Conflict in Literature

1. Conflict in Literature

2. Internal Conflict Definition: A struggle that takes place in a character's mind is called internal conflict.

3. Internal Conflict is … • NOT a visual or tangible (physically touch) opposition. • a character dealing with his or her own mixed feelings or emotions.

4. Example of Internal Conflict • A character may have to decide between right and wrong or between two solutions to a problem.

5. Type of Internal Conflict • Man vs. himself • Internal conflict is often referred to as man vs. himself since the struggle is inside one’s head.

6. Man vs. Himself Examples • Susan vs. her worry of losing a game. • Jim vs. his fear of failing • Kasey vs. her laziness

7. External Conflict Definition: A struggle between a character and an outside force is an external conflict.

8. External Conflict • Characters may face several types of outside forces. • The outside force may be another character. It may be the character and the community. • The outside force may also be forces of nature. For example, a story might be the main character struggling against the arctic cold.

9. Types of External Conflict • Man vs. Man • Man vs. Environment

10. Man vs. Man • This is mostly seen in the form of two characters against each other. • It can also be represented by a group of people. • It does not have to be a physical confrontation; it can be a battle between two ideas.

11. Man vs. Man Examples • Stacey disagreeing with Terri. (Stacey vs. Terri)

12. Man vs. Environment • Environment is defined as anything surrounding a person. • This can include weather, objects, activities. • Basically anything external EXCEPT people.

13. Man vs. Environment Examples • Jerry trying to get home in a hurricane (Jerry vs. Environment).

14. ConflictQuick Review