Conflict

Definition

Conflict refers to a struggle or clash between opposing forces, ideas, or characters, often driving the narrative in literature and storytelling. It can manifest in various forms, including internal conflict within a character, external conflict between characters, or societal conflict between groups. This central element generates tension and propels the plot forward, creating stakes that engage readers and add depth to character development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conflict is often categorized into different types: internal (within a character), external (between characters), and societal (between groups or societies).
2. In literature, conflict is crucial for character development, revealing motivations, desires, and moral dilemmas faced by characters.
3. Effective conflicts heighten emotional engagement, making readers invested in the outcomes of the characters involved.
4. Writers often use conflict to explore larger themes such as love, power, justice, and identity, providing deeper meanings to the story.
5. The resolution of conflict often leads to significant change for the characters and can reflect real-world issues and struggles.

Review Questions

• How does conflict enhance character development in narratives?
  • Conflict enhances character development by exposing characters to challenges that reveal their true nature and motivations. As characters confront conflicts—whether internal struggles or external challenges—they are forced to make choices that define them. This process allows readers to witness growth or regression in characters, making them more relatable and compelling.
• In what ways do different types of conflict contribute to the overall theme of a story?
  • Different types of conflict contribute to a story's theme by allowing writers to explore complex issues through the lens of struggle. For example, internal conflict can highlight personal growth and self-discovery, while external conflict may showcase societal issues or moral dilemmas. Together, these conflicts create layers in the narrative that enrich the thematic depth and resonate with readers on multiple levels.
• Evaluate the role of conflict in driving narrative momentum and reader engagement in literature.
  • Conflict plays a pivotal role in driving narrative momentum by establishing stakes that keep readers invested in the outcome. As conflicts unfold—whether through clashes between protagonists and antagonists or internal struggles—tension builds, creating suspense and excitement. This dynamic keeps readers turning pages, eager to see how conflicts resolve and what transformations characters undergo, thus enhancing overall engagement with the text.

Related terms

Protagonist: The main character in a story who typically faces conflict and drives the narrative forward.

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

Resolution: The conclusion of a conflict in a narrative, where the tensions are resolved, and the story reaches a satisfying end.