Internal Conflict

Definition

Internal conflict refers to the psychological struggle within a character, often involving competing desires, emotions, or beliefs. This type of conflict is crucial for character development, as it reveals deeper motivations and can lead to significant transformation throughout the narrative. Understanding internal conflict allows audiences to connect with characters on a more emotional level and enhances the story's thematic depth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Internal conflict can manifest as a struggle between opposing desires, such as love versus duty or ambition versus morality.
2. Characters experiencing internal conflict often undergo significant growth or change as they resolve their struggles.
3. This type of conflict is essential for creating relatable and multi-dimensional characters, making their journeys more compelling to audiences.
4. Writers use techniques like monologues or inner thoughts to showcase internal conflict, allowing audiences to witness the character's turmoil firsthand.
5. Internal conflict can drive the plot forward by influencing characters' decisions, leading to external conflicts with other characters or situations.

Review Questions

• How does internal conflict contribute to a character's development throughout a story?
  • Internal conflict plays a significant role in shaping a character's development by exposing their vulnerabilities and desires. As characters grapple with their inner struggles, they often experience growth, leading to changes in their beliefs or actions. This evolution not only deepens their personality but also impacts the overall narrative, making their journey more engaging for the audience.
• Discuss how different types of internal conflicts can affect a character's relationships with others in the story.
  • Different types of internal conflicts can create tension in a character's relationships by influencing their interactions and decisions. For example, a character torn between personal ambition and loyalty may act in ways that hurt their friends or family, leading to misunderstandings or fractures in those relationships. This dynamic can enhance dramatic tension and provide depth to both the character and their connections with others.
• Evaluate the role of internal conflict in enhancing thematic elements within a narrative. How can it lead to greater audience engagement?
  • Internal conflict enhances thematic elements by allowing characters to embody complex moral dilemmas or existential questions that resonate with audiences. As characters confront their inner struggles, they invite viewers to reflect on similar issues in their own lives. This connection creates deeper emotional engagement, as audiences become invested in the characters' journeys and the themes being explored, ultimately enriching the overall storytelling experience.

Related terms

Character Arc:

The transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story, often influenced by internal conflicts they face.

Motivation:

The driving force behind a character's actions and decisions, often shaped by their internal struggles and conflicts.

Dramatic Irony:

A situation where the audience knows something that the character does not, often highlighting the character's internal conflicts and enhancing tension.