Conflict drives stories forward, keeping audiences engaged. In screenplays, it comes in many forms, from external battles to internal struggles. Understanding these types helps writers craft compelling narratives.
External conflicts pit characters against others, nature, society, or fate. Internal conflicts explore personal dilemmas and psychological turmoil. Both types create tension, forcing characters to grow and change throughout the story.
Types of External Conflict
Interpersonal Conflicts
- Man vs. Man involves a struggle between two or more characters with opposing goals, beliefs, or values
- Occurs when the protagonist faces an antagonist who actively works against them (hero vs. villain)
- Can manifest as physical confrontations, verbal disputes, or psychological manipulation
- Often driven by conflicting desires, competition for resources, or ideological differences
- Examples:
- A detective trying to catch a criminal mastermind (Sherlock Holmes vs. Professor Moriarty)
- Two love interests vying for the affection of the same person (romantic rivals)
Conflicts with External Forces
- Man vs. Nature pits the protagonist against the challenges and dangers posed by the natural world
- Involves characters struggling to survive in harsh environments or facing natural disasters (storms, earthquakes, wild animals)
- Tests the limits of human resilience, resourcefulness, and adaptability
- Highlights the power and unpredictability of nature
- Man vs. Society explores the individual's struggle against societal norms, expectations, or injustices
- Occurs when the protagonist challenges or defies the established rules, traditions, or values of their community
- Can involve conflicts with authority figures, institutions, or prevailing social attitudes
- Often addresses themes of conformity, rebellion, and the quest for personal freedom or social change
- Man vs. Technology focuses on the dangers and consequences of advanced or misused technology
- Involves characters grappling with the impact of technological advancements on humanity
- Explores the potential risks and ethical dilemmas associated with scientific progress
- Can include conflicts with artificial intelligence, dystopian societies, or the unintended consequences of technological dependence
- Man vs. Fate/God delves into the protagonist's struggle against seemingly predetermined outcomes or higher powers
- Involves characters questioning or challenging their destiny, fate, or the will of divine entities
- Explores themes of free will, predestination, and the search for meaning or purpose in life
- Can include conflicts with prophecies, curses, or the inevitability of death
Alternative Terminology
- Person vs. Person serves as a gender-neutral alternative to Man vs. Man
- Acknowledges that conflicts can occur between characters of any gender
- Promotes inclusivity and avoids gendered language in describing interpersonal struggles
- Person vs. Environment encompasses conflicts with both natural and artificial surroundings
- Includes Man vs. Nature but also extends to conflicts with urban landscapes, hostile environments, or challenging physical spaces
- Emphasizes the broader range of external factors that can pose obstacles or challenges to characters
- Person vs. Supernatural involves conflicts with paranormal, mystical, or otherworldly entities
- Includes ghosts, demons, mythological creatures, or supernatural phenomena
- Explores the intersection of the natural and the supernatural, often blurring the lines between reality and the unknown
Types of Internal Conflict
Intrapersonal Struggles
- Man vs. Self explores the protagonist's inner battles, psychological turmoil, and personal dilemmas
- Involves characters grappling with conflicting emotions, desires, or moral choices
- Can manifest as internal monologues, flashbacks, or dream sequences that reveal the character's inner world
- Often revolves around themes of identity, self-discovery, guilt, regret, or personal growth
- Examples:
- A character struggling with addiction and the desire to overcome it
- A person torn between following their dreams or meeting family expectations