Character vs. self

Definition

Character vs. self is a type of internal conflict that occurs when a character struggles with their own beliefs, desires, or emotions. This conflict often leads to significant character development and drives the narrative forward as characters confront their inner demons or make tough decisions that reflect their true selves.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Internal conflicts can reveal a character's vulnerabilities and lead to more relatable and complex portrayals.
2. The struggle between what a character wants and what they believe they should do creates tension and can engage the audience emotionally.
3. Characters facing internal conflict often must make choices that define their values and principles, impacting their relationships with others.
4. This type of conflict is essential for driving the plot forward, as it can result in pivotal moments of decision-making or change.
5. Resolution of character vs. self conflicts can lead to growth, redemption, or tragedy, significantly affecting the story's outcome.

Review Questions

• How does character vs. self conflict influence a character's development throughout a story?
  • Character vs. self conflict is crucial for character development as it forces characters to confront their beliefs and emotions. This internal struggle can lead to important realizations that alter their actions and decisions. As characters navigate these conflicts, they often experience growth or change, making them more relatable and dynamic to the audience.
• Discuss how internal conflicts between a character's desires and moral beliefs can create dramatic tension in a narrative.
  • When a character faces internal conflict between their desires and moral beliefs, it generates dramatic tension that captivates the audience. This struggle often leads to high-stakes decisions where the character must weigh their personal desires against ethical considerations. Such moments create suspense and emotional engagement as viewers invest in the outcome of the character's journey.
• Evaluate the role of character vs. self conflicts in shaping the themes of identity and morality in storytelling.
  • Character vs. self conflicts are pivotal in shaping themes of identity and morality because they delve into the complexities of human nature. As characters grapple with their inner struggles, they explore questions about who they are versus who they want to be. This evaluation not only enhances the narrative depth but also allows audiences to reflect on their own values and moral dilemmas, making these themes resonate on a personal level.

Related terms

Internal Conflict: A psychological struggle within a character, which can involve conflicting desires, emotions, or moral dilemmas.

Character Arc: The transformation or journey that a character undergoes throughout a story, often as a result of internal conflicts.

Motivation: The reasons behind a character's actions, which can stem from internal conflicts between their desires and their morals.