Conflict

Definition

Conflict is a struggle between opposing forces that drives the narrative forward and creates tension within a story. It can take various forms, including internal conflict (within a character) and external conflict (between characters or between a character and their environment), and it is essential for character development, plot progression, and thematic exploration.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conflict is often categorized into various types, such as man vs. man, man vs. self, man vs. society, and man vs. nature, each serving different purposes in storytelling.
2. Developing strong conflict is crucial for engaging readers, as it creates stakes that keep them invested in the characters' journeys and outcomes.
3. Secondary characters can enhance the main conflict by providing support or opposition to the protagonist, adding layers of complexity to the storyline.
4. Effective world-building techniques often incorporate conflict by establishing rules or circumstances that challenge characters and create obstacles for them to overcome.
5. Themes often emerge from the resolution of conflicts, reflecting universal truths about human nature, morality, and society.

Review Questions

• How does conflict drive character development in storytelling?
  • Conflict serves as a catalyst for character development by forcing characters to face challenges that test their values, beliefs, and abilities. Through overcoming obstacles—whether internal or external—characters evolve and grow, leading to changes in their motivations and actions. This growth is crucial for making characters relatable and believable, as readers witness their struggles and transformations in response to various conflicts.
• In what ways do secondary characters contribute to the main conflict of a story?
  • Secondary characters play an essential role in shaping the main conflict by either supporting or opposing the protagonist. They can introduce new challenges that complicate the narrative or provide necessary assistance that helps the protagonist grow. Additionally, these characters can embody different perspectives on the central conflict, enhancing its complexity and allowing readers to engage with multiple viewpoints within the story.
• Evaluate how different types of conflict can reflect broader themes within a narrative.
  • Different types of conflict—such as personal struggles or societal challenges—can reveal deeper themes about human experience and societal norms. For instance, a character's internal conflict regarding their identity can reflect themes of self-discovery and acceptance, while external conflicts with authority figures may highlight themes of rebellion or justice. By analyzing how these conflicts play out throughout the story, readers can gain insights into universal truths about human nature and societal dynamics.

Related terms

Protagonist:

The main character in a story who faces the central conflict and undergoes significant development throughout the narrative.

Antagonist:

A character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and driving the plot through challenges and obstacles.

Resolution:

The part of the story where conflicts are resolved, leading to a conclusion and providing closure for the characters and readers.