Character vs. self

Definition

Character vs. self is a type of internal conflict where a character struggles with their own thoughts, beliefs, or emotions. This battle often revolves around personal dilemmas, ethical choices, or emotional challenges that reveal the character's deeper motivations and vulnerabilities. It highlights the complexity of human psychology, illustrating how characters can be their own worst enemies as they navigate their journey.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Internal conflicts often manifest through a character's thoughts and emotions, making them an essential tool for character development in storytelling.
2. The resolution of character vs. self conflicts can lead to significant growth or change in the character, impacting their relationships and decisions moving forward.
3. This type of conflict allows writers to explore themes such as identity, morality, and personal growth, creating depth in the narrative.
4. Characters facing internal struggles tend to resonate more with audiences, as these conflicts mirror real-life challenges that people face.
5. Effective portrayal of character vs. self can enhance the emotional stakes of a story, making it more engaging and relatable for viewers.

Review Questions

• How does character vs. self conflict contribute to a character's development throughout a story?
  • Character vs. self conflict is crucial for character development as it showcases the internal struggles that influence a character's decisions and actions. Through these struggles, characters often confront their fears or moral dilemmas, leading to growth or transformation. As they navigate these challenges, viewers gain insight into their motivations and vulnerabilities, creating a deeper connection with the character.
• In what ways can internal conflict enhance the overall themes within a narrative?
  • Internal conflict can enhance overall themes by allowing characters to grapple with issues like identity, morality, and personal responsibility. When characters face their inner demons, it adds layers to the story that resonate with audiences on an emotional level. Themes become more impactful as characters evolve through their struggles, reflecting broader human experiences that many can relate to.
• Evaluate how effectively resolving a character vs. self conflict can change the trajectory of a narrative.
  • Effectively resolving a character vs. self conflict can significantly alter the trajectory of a narrative by establishing new directions for the plot and character relationships. When a character overcomes their internal struggles, it often leads to pivotal decisions that shape their future actions and interactions with others. This resolution can also signal a transformation that challenges previous dynamics in the story, creating fresh conflicts or resolutions that engage the audience and propel the narrative forward.

Related terms

Internal Conflict:

A struggle occurring within a character, often involving emotions, desires, or beliefs that create tension and drive the narrative.

Character Arc:

The transformation or growth a character undergoes throughout the story, often influenced by their internal conflicts and decisions.

Motivation: The reasons behind a character's actions and decisions, which are often shaped by their internal struggles and desires.