Interpersonal conflict

Definition

Interpersonal conflict refers to a disagreement or struggle between two or more individuals, often arising from differing goals, values, or perceptions. In the context of performance, these conflicts can drive the narrative forward, create tension, and add depth to character relationships. Understanding interpersonal conflict is crucial for actors as it helps them portray authentic emotions and interactions on stage.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Interpersonal conflict can arise from both external sources, like societal pressures, and internal sources, such as personal beliefs and values.
2. Effective portrayal of interpersonal conflict on stage requires actors to deeply understand their characters' backgrounds and motivations.
3. Conflict can manifest in various forms such as verbal arguments, non-verbal communication, or silent tension, all of which can significantly impact audience engagement.
4. Conflict resolution techniques, such as negotiation or compromise, can be explored in performances to highlight character growth and change.
5. The emotional stakes involved in interpersonal conflict are vital for building empathy with the audience and making the story relatable.

Review Questions

• How does understanding interpersonal conflict enhance an actor's ability to portray complex characters?
  • Understanding interpersonal conflict allows actors to tap into the emotions and motivations behind their characters’ actions. By recognizing the struggles that drive these conflicts, actors can create more nuanced performances that resonate with the audience. This depth enhances the overall authenticity of the character's interactions and relationships on stage.
• In what ways can interpersonal conflict contribute to dramatic tension within a performance?
  • Interpersonal conflict creates dramatic tension by introducing obstacles and challenges that characters must navigate. This tension keeps the audience engaged as they become invested in how these conflicts will be resolved. The stakes become higher when characters face off against one another, making every interaction charged with emotion and anticipation.
• Evaluate the role of dialogue in revealing interpersonal conflict and its impact on character development during a performance.
  • Dialogue plays a crucial role in showcasing interpersonal conflict by allowing characters to express their differing views and emotions. Through dialogue, audiences gain insight into the characters' motivations and how their conflicts shape their relationships. As characters confront each other through words, their development unfolds before the audience, leading to potential resolutions or further complications in the story arc.

Related terms

Character Motivation: The reasons or desires that drive a character's actions and decisions within a story.

Dramatic Tension: The sense of anxiety or suspense that arises from conflicts and obstacles faced by characters in a narrative.

Dialogue: The spoken exchanges between characters that reveal their thoughts, emotions, and relationships, often highlighting conflicts.