Internal conflict

Definition

Internal conflict refers to the psychological struggle within a character, where they grapple with competing desires, beliefs, or emotions. This internal turmoil is crucial for character development and can drive the narrative by influencing decisions and actions that propel the story forward. It's often represented through a character's thoughts and feelings, revealing their vulnerabilities and complexities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Internal conflict can manifest as moral dilemmas, personal fears, or conflicting desires that challenge a character's values and beliefs.
2. A well-developed internal conflict can enhance emotional engagement for the audience, making the character's journey more relatable and impactful.
3. Internal conflicts are essential for creating dynamic character arcs, as they allow characters to grow or change in response to their struggles.
4. This type of conflict often intersects with external conflicts, providing depth to the narrative and illustrating how personal struggles affect broader situations.
5. Subplots can often reflect or contrast with the main internal conflict, adding layers to the story and highlighting different aspects of the character's journey.

Review Questions

• How does internal conflict contribute to character development in a narrative?
  • Internal conflict is key to character development as it reveals the complexities and struggles that characters face. These struggles can lead to growth or change in the character as they confront their fears, desires, or moral dilemmas. By illustrating how a character navigates their internal battles, writers can create more relatable and engaging arcs that resonate with the audience.
• In what ways can internal conflict be tied to a character's motivation within the storyline?
  • Internal conflict often shapes a character's motivation by highlighting their desires and fears. When characters face conflicting emotions or values, their motivations become more complex and nuanced. This interplay drives their decisions and actions throughout the storyline, making it clear why they pursue certain goals or engage in specific behaviors based on their internal struggles.
• Analyze how internal conflict can enhance themes within a story and provide specific examples.
  • Internal conflict can significantly enhance themes by showcasing how characters grapple with fundamental issues like identity, morality, or love. For example, in a story centered on self-discovery, a character might struggle with societal expectations versus personal desires. This internal conflict not only deepens their individual journey but also emphasizes broader themes of authenticity and personal freedom. By weaving these conflicts into the narrative, writers can create powerful commentary on human experience.

Related terms

Character Development:

The process of creating a believable character with depth, complexity, and a clear arc that evolves throughout the story.

Motivation: The reasons behind a character's actions or decisions, which can stem from internal desires or external pressures.

Theme:

The underlying message or main idea of a narrative that often emerges through the characters' struggles and resolutions.