Interactive Audio Lesson
Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.
Internal Conflict
Unlock Audio Lesson
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson
Today, we're starting with internal conflict, which is when a character faces a struggle within themselves. Can anyone think of what this might involve?
Maybe a character has to choose between right and wrong?
"Exactly, like when a character has moral dilemmas. For a quick memory aid, we can use the acronym 'MIND' -
External Conflict Types
Unlock Audio Lesson
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson
Letβs now move on to external conflicts. Can anyone tell me what this involves?
Isn't that when a character struggles against outside forces rather than their own mind?
Correct! We have five types of external conflict. Let's quickly go through them. For memory, consider the acronym 'SNTSP,' where 'S' is for Society, 'N' is for Nature, 'T' is for Technology, 'S' is for Supernatural, and 'P' is for Person. Who can give me an example of person vs. person?
Two siblings arguing over inheritance could be an example!
Exactly! Now, can someone give me an example of person vs. nature?
How about a man stranded on a desert island surviving against the elements?
Excellent! These examples show how conflict drives the plot and character development.
Introduction & Overview
Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.
Quick Overview
Standard
The section categorizes conflicts into internal and external types, detailing specific forms such as person vs. self, person vs. person, person vs. society, person vs. nature, person vs. technology, and person vs. supernatural. Each type is illustrated with relevant examples to clarify their distinctions.
Detailed
Types of Conflict
In fiction, conflict serves as the driving force behind the narrative, shaping character development and plot progression. This section categorizes conflicts into two primary types: internal conflict and external conflict, each further divided into distinct forms, providing a comprehensive understanding of how conflict manifests in literature.
Internal Conflict (Person vs. Self)
Internal conflict involves a character grappling with their own thoughts, emotions, or moral dilemmas. This type of conflict is crucial for character development and can lead to significant transformations when the character confronts their issues.
- Example: A character must decide whether to confess a truth that could hurt someone they care about or lie to protect them.
External Conflict
External conflict arises from the character's struggles against outside forces. This can include:
- Person vs. Person: A direct confrontation between characters, often highlighting rivalry or opposition.
- Example: A rivalry between two friends competing for the same position.
- Person vs. Society: The struggle of a character (or group) against societal norms or institutions.
- Example: A woman fighting for her rights in a patriarchal society.
- Person vs. Nature: A character's battle against natural forces or phenomena.
- Example: A hiker lost in a storm-laden wilderness.
- Person vs. Technology: A conflict involving modern advancements or machines.
- Example: A character trying to evade an artificial intelligence intent on control.
- Person vs. Supernatural: A conflict with otherworldly elements or forces.
- Example: A man dealing with a haunting spirit in his home.
Understanding these types of conflict enriches the analysis of texts and enhances the reader's ability to connect with characters and their journeys.
Audio Book
Dive deep into the subject with an immersive audiobook experience.
Internal Conflict
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
Internal Conflict (Person vs. Self):
A struggle occurring within a character's own mind, often involving moral dilemmas, difficult decisions, or conflicting emotions.
Example: A character debating whether to tell the truth and face consequences or lie to protect someone.
Detailed Explanation
Internal conflict, also known as 'person vs. self', refers to the psychological struggle that a character experiences within themself. This might involve grappling with difficult choices, feelings of guilt, or conflicting desires. For instance, when a character must choose between honesty and protecting a friend, it illustrates the internal battle they are facing. This type of conflict is essential in literature because it reveals the character's depth and humanity, allowing readers to empathize with their struggles.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a student who has studied hard for a test but hears that one of their classmates might cheat. They face an internal conflict: should they report the cheating and risk being unpopular, or remain silent and compromise their values? This scenario shows how internal conflicts mirror real-life dilemmas, making the character's journey relatable.
External Conflict: Person vs. Person
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
External Conflict: A struggle between a character and an outside force.
Person vs. Person: A struggle between two or more characters.
Example: A rivalry between classmates, a fight between siblings, or a legal dispute.
Detailed Explanation
The 'person vs. person' conflict is one of the most recognizable forms of external conflict. It occurs when characters face off against each other, creating tension and driving the plot forward. This could be through direct confrontation, competition, or even antagonism. For example, two classmates might vie for the top position in a school project, leading to rivalry and conflict that influences their actions and decisions throughout the story.
Examples & Analogies
Think about a sports competition where two teams are pitted against each other. Each player must strategize to outsmart the opposing team, leading to conflict during the game. The competition not only drives the event's narrative but also reveals character traits, teamwork, and individual desires.
External Conflict: Person vs. Society
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
External Conflict: A struggle between a character and an outside force.
Person vs. Society: A struggle between a character (or group) and societal norms, laws, traditions, or institutions.
Example: A rebel fighting against an oppressive government, a character challenging prevailing prejudices.
Detailed Explanation
The 'person vs. society' conflict arises when an individual challenges societal norms or systems. This could manifest as protests against injustice, the struggle for rights, or personal battles against traditional expectations. Such conflicts often highlight significant themes and provoke contemplation about societal values and justice. They aim to showcase how a character's beliefs may clash with larger societal frameworks.
Examples & Analogies
Consider civil rights activists fighting against racial discrimination. Their struggle against societal prejudices and unjust laws creates a powerful narrative reflecting the larger conflicts in society. By standing up against the majority, they illustrate the courage it takes to challenge the status quo.
External Conflict: Person vs. Nature
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
External Conflict: A struggle between a character and an outside force.
Person vs. Nature: A struggle between a character and natural forces or the environment.
Example: A survivor battling a harsh winter, a group lost in a dense forest.
Detailed Explanation
In the 'person vs. nature' conflict, characters find themselves at odds with the natural world, which can include weather conditions, animals, or geographical challenges. This type of conflict often tests the resilience and resourcefulness of characters as they face significant obstacles in their environment. It represents the struggle for survival and the impact of nature on human lives.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a hiker caught in a sudden snowstorm while attempting to climb a mountain. The struggle against the intense cold and difficulty of navigating through the snow illustrates this conflict. It reflects humanity's vulnerability against the forces of nature, emphasizing themes of survival and perseverance.
External Conflict: Person vs. Technology
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
External Conflict: A struggle between a character and an outside force.
Person vs. Technology: A struggle between a character and machines, artificial intelligence, or technological advancements.
Example: A hacker battling a powerful computer system, humans fighting against sentient robots.
Detailed Explanation
The 'person vs. technology' conflict centers around characters facing challenges posed by technology or machines. This conflict can explore themes like dependency on technology, ethical dilemmas, and the potential dangers of technological advancement. Characters may struggle against the very inventions meant to aid them, often leading to questions about control and morality.
Examples & Analogies
Think about a story where a person must disable an AI that has taken control of a city's infrastructure. This situation highlights the conflict between human intellect and the capabilities of artificial intelligence, prompting questions about when technology can become a danger rather than a benefit.
External Conflict: Person vs. Supernatural
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
External Conflict: A struggle between a character and an outside force.
Person vs. Supernatural: A struggle between a character and forces beyond human understanding, such as ghosts, magic, or divine beings.
Example: A character encountering a haunted house, a hero battling mythical creatures.
Detailed Explanation
The 'person vs. supernatural' conflict highlights struggles against entities or forces that transcend normal human experience. These conflicts often delve into themes of fear, belief, and the unknown, as characters must confront phenomena that defy logic. Such conflicts are popular in fantasy and horror genres, often serving as metaphors for personal fears or societal issues.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a story about a young woman who must confront a ghost haunting her family home. Her struggle not only focuses on the supernatural elements but also explores themes of grief, closure, and the legacy of the past. This narrative engages with fear while also offering deeper emotional insights.
Definitions & Key Concepts
Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.
Key Concepts
-
Internal Conflict: A character's struggle within their own mind.
-
External Conflict: A struggle between the character and outside forces.
-
Person vs. Person: Conflict between two characters.
-
Person vs. Society: Conflict against societal norms.
-
Person vs. Nature: Conflict against natural forces.
-
Person vs. Technology: Conflict with technological entities.
-
Person vs. Supernatural: Conflict with supernatural forces.
Examples & Real-Life Applications
See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.
Examples
-
A character debating whether to lie to protect a loved one highlights internal conflict.
-
A rivalry between two students competing for a scholarship exemplifies person vs. person conflict.
-
A character struggling to survive in the wilderness demonstrates person vs. nature conflict.
-
A protagonist challenging societal expectations embodies person vs. society conflict.
-
A hacker battling a computer system represents person vs. technology conflict.
-
A hero confronting a mythical creature illustrates person vs. supernatural conflict.
Memory Aids
Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.
π΅ Rhymes Time
-
If your mind is torn, 'tween wrong and right, that's internal conflict, a stirring fight.
π Fascinating Stories
-
Imagine a hero torn between saving a friend or following the law; this internal battle shapes their destiny.
π§ Other Memory Gems
-
SNTSP for external conflict - Society, Nature, Technology, Supernatural, Person.
π― Super Acronyms
MIND for internal conflict - Moral choices, Inner struggles, Navigating emotions, Decisions.
Flash Cards
Review key concepts with flashcards.
Glossary of Terms
Review the Definitions for terms.
-
Term: Internal Conflict
Definition:
A struggle occurring within a character's own mind.
-
Term: External Conflict
Definition:
A struggle between a character and outside forces.
-
Term: Person vs. Person
Definition:
A conflict between two characters.
-
Term: Person vs. Society
Definition:
A character's struggle against societal norms or institutions.
-
Term: Person vs. Nature
Definition:
A conflict between a character and natural elements.
-
Term: Person vs. Technology
Definition:
A fight between a character and machines or technological advancements.
-
Term: Person vs. Supernatural
Definition:
A character's conflict with forces beyond human understanding, such as ghosts or magic.