establishes stakes for the protagonist. As the story unfolds, rising action escalates this conflict until it reaches the climax—where tension peaks—and finally leads to resolution. This journey not only keeps readers hooked but also provides emotional highs and lows that enrich the storytelling experience.
• Evaluate the role of conflict in determining the news value of a story and how it influences reader interest.
  • Conflict plays a crucial role in determining news value because it adds drama and urgency to a story. When journalists highlight conflicts—such as social injustices, political debates, or environmental crises—they create narratives that resonate with audiences. The inherent tension draws readers in by appealing to their emotions and sense of justice, making complex issues more relatable. An effective presentation of conflict can elevate a piece from mere reporting to an engaging narrative that sparks public interest and discussion.

Related terms

Protagonist: The main character in a narrative who faces the central conflict, driving the story forward through their decisions and actions.

Antagonist: A character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating tension and conflict within the narrative.

Climax:

The peak of the conflict in a story, where tensions reach their highest point and the outcome of the conflict becomes clear.