Internal conflict

Definition

Internal conflict refers to the psychological struggle within a character, often involving opposing desires, emotions, or beliefs. It plays a crucial role in character development and can drive the plot forward as characters grapple with their inner turmoil, influencing their actions and decisions throughout the story.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Internal conflict is often depicted through dialogue, monologues, or soliloquies that reveal a character's thoughts and feelings.
2. It can manifest as a struggle between different values, such as loyalty vs. betrayal, love vs. duty, or ambition vs. morality.
3. Internal conflict is essential for creating relatable and complex characters, making the audience empathize with their struggles.
4. This type of conflict often leads to significant turning points in a story, impacting character relationships and plot progression.
5. Writers use internal conflict to build tension and suspense, as the audience becomes invested in how the character will resolve their struggle.

Review Questions

• How does internal conflict contribute to character development in a narrative?
  • Internal conflict contributes to character development by showcasing the complexities of a character's emotions and desires. As characters face their inner struggles, they often undergo significant changes or growth, which can deepen their complexity and make them more relatable to the audience. The resolution of these conflicts can lead to pivotal moments in the story where characters make important decisions that shape their arcs.
• Discuss the relationship between internal conflict and motivation in driving a plot forward.
  • Internal conflict is closely tied to a character's motivation, as it often highlights what drives them to act in certain ways. When characters face internal struggles, these motivations become clearer, influencing their decisions and actions throughout the plot. As characters work through their conflicts, their motivations can shift, leading to unexpected twists and keeping the audience engaged with the unfolding narrative.
• Evaluate how internal conflict can affect themes within a play or story and provide an example.
  • Internal conflict can significantly affect themes by revealing deeper insights into human nature and moral dilemmas. For example, in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' Hamlet's internal struggle between his duty to avenge his father's death and his moral hesitation creates themes of revenge, mortality, and existentialism. This conflict not only drives Hamlet's actions but also invites the audience to ponder complex questions about ethics and personal responsibility.

Related terms

character arc:

The transformation or inner journey of a character throughout a story, showcasing how they change due to internal conflicts and experiences.

motivation:

The reasons behind a character's actions or behavior, often linked to their internal conflicts and desires.

theme: The central idea or message conveyed in a story, often explored through the internal conflicts faced by characters.