Conflict in Literature

Can a story exist without conflict?

Conflict in Literature

A CONFLICT is a struggle between two opposing forces

Multiple Choice

Choose the BEST description that shows potential conflict.

• The sun sets on the horizon

• The sun burns the unaware tourist.

• The sun holds our solar system together

• The sun is golden today.

Conflict is divided into two categories: Internal and External

Feelings vs. External forces

Internal conflicts are opposing forces within our hearts and minds.

Fear / indecision / anger ...

Open Ended

What are some other internal conflicts you can think of? (Hint: Imagine a character you know. What is the obstacle that character faces within him/herself?)

Back to EXTERNAL conflict. We know them, but how well do them?

There are 4 main types of external conflict

Person vs. Person

One character opposes another character.

Open Ended

Can you think of another story (book, movie, etc) that has an external conflict that is person vs person?

Person vs. Nature

The protagonist faces the opposing force of nature.

Open Ended

Can you think of another story (book, movie, etc) that has an external conflict that is person vs nature?

Person vs. Fate

Very common in Greek myths. When the protagonist is trapped by an inescapable destiny.

Open Ended

Can you think of another story (book, movie, etc) that has an external conflict that is person vs fate?

Person vs. Society

When characters struggles against the conventions, rules, traditions of their society or government

Open Ended

Can you think of another story (book, movie, etc) that has an external conflict that is person vs society?

Poll

What do you think is your favorite type of external conflict in a story?

• person vs. person

• person vs. nature

• person vs. fate

• person vs. society

Poll

Which do you enjoy more in a story, the internal conflicts of characters (seeing characters work out their issues) or the external conflicts?

• internal conflicts

• external conflicts

Most stories feature both internal and external conflicts. They also have a variety of external conflicts.

Poll

Do you think a story can exist without conflict? (Do all stories have conflict?)

• yes

• no