Types of Conflict in a Narrative

Types of Conflict In Literature

Open Ended

How would you define 'conflict'?

​CONFLICT IN GENERAL:

• ​a problem or issue

​CONFLICT IN LITERATURE:

• ​a force or issue that characters face throughout the story

• ​acts as the driving force for the plot and builds tension to keep the story moving along

​THE MAJOR CATEGORIES OF CONFLICT

​What are they? What are their different types?

​TWO MAJOR CATEGORIES

TYPES OF EXTERNAL CONFLICT:

• ​occurs between a character and an outside force

  Character vs Character

  • ​a character conflicts with another character or a small group

• ​Character vs Nature

  • ​a character conflicts with something in nature (weather, animal, machine, disease, the supernatural, etc.)

• ​Character vs Society

  • ​a character conflicts with a larger group of people (mob) or against systems (religion, politics, beliefs, laws)

Multiple Choice

What is the definition of an "external" conflict?

• An issue between a character and an outside force.
• A problem within the story.
• A struggle that a character has within him/her self.
• A problem caused by the protagonist.

Multiple Choice

In "Twilight," Edward & Jacob battle for Bella's affection.

• individual vs. individual
• individual vs. nature
• individual vs. society
• individual vs. self

Multiple Choice

Elsa has to be hidden away from the outside world because of her secret magical powers.

• individual vs. individual
• individual vs. nature
• individual vs. society
• individual vs. self

Multiple Choice

A plane crashed on an island in the middle of the ocean.  Chuck had to survive ... all on his own!

• individual vs. self
• individual vs. technology
• individual vs. nature
• individual vs. society

​TYPES OF INTERNAL CONFLICT

• ​conflict occurs within the character's mind

• ​Character vs Self

  • ​a character struggles with a decision, self-doubt, or they have a sense of uncertainty about a situation

  • ​is only resolved when a character makes a choice

Multiple Choice

Spot the internal conflict

• I got pushed and was wet

• I felt distrustful of my friend because I got pushed

Multiple Choice

Spot the internal conflict

• I feel sad about not spending enough time with my family

• I don't spend enough time with my family

INTERNAL VS EXTERNAL​

​Can you spot which is which?

Multiple Choice

Kelly knows that she saw her friend, Kimmy, steal a pair of earrings, and that she should tell someone. However, Kelly is her friend, and she doesn’t want her to get into trouble.

• internal conflict

• external conflict

Multiple Choice

Two candidates are running for Prime Minister. Only one can win.

• internal conflict

• external conflict

Multiple Choice

Sunder and her family must seek shelter before the approaching storm hits.

• internal conflict

• external conflict

Multiple Choice

A student organizes a demonstration to protest a new rule that says they cannot bring their cellphones to school, anymore.

• internal conflict

• external conflict