Internal Conflict

Definition

Internal conflict refers to the psychological struggle within a character, often arising from conflicting desires, values, or emotions. This type of conflict is crucial for character development, driving narratives forward and creating tension that can impact the plot significantly.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Internal conflict can be triggered by external events, but it primarily takes place within the character's mind, showcasing their emotional and psychological struggles.
2. This type of conflict often leads to pivotal moments in a narrative, influencing key decisions that characters make, especially during inciting incidents and plot points.
3. Characters may face internal conflicts related to their flaws or insecurities, which can lead to significant growth or change as they confront these challenges.
4. The resolution of internal conflict is often tied to the thematic statements of a story, highlighting how personal struggles reflect broader human experiences.
5. Effective scene descriptions can emphasize internal conflict by showcasing a character's thoughts and emotions through their actions, surroundings, and dialogue.

Review Questions

• How does internal conflict serve as a driving force in a character's development throughout a narrative?
  • Internal conflict plays a vital role in shaping a character's journey by forcing them to confront their own fears, desires, or moral dilemmas. This struggle often leads to significant moments of decision-making that propel the plot forward and foster growth. As characters navigate their internal battles, they evolve, making their eventual resolutions more impactful and relatable.
• Discuss how internal conflict can influence the inciting incident and subsequent plot points within a story.
  • The inciting incident often catalyzes a character's internal conflict by presenting a challenge that forces them to confront their fears or desires. This initial struggle sets off a chain of events where each plot point deepens the internal turmoil. As characters face escalating stakes, their responses to these conflicts shape the story's trajectory, leading to climactic moments that resolve both external and internal tensions.
• Evaluate how resolving internal conflict contributes to both theme development and character growth in storytelling.
  • Resolving internal conflict is crucial for theme development as it often highlights the core messages about human nature and morality. When characters confront their internal struggles and achieve personal breakthroughs, it not only signifies their growth but also illustrates the overarching themes in the narrative. This connection enriches the story by showing how individual journeys mirror broader societal issues or philosophical questions.

Related terms

Character Arc:

The transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story, which often involves overcoming internal conflicts.

Motivation:

The reasons behind a character's actions, often influenced by internal conflicts that drive their decisions and behaviors.

Theme:

The underlying message or main idea explored in a story, often intertwined with characters' internal conflicts and their resolutions.