The Types of Conflict (Lesson Tutorial)

What is conflict? 

• A problem when two people want the same thing

• A clash between what you want and the obstacles in your way

• Violence in the world 

Conflict is the struggle between two opposing forces. Is a conflict always just between 2 people?

• Yes

• No

Why do teachers sometimes replace the term “Man vs.” with “Character vs.”?

• To make it sound more dramatic.

• Because “Man vs.” only applies to male characters.

• To make it more inclusive of all people and character types.

• Because modern stories don’t use conflict anymore.

Which of these would be an example of Man vs. Self?

• A detective chasing a criminal.

• A character torn between telling the truth or protecting a friend’s feelings.

• A hiker trying to survive a storm.

• A citizen protesting an unfair law.

Internal conflicts can make characters feel more realistic because they—

• Always make the right choice.

• Depend on others to solve their problems.

• Reveal personal struggles that readers can relate to.

• Always lead to action scenes

What are external conflicts? 

• When a character faces a challenge inside of themselves

• When a character faces a challenge outside of themselves

• When a character has a problem outside of their house

Which situation best shows a Man vs. Man conflict that could reveal something important about the characters involved?

• Two friends both want to be team captain and argue over who deserves it most.

• A student debating whether to cheat on a test.

• A family evacuating during a hurricane.

• A detective haunted by guilt over a past mistake.

In “Man vs. Nature,” what makes the situation truly a conflict?

• When the weather changes.

• When humans adapt to their surroundings.

• When a character hits a tree with their car.

• When nature actively works against the character’s goals.

Why might an author choose to include a Man vs. Society conflict in a story?

• To highlight how unpredictable the natural world can be.

• To explore how individuals challenge cultural expectations, injustice, or group pressure.

• To make the story feel more action-packed without deeper meaning.

• To focus only on one person’s private emotions.

How are Man vs. Technology and Man vs. Supernatural conflicts similar?

• Both involve everyday, realistic problems.

• Both always take place in futuristic settings.

• Both show humans struggling against powers beyond their understanding or control.

• Both are caused by bad weather.