Types of Conflicts

Types of Conflicts In Literature… and in Real Life

Literary Conflict • External Conflict • External Conflict takes place outside of the body

Literary Conflict • Internal Conflict • Internal conflict takes place inside of the body/mind

Internal Conflict Example • The Lord of the Rings: Smeagol/Gollum

Types of External Conflict • 1) character vs. character • 2) character vs. nature • 3) character vs. society

Character vs. character • The protagonist is fighting against another character (usually opposite). Harry Potter vs. Voldemort

Character vs. Nature • Character fights against a natural force. Kyle vs. Tsunami

Character vs. Society • Character fights against society (government or culture) Katniss vs. The Capitol

1 Type of Internal Conflict • Character vs. Self • Character has a battle with himself/herself • Character struggles with personal issues Live life as an outcast or take Pride Rock???

Practice • What type of conflict is it?

Practice • Read the passage: with a partner, decide what kind of conflict it is: The poor duckling was driven about by every one; even his brothers and sisters were unkind to him, and would say, “Ah, you ugly creature, I wish the cat would get you,” and his mother said she wished he had never been born. The ducks pecked him, the chickens beat him, and the girl who fed the poultry kicked him with her feet. So at last he ran away, frightening the little birds in the hedge as he flew over the palings. “They are afraid of me because I am ugly,” he said. So he closed his eyes, and flew still farther, until he came out on a large moor, inhabited by wild ducks. Here he remained the whole night, feeling very tired and sorrowful.

Ready for Final Practice • Let’s Finish the Test! • After the Test: • Have “Theme” half-sheets ready to discuss theme • Video • Character Analysis Writing

Types of Conflicts