Enrol to start learning
Reading is open to everyone. Enrolling is free, and it is what unlocks the audio lessons, practice tests and progress tracking.
4.1.1.5.2. External Conflict
Interactive Audio Lesson
Unlock the classroom podcast
The transcript is above and free to read. A free account plays the conversation back.
Create a free account
Today, we're diving into external conflict. Can anyone tell me what they think external conflict is?
Isn't it when a character faces challenges from outside forces?
Exactly! External conflict involves struggles against outside forces, be it other characters, nature, or society. Remember, we can summarize it as 'Character vs. External Factor'.
So, it's important for driving the story, right?
Yes! It propels the plot and helps develop characters. It's crucial for understanding the stakes in a narrative.
Unlock the classroom podcast
The transcript is above and free to read. A free account plays the conversation back.
Create a free account
Now, let's discuss the types of external conflict. Can anyone name a type of external conflict?
How about person vs. person?
Great! That's one. In person vs. person, we see characters opposing each other. Another type is person vs. nature, where characters face challenges like storms or wild animals. What else?
Person vs. society?
Correct! Here, a character struggles against societal norms or laws, often in a quest for justice. Let's remember the acronym PS(N) for Person vs. Society, Nature, and Person.
Unlock the classroom podcast
The transcript is above and free to read. A free account plays the conversation back.
Create a free accountWhy do you think external conflict is significant in a story?
It creates tension and helps show character growth.
Absolutely! External conflict drives the narrative and tests characters, revealing their weaknesses and strengths. It also helps convey themes. For instance, conflicts can explore justice or survival.
Can these conflicts change what the character believes or values?
Yes! External conflicts often lead to character development and thematic explorations. They can change characters’ beliefs profoundly.
Overview
Short Summary
External conflict involves the struggle between a character and outside forces, impacting the progression and outcome of the narrative.
Medium Summary
External conflict refers to the struggle faced by a character against external factors such as other characters, nature, or societal norms. This section explores the different types of external conflict, emphasizing their role in driving the narrative and creating tension within the story.
Detailed Summary
External Conflict
External conflict is a key narrative element that occurs between a character and an outside force. It is crucial in driving the plot and creating tension within a story. Understanding external conflict is essential as it forms a significant portion of the fabric of storytelling.
Types of External Conflict
- Person vs. Person: This type involves the direct struggle between two characters, illustrating themes of rivalry, competition, or antagonism. An example would be a hero facing off against a villain.
- Person vs. Nature: Here, the character faces challenges posed by natural forces such as storms, animals, or harsh environments. Such conflicts highlight human endurance and resilience.
- Person vs. Society: This type of conflict showcases a character's struggle against societal norms, laws, or institutions. Characters often fight for justice or change, representing broader themes of rebellion and conformity.
Significance of External Conflict
- Narrative Drive: External conflict propels the plot forward, introducing stakes and challenges that the protagonist must confront.
- Character Development: Through external conflicts, characters are tested, revealing their strengths and weaknesses.
- Theme Exploration: These conflicts can illuminate significant themes including justice, survival, and the human condition.
In summary, external conflict encompasses diverse struggles that shape the narrative, enhance character depth, and elucidate overarching themes.
Audio Book
Unlock the audio lesson
The script is above and free to read. A free account plays it back, in the voice you pick.
Create a free accountExternal Conflict occurs between a character and an outside force.
Detailed Explanation
External conflict is a struggle that a character faces from a source outside of themselves. This could involve physical confrontations between characters, battles with nature, or challenges posed by societal obstacles. In simpler terms, it’s when a character deals with conflicts that aren't just in their head but are influenced by the world around them.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a sports game where a player faces a tough opponent. The player has to overcome not only their own fears and doubts (internal conflict) but also the competitive skills of the other player (external conflict). This type of conflict drives the storyline in any sports or competition-related narrative.
Unlock the audio lesson
The script is above and free to read. A free account plays it back, in the voice you pick.
Create a free accountThere are three primary forms of external conflict: Person vs. Person, Person vs. Nature, and Person vs. Society.
Detailed Explanation
External conflicts can generally be categorized into three main types. The first, Person vs. Person, involves direct confrontation between characters, often seen in relationships or rivalries. The second, Person vs. Nature, involves a character facing challenges presented by natural elements, like a storm or a wildlife encounter. The third type, Person vs. Society, occurs when a character battles against societal norms, laws, or expectations, such as standing up for justice in an unfair or oppressive environment.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a young individual in a community that disapproves of their career choice. In Person vs. Society, this character struggles not only for professional fulfillment but also against the prejudices held by the people around them. On the other hand, a character stranded on an island battling hunger and weather showcases Person vs. Nature, while a sibling rivalry might highlight Person vs. Person conflict.
--
Key Concepts
Core takeaways and short definitions to help you quickly recall the key ideas from this section.
External Conflict: Struggles against outside forces.
Person vs. Person: Direct confrontations between characters.
Person vs. Nature: Challenges posed by natural elements.
Person vs. Society: Struggles against societal norms.
Examples
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Stories
Flash Cards
Glossary
External Conflict
The struggle faced by a character against outside forces, such as other characters, nature, or societal norms.
Person vs. Person
A type of external conflict involving a direct confrontation between two characters.
Person vs. Nature
A type of external conflict where a character faces challenges from natural elements or forces.
Person vs. Society
A type of external conflict where a character opposes societal norms, laws, or institutions.