Conflict

Definition

Conflict is the central struggle between opposing forces in a story, driving the narrative forward and creating tension. It can be external, like a character facing obstacles from other characters or the environment, or internal, where a character battles their own emotions and decisions. This tension is vital to engaging audiences and is woven into various elements such as character development, dialogue, scene structure, and overall plot progression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conflict is essential for storytelling; without it, there's no drama or interest for the audience.
2. There are various types of conflict: person vs. person, person vs. self, person vs. society, and person vs. nature.
3. Effective conflict often involves stakes that are high for the characters involved, making their struggles relatable and compelling.
4. Conflict can drive dialogue by creating tension between characters, revealing subtext and character motivations.
5. In scene structure, conflict helps determine the purpose of a scene, whether it be to escalate tension or lead to character development.

Review Questions

• How does conflict function as a driving force within a screenplay's narrative structure?
  • Conflict acts as the engine of a screenplay by propelling the narrative forward and engaging the audience's emotions. It creates stakes that compel viewers to care about the characters' outcomes. As characters face obstacles and challenges, their journeys become relatable and dynamic. This ongoing struggle keeps viewers invested in how each conflict unfolds and resolves.
• Discuss how effective dialogue can enhance the portrayal of conflict between characters.
  • Effective dialogue enhances conflict by revealing tensions and opposing desires between characters. Through sharp exchanges or misunderstandings, dialogue can illustrate the emotional stakes involved in their conflicts. Subtext plays a crucial role here; what characters don't say can be just as impactful as what they do say, adding layers to the tension and deepening audience engagement.
• Evaluate the role of conflict in developing a protagonist's character arc throughout a screenplay.
  • Conflict is central to a protagonist's character arc, as it challenges them to confront their fears, desires, and flaws. As they navigate through various external and internal conflicts, they experience growth or transformation, which can lead to a satisfying resolution. This journey through conflict allows audiences to connect with the protagonist on a deeper level, making their eventual triumphs or failures resonate emotionally.

Related terms

Protagonist:

The main character in a story, often facing conflicts that drive their development and the overall narrative.

Antagonist: The character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and challenges for them to overcome.

Climax:

The peak of the story's conflict, where tensions reach their highest point and lead to the resolution of the main struggle.