What is an External & Internal Conflict? Examples

At the heart of compelling narratives lies the concept of conflict, a literary device extensively examined in Aristotle’s Poetics and various screenwriting manuals like Save the Cat!. External conflict often manifests as a character’s struggle against an antagonist, a societal norm, or even nature itself; while internal conflict, a battle waged within the protagonist’s mind, explores moral dilemmas and psychological struggles. Effective utilization of both external and internal conflict can elevate a simple story into a profound exploration of the human condition, shaping character arcs and driving plot development, as seen in the works of acclaimed authors like Leo Tolstoy. Understanding what is an external and internal conflict is critical not only for writers but also for readers seeking deeper engagement with the stories they consume; thus providing a framework for analyzing narratives across diverse mediums.

Understanding the Ubiquitous Nature of Conflict

Conflict: It’s the lifeblood of storytelling, the engine of human progress, and a constant companion in our personal journeys. From the grandest epics to the quietest moments of introspection, conflict shapes our experiences and defines our narratives. This section serves as an introduction to understanding its ubiquitous nature.

We often think of conflict as something negative. However, it is not merely a source of drama or opposition but a fundamental mechanism through which we understand ourselves, our world, and the intricate relationships that bind us.

Defining Conflict

At its core, conflict is a struggle.

It can be between individuals, within a person, or against the broader forces of nature or society. It represents a clash of opposing forces, ideas, or desires that propel a narrative forward or challenge the status quo.

Understanding conflict means recognizing its dual nature: it can be destructive and divisive. But it also can be transformative and a path to innovation.

Internal vs. External: A Dichotomy, Yet Interconnected

Conflict presents in two primary forms: internal and external. External conflict manifests as a struggle against an outside force. This may include another person, societal norms, or the elements.

Internal conflict, on the other hand, rages within an individual. It is often a battle of conscience, a struggle with identity, or a wrestling with difficult choices.

While seemingly distinct, these two forms of conflict are inextricably linked. External pressures can trigger internal turmoil, and internal struggles can shape our interactions with the world around us. A character facing discrimination (external) may experience a crisis of self-worth (internal), demonstrating this interplay.

The Driving Forces: Motivation and Values

Motivation and values serve as the fuel that ignites and sustains conflict. Motivation defines what characters or individuals desire to achieve, the goals they pursue, and the stakes they are willing to bear.

When motivations clash, conflict is inevitable.

Similarly, values dictate what we believe to be right, wrong, just, or unjust. Differences in values can lead to deep-seated disagreements and moral conflicts that resonate across narratives and real-life situations.

Ultimately, understanding the interplay of motivations and values is crucial to unraveling the complexities of any conflict, be it internal or external. They illuminate the reasons behind the struggle. They reveal the character’s true self.

Deconstructing Conflict in Literature: Key Concepts

Conflict in literature isn’t just about characters butting heads; it’s a carefully constructed element that drives the narrative, reveals character, and explores profound themes. To fully appreciate its impact, we must deconstruct the core literary components involved in creating and resolving conflict within a narrative.

Core Components: The Building Blocks of Narrative Tension

Several core components work in harmony to build and resolve conflict, each playing a crucial role in the story’s overall impact. Understanding these elements is key to unlocking the deeper meaning embedded within the narrative.

The Protagonist: Navigating the Labyrinth of Conflict

The protagonist is the central figure who grapples with the core conflict. Their journey, reactions, and choices define the narrative’s trajectory.

The protagonist is not always a hero; they are simply the character whose perspective guides us through the story’s challenges. They are the lens through which the conflict is experienced and understood.

The Antagonist: The Catalyst for External Obstacles

While the protagonist navigates the conflict, the antagonist often embodies the opposing force, creating external obstacles that the protagonist must overcome.

The antagonist might be a person, a group, a societal structure, or even an aspect of nature. Their primary function is to challenge the protagonist and intensify the conflict.

Transformation and the Character Arc: Forged in the Fires of Conflict

Conflict is a crucible that forges change. It is the mechanism through which the protagonist evolves, learns, and transforms.

The character arc is the journey of this transformation, shaped by the challenges and resolutions that arise from the conflict.

Without conflict, characters would remain static, lacking the depth and complexity that makes them relatable and compelling. It is through their struggles that they truly reveal themselves.

Plot: A Tapestry Woven with Escalating Conflict

The plot is more than just a sequence of events; it’s a carefully constructed framework built upon escalating conflict.

Each plot point, from the inciting incident to the climax, represents a turning point in the conflict, propelling the narrative forward and heightening the stakes.

Resolution: The Ripple Effects of Conflict’s End

The resolution is the culmination of the conflict, where the opposing forces reach some form of equilibrium. The outcome of the resolution has lasting effects on the characters and the world around them.

Whether the conflict is resolved through triumph, compromise, or defeat, the resolution provides closure and reflects the thematic implications of the story.

Thematic Significance: Unveiling Deeper Layers

Conflict is not merely a plot device; it’s a powerful tool for exploring deeper thematic layers within the narrative. The types of conflict and the characters’ responses to them provide insights into the human condition.

Themes such as love, loss, justice, and morality are often explored through the lens of conflict, adding depth and resonance to the story. Conflict can reveal the core values that are at play in the narrative.

Setting as a Mirror to Conflict

The setting can play a significant role in amplifying or mirroring the conflict. The environment in which the story takes place can create additional challenges for the characters or reflect their internal struggles.

A harsh, unforgiving landscape might mirror the characters’ internal turmoil, while a vibrant, bustling city could represent the societal forces at play.

Types of Conflict: A Spectrum of Challenges

Conflict manifests in various forms, each presenting unique narrative possibilities. Recognizing these different types allows for a deeper understanding of the story’s complexities.

Moral and Ethical Dilemmas: Navigating the Gray Areas

Moral conflict arises when characters face difficult choices between competing values or principles. These dilemmas often challenge their sense of right and wrong, forcing them to confront their own moral compass.

Referencing Kohlberg’s Moral Development theory can provide a framework for analyzing these ethical struggles and understanding the characters’ moral reasoning.

External Conflicts: Battles Against the Outside World

External conflicts pit characters against forces outside of themselves.

These include:

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Man vs. Man:A direct confrontation between two or more individuals. Man vs. Nature: A struggle for survival against the forces of the natural world.

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Man vs. Society:A clash between an individual and the norms, laws, or expectations of society. Man vs. Technology: A conflict arising from the use or misuse of technology.

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Man vs. Supernatural:

**A battle against otherworldly or paranormal forces.

Internal Conflict: The Introspection of Man vs. Self

Internal conflict is a battle waged within the character’s own mind. This is the realm of self-doubt, conflicting desires, and moral quandaries.

Exploring the**introspection of “Man vs. Self” provides insights into the character’s psyche* and the forces that shape their decisions.

In conclusion, deconstructing conflict in literature involves understanding its core components, thematic significance, and diverse forms. By analyzing these elements, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the power of conflict to drive narrative, reveal character, and explore the complexities of the human experience.

The Psychology of Inner Turmoil: Internal Conflict Explained

Conflict isn’t limited to external battles or disagreements with others. Some of the most profound and challenging conflicts exist within the individual, shaping their decisions, actions, and ultimately, their sense of self. This section delves into the psychological dimensions of internal conflict, exploring the internal discord that arises and its far-reaching impact on individuals.

Understanding Internal Discord: A Psychological Perspective

Internal conflict is, at its core, a battle within the self. It’s a state of tension and unease caused by opposing desires, beliefs, or values.

These internal battles can manifest in various forms, from minor indecisiveness to profound existential crises. Understanding the mechanisms at play can offer valuable insights into human behavior and the complexities of the human psyche.

Cognitive Dissonance: The Discomfort of Conflicting Beliefs

One of the key psychological concepts relevant to internal conflict is cognitive dissonance. This theory, developed by Leon Festinger, posits that individuals experience discomfort when they hold two or more conflicting beliefs, ideas, or values.

This discomfort motivates individuals to reduce the dissonance, often by changing one or more of the conflicting cognitions, adding new cognitions to justify the inconsistency, or reducing the importance of the conflicting cognitions.

For example, a person who values honesty but cheats on their taxes may experience cognitive dissonance. To reduce this discomfort, they might rationalize their actions by believing that the government wastes tax money or that everyone else is doing it.

Identity Crisis: Questioning the Self

Internal conflict can also trigger periods of self-questioning and identity crisis. This often occurs during times of significant change or stress, when individuals are forced to re-evaluate their values, beliefs, and goals.

An identity crisis can be a painful and disorienting experience, but it can also be a catalyst for growth and self-discovery. It forces individuals to confront their inner selves and to make conscious choices about who they want to be.

It’s important to recognize this process as a natural part of development that allows the individual to redefine their roles in society.

The Impact of Mental Health

The way an individual deals with internal conflict is significantly influenced by their mental health. Pre-existing conditions like anxiety, depression, and personality disorders can exacerbate internal conflicts and make them more difficult to resolve.

For example, someone with anxiety may be more prone to rumination and worry, leading to a cycle of negative thoughts and feelings. Similarly, someone with depression may lack the motivation and energy to address their internal conflicts effectively.

Seeking professional help is crucial for individuals struggling with internal conflict, especially when it is compounded by mental health challenges. Therapy and medication can provide valuable tools and support for navigating these difficult emotions and developing healthy coping mechanisms.

Genre and Technique: How Conflict Manifests in Storytelling

Conflict, far from being a monolithic entity, is a chameleon. It adapts and transforms, taking on different shapes and serving diverse purposes depending on the chosen genre and the narrative techniques employed. The skillful manipulation of conflict is what breathes life into a story, dictating its tone, pacing, and ultimately, its impact on the audience.

Genre-Specific Applications of Conflict

Different genres leverage conflict in distinct ways to achieve specific emotional and thematic goals. The tragic hero’s fall and the comedic protagonist’s triumph are both driven by conflict, yet the nature and resolution of that conflict differ drastically.

The Tragic Downfall

In tragedy, conflict serves as the engine of the protagonist’s downfall. The hero, often a figure of noble stature, is confronted with internal or external forces that ultimately lead to their destruction.

This is not merely about misfortune; it is about the inevitable consequence of flawed choices or unyielding circumstances. The conflict, therefore, highlights the protagonist’s hubris, moral compromises, or the overwhelming power of fate.

Think of Oedipus Rex, whose relentless pursuit of truth, however virtuous, unleashes a series of devastating revelations. The conflict here isn’t just about solving a mystery; it is about the tragic collision of individual will and immutable destiny. The resolution, or lack thereof, leads to devastation and despair.

Conflict as a Catalyst for Comedy

Comedy, in stark contrast to tragedy, uses conflict to generate humor and, often, to satirize societal norms. The conflicts faced by comedic characters are frequently absurd, exaggerated, or based on misunderstandings.

Unlike tragedy, the goal isn’t devastation, but resolution, often through witty dialogue, slapstick, or situational irony.

The conflict often serves to expose human folly or challenge established power structures. Consider the works of Shakespeare, where romantic entanglements and mistaken identities fuel much of the comedic action. The conflict isn’t meant to inspire pity or fear, but laughter and perhaps a gentle critique of human nature.

Narrative Techniques: Crafting Tension and Depth

Beyond genre, specific narrative techniques are crucial in shaping how conflict unfolds and how it impacts the reader or viewer. Suspense and foreshadowing are two powerful tools in the arsenal of any storyteller seeking to deepen the narrative impact of conflict.

Suspense: Building Tension Through Conflict

Suspense is the art of creating anticipation and uncertainty, and conflict is its primary ingredient. By carefully controlling the flow of information and heightening the stakes of the conflict, writers can keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

The tension often arises from the reader’s awareness of a looming threat or an impending crisis. The conflict, therefore, is not just about the immediate challenge but about the unseen consequences that lie in wait.

Alfred Hitchcock, a master of suspense, understood this principle implicitly. He often showed the audience the bomb under the table, creating suspense not from the explosion itself, but from the agonizing wait for the inevitable.

Foreshadowing: Hints of Future Conflict

Foreshadowing, the subtle art of hinting at future events, adds layers of depth to the narrative and enhances the impact of conflict. By planting clues or alluding to potential crises, writers can create a sense of unease and anticipation.

This technique not only heightens suspense, but also adds thematic resonance by suggesting that the present is inextricably linked to the future.

A seemingly insignificant detail, a casual remark, or a recurring motif can all serve as foreshadowing devices. These subtle hints prepare the audience for the conflicts to come, making the eventual confrontation all the more meaningful. The seeds of conflict are sown early, only to blossom into something more profound later on.

Conflict in Action: Case Studies from Literature and Film

To truly grasp the multifaceted nature of conflict, examining its application in specific works of literature and film is essential. From the timeless tragedies of Shakespeare to modern cinematic masterpieces, the exploration of conflict provides profound insights into the human condition. These case studies demonstrate how conflict shapes narrative, drives character development, and ultimately, leaves a lasting impact on the audience.

Shakespearean Tragedies: A Masterclass in Conflict

William Shakespeare stands as a literary titan, renowned for his profound exploration of human nature through the lens of conflict. His tragedies, in particular, offer a rich tapestry of internal and external struggles that resonate across centuries. Shakespeare’s genius lies in his ability to portray the psychological depths of his characters, making their conflicts both relatable and deeply moving.

Hamlet’s Indecision: The Agony of Internal Conflict

Perhaps no soliloquy is more famous than Hamlet’s “to be or not to be” speech, a powerful meditation on life, death, and the burden of existence. This iconic moment encapsulates the internal conflict that plagues Hamlet throughout the play. He is torn between his desire for revenge and his moral hesitations, a battle that ultimately leads to his tragic downfall.

Hamlet’s inaction stems from his intellectual nature and his inability to reconcile his sense of justice with the brutal act of taking a life. This internal turmoil, magnified by the corrupt court and the ghost’s command, drives the play’s melancholic atmosphere and tragic outcome. His inability to resolve this conflict results in procrastination and the death of nearly every major character.

Macbeth: The Price of Ambition

In Macbeth, Shakespeare explores the destructive power of unchecked ambition. Macbeth’s initial hesitation to commit regicide is quickly overcome by the prophecies of the witches and the manipulative influence of Lady Macbeth.

The conflict between his ambition and his conscience forms the core of the play, driving him to commit increasingly heinous acts in his desperate pursuit of power. The subsequent guilt and paranoia lead to his moral decay and eventual demise.

This play serves as a cautionary tale about the corrosive effects of ambition when it eclipses morality and reason.

Classic Literature: Exploring Universal Themes

Beyond Shakespeare, classic literature offers a vast landscape of conflicts that explore the fundamental aspects of human existence. These works delve into the tensions between individual desires and societal expectations, morality and law, and the internal battles that shape our identities.

Antigone: Conscience vs. State

Sophocles’ Antigone presents a timeless conflict between individual conscience and the laws of the state. Antigone, defying King Creon’s edict, chooses to honor her deceased brother by providing him with a proper burial. Her act of defiance highlights the tension between divine law and human law, raising questions about the limits of authority and the importance of moral conviction. Antigone’s unwavering commitment to her principles ultimately leads to her tragic fate, emphasizing the consequences of challenging established power structures.

The Great Gatsby: Idealism vs. Reality

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby portrays the conflict between illusion and reality in the Roaring Twenties. Jay Gatsby’s relentless pursuit of the American Dream, embodied by his idealized vision of Daisy Buchanan, is ultimately shattered by the harsh realities of wealth, class, and societal prejudice. Gatsby’s inability to reconcile his romantic ideals with the corrupt world around him leads to his tragic demise, underscoring the disillusionment that often accompanies the pursuit of unattainable goals.

To Kill a Mockingbird: Values vs. Prejudice

Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird delves into the conflict between personal values and societal prejudices in the racially charged atmosphere of the American South. Atticus Finch, a lawyer and single father, defends Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of assaulting a white woman. Atticus’s unwavering commitment to justice and equality places him at odds with the deeply ingrained racism of his community, forcing him and his children to confront the harsh realities of prejudice and discrimination. The novel highlights the importance of empathy and moral courage in the face of societal injustice.

The Lord of the Rings: Internal and External Darkness

J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings intricately weaves together internal and external conflicts. Frodo Baggins embarks on a perilous journey to destroy the One Ring, a task that not only pits him against the dark forces of Sauron but also forces him to confront the ring’s corrupting influence within himself.

Frodo’s struggle against the allure of power and the encroaching darkness makes him a compelling and relatable hero. The external conflict mirrors the internal one, emphasizing the importance of resisting temptation and staying true to one’s values in the face of overwhelming adversity.

The Catcher in the Rye: Authenticity vs. Phoniness

J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye examines the internal conflict of adolescence. Holden Caulfield grapples with feelings of alienation and disillusionment as he navigates the “phoniness” of the adult world. His search for authenticity and genuine connection leads him to reject societal norms and embrace a cynical outlook. Holden’s internal struggle represents the universal challenges of growing up and finding one’s place in a world that often feels superficial and inauthentic.

Psychological Realism: Woolf and Joyce

Modern authors like Virginia Woolf and James Joyce pioneered psychological realism, focusing on internal conflicts with profound depth. Woolf’s works, such as Mrs. Dalloway, delve into the characters’ inner thoughts and emotions, revealing the subtle yet powerful conflicts that shape their experiences. Joyce’s Ulysses uses stream of consciousness to explore the complexities of the human mind, showcasing the constant internal dialogue and fragmented thoughts that define our internal struggles. These authors highlight the importance of examining the internal landscape to understand the full scope of human conflict.

Cinematic Depictions: Visualizing Conflict

Film, with its visual storytelling capabilities, offers a powerful medium for exploring conflict. From epic battles between good and evil to intimate portrayals of internal struggles, cinema brings conflict to life in a way that resonates with audiences on an emotional level.

Star Wars: Light vs. Dark

The Star Wars franchise is a classic example of the battle between light and dark forces. The Jedi Knights, representing good, face off against the Sith, representing evil, in an epic struggle for the fate of the galaxy.

Beyond the external conflict, the films explore the internal struggles of characters like Luke Skywalker, who must resist the temptations of the dark side to fulfill his destiny. The saga’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal themes of good versus evil and the importance of making the right choices.

The Dark Knight: Moral Conflicts and Vigilantism

Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight delves into complex moral conflicts surrounding justice, vigilantism, and the nature of good and evil. Batman’s methods of fighting crime raise questions about the limits of justifiable force, while the Joker’s anarchic philosophy challenges the very foundations of society.

The film explores the gray areas of morality, forcing the audience to confront uncomfortable truths about the choices we make in the face of chaos and despair.

Fight Club: Deconstructing Internal Conflict

Fight Club presents an extreme and stylized exploration of internal conflict. The unnamed narrator, grappling with feelings of alienation and dissatisfaction, creates an alter ego named Tyler Durden, who embodies his repressed desires for chaos and self-destruction. The film deconstructs traditional notions of masculinity and challenges the consumerist culture that contributes to the narrator’s internal turmoil. Fight Club’s raw and visceral portrayal of internal conflict makes it a provocative and thought-provoking examination of the human psyche.

Inside Out: Personified Emotions

Pixar’s Inside Out offers a unique and imaginative depiction of internal conflict by personifying human emotions. The film follows the emotions of a young girl named Riley as she navigates the challenges of moving to a new city. Each emotion – Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust – represents a different aspect of Riley’s personality and experiences. The film demonstrates how conflicting emotions can create internal turmoil and how embracing all emotions, even the negative ones, is essential for emotional growth and well-being.

Mirrors of Society: Conflict in Historical and Social Contexts

Conflict isn’t confined to the pages of literature or the screens of cinemas; it is a fundamental force shaping the very fabric of our societies and the course of history. By examining real-world social movements, wars, and revolutions, we gain a deeper understanding of conflict’s pervasive influence and its profound consequences. These historical and social contexts offer invaluable insights into the complex interplay of internal and external conflicts that drive societal change and transformation.

Social Movements: A Crucible of Conflict

Social movements are inherently born out of conflict, representing a collective struggle against established power structures and prevailing social norms. The Civil Rights Movement in the United States serves as a powerful example, illustrating both the external battle against segregation and the internal debates regarding strategy and tactics.

The movement’s primary goal was to dismantle the system of racial segregation that relegated African Americans to second-class citizenship. This external conflict manifested in various forms, from peaceful protests and sit-ins to legal challenges and political activism.

However, the Civil Rights Movement was not monolithic. Internal debates raged among activists regarding the most effective means of achieving their goals. Figures like Martin Luther King Jr. advocated for nonviolent resistance, while others, such as Malcolm X, argued for a more assertive and even militant approach.

These internal strategic disagreements, though sometimes divisive, ultimately contributed to the movement’s dynamism and its multifaceted impact on American society. The tensions reflect the complexities inherent in any large-scale social movement, highlighting the diverse perspectives and priorities that must be navigated in the pursuit of collective action.

War and Revolution: Conflict on a Grand Scale

Wars and revolutions represent the most dramatic and violent manifestations of conflict, often reshaping geopolitical landscapes and transforming social orders. The American Revolution offers a compelling case study, showcasing the external fight for independence from British rule alongside the internal divisions among the colonists themselves.

The external conflict was rooted in the colonists’ grievances against British policies, including taxation without representation and restrictions on trade. This led to armed rebellion and a protracted struggle for independence.

However, not all colonists were united in their desire for revolution. Loyalists, who remained loyal to the British Crown, opposed the rebellion and actively supported the British war effort. This internal division created deep fissures within colonial society, leading to social tensions and even violence between neighbors.

The American Revolution underscores the point that even in moments of collective struggle, internal conflicts can significantly shape the course of events and the ultimate outcome.

World War II: Power Dynamics and Ideological Clashes

World War II provides an even more expansive example of global conflict, encompassing both external battles between nations and profound ideological clashes within those nations. The war involved a complex web of alliances and rivalries, with nations vying for power and dominance on a global scale.

The conflict was fueled by competing ideologies, including fascism, Nazism, and liberal democracy. These ideological clashes played out not only on the battlefield but also within nations, as citizens debated the merits of different political systems and the values they represented.

The rise of Nazi Germany, driven by its expansionist ambitions and its racist ideology, directly led to global conflict.

The war serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked power dynamics and the importance of safeguarding democratic values against the threat of totalitarian ideologies.

The Role of Power Dynamics

Power dynamics are a central theme in the study of conflict, particularly in the context of war and revolution. Unequal distributions of power can exacerbate existing tensions and create new conflicts.

The pursuit of power, whether by individuals, groups, or nations, often lies at the heart of conflict. Understanding the dynamics of power is crucial for analyzing the causes and consequences of conflict in any context.

By examining these historical and social contexts, we gain a deeper appreciation for the pervasive influence of conflict in shaping the human experience. Conflict is not merely a source of destruction and division; it can also be a catalyst for change, growth, and a more profound understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Tools for Analysis: Understanding and Visualizing Conflict

To truly grasp the multifaceted nature of conflict, it’s essential to move beyond simple definitions and engage with analytical tools that allow us to dissect and understand its various dimensions. This section provides resources and key concepts to assist in analyzing conflict, enabling a more profound comprehension of its presence across narratives and real-world situations.

Visualizing Conflict: The Power of Plot Diagrams

One of the most effective methods for understanding the progression of conflict within a narrative is through the use of plot diagrams. These visual aids offer a structured way to map out the escalating tensions and turning points that define a story’s trajectory.

Freytag’s Pyramid: A Classic Framework

Freytag’s Pyramid, a widely recognized plot diagram, provides a particularly insightful framework for analyzing conflict. This model outlines five key stages in a narrative: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

The exposition introduces the initial setting, characters, and any existing conflicts, laying the groundwork for the events to unfold.

The rising action sees the central conflict intensify through a series of events, building suspense and creating a sense of anticipation.

The climax represents the peak of the conflict, the decisive moment where the protagonist faces their greatest challenge.

The falling action depicts the aftermath of the climax, as the consequences of the protagonist’s actions begin to unfold.

Finally, the resolution provides closure to the story, resolving the central conflict and offering a sense of completion.

By mapping a narrative onto Freytag’s Pyramid, we can clearly visualize the ebbs and flows of conflict, pinpointing the moments of greatest tension and understanding how they contribute to the overall story arc. This analytical approach can be invaluable for students, writers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of storytelling.

Key Concepts: Social Norms as Sources of Conflict

Beyond visual aids, certain key concepts can illuminate the complex relationship between conflict and human behavior. Social norms, the unwritten rules that govern our interactions and expectations within society, play a significant role in shaping both internal and external conflicts.

External Conflict: Challenging Societal Expectations

When individuals or groups challenge or defy prevailing social norms, external conflict often arises. This can manifest in a variety of ways, from protests and social movements to acts of civil disobedience. The struggle for LGBTQ+ rights, for example, has been marked by numerous external conflicts as activists challenged discriminatory laws and societal attitudes.

Internal Conflict: The Weight of Societal Pressure

Conversely, social norms can also generate internal conflict. Individuals may struggle to reconcile their personal values and beliefs with the expectations of their community or culture, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, or alienation. This internal struggle can be particularly acute when individuals are confronted with conflicting social norms or when they feel pressured to conform to expectations that are at odds with their own sense of self.

Understanding the role of social norms in shaping conflict is crucial for analyzing both individual and collective behavior. By recognizing the ways in which societal expectations can create tension and division, we can gain a more nuanced appreciation for the complexities of human experience.

So, there you have it! Understanding what is an external and internal conflict, and how they play out in stories (and even in our own lives), can really enrich your reading experience and help you connect with characters on a deeper level. Hopefully, these examples gave you a clearer picture and maybe even inspired some ideas for your own writing!