Types of Conflict
Without conflict, there is no plot.
Conflict is faced head-on during the climax.
And finally, conflict is resolved during the resolution.
The plot diagram is created around conflict.
Conflict is introduced during the rising action.
Conflict begins to work itself out during the falling action.
Other Types of Conflict
- Man vs. Supernatural
- Gods, Ghosts, Monsters, Spirits, Aliens, etc
- Man vs. Fate
- Fight for choice, fight against destiny
- Man vs. Technology
- Computers, Machines, etc
Internal Conflict
Man vs. Self
- The character's struggle takes place in his/her own mind.
- Usually surrounds a choice
- Right or Wrong
- May deal with overcoming emotions or mixed feelings.
Why is Conflict Important?
Remember the plot diagram?
Two Types of Conflict
Internal Conflict
An internal conflict is between a character and his or her self.
External Conflict
An external conflict is between a character and an outside force.
External Conflict
Man vs. Man
- A character struggles with another character.
- Protagonist vs. Antagonist
Man vs. Nature
- A character struggles with a force of nature
- Natural disaster, Desolation, Animal, etc.
- Usually the character is struggling to survive.
Man vs. Society
- A character or group of characters fights against the society in which they live.
- Against:
- Social traditions
- Rules
- Society becomes a "character."
- Usually used to comment on real society (satire).