Conflict

Definition

Conflict is a struggle between opposing forces that drives the narrative and shapes character development. It serves as a catalyst for action and emotion, making it essential for creating tension and engaging an audience. Whether it's internal conflict within a character or external conflict between characters, the resolution of these struggles leads to meaningful moments in storytelling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conflict can be categorized into various types, including internal (within a character) and external (between characters or forces).
2. The rising action of a story typically builds tension through escalating conflicts, leading up to the climax.
3. In romance narratives, conflict often arises from misunderstandings or external pressures that challenge the relationship between characters.
4. Character relationships are often defined by their conflicts, which reveal their motivations and lead to growth or change.
5. Conflict resolution plays a crucial role in character development, influencing how characters evolve over the course of the narrative.

Review Questions

• How does conflict contribute to the rising action of a story?
  • Conflict is fundamental to rising action as it introduces tension and challenges that the characters must face. As obstacles increase, the stakes become higher, leading to more intense interactions between characters. This buildup creates suspense and engages the audience as they anticipate how these conflicts will unfold and ultimately resolve.
• Discuss how internal conflict can enhance characterization within a narrative.
  • Internal conflict provides depth to characters by revealing their struggles, fears, and desires. This self-examination allows audiences to connect with characters on a personal level. As they grapple with their dilemmas, viewers witness growth or change, making characters more relatable and compelling. The resolution of these internal battles often drives pivotal moments in the story.
• Evaluate the role of conflict in shaping central themes across different storytelling mediums.
  • Conflict is essential in highlighting central themes as it exposes core values and moral dilemmas faced by characters. In various storytelling mediums, such as film, television, or stage plays, conflict can illustrate broader societal issues like love versus duty or freedom versus oppression. By resolving conflicts, narratives convey deeper messages about human experience and condition, allowing audiences to reflect on these themes long after the story ends.

Related terms

Antagonist: The character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and driving the story forward.

Climax:

The turning point in the story where the main conflict reaches its highest intensity, often leading to a resolution.

Protagonist:

The main character in a story, whose desires and conflicts are central to the narrative.