What is external conflict?

External Conflict

External Conflict is a struggle that takes place between a character and an outside force. This force can manifest in several ways, creating different types of external conflict.

  • Character vs. Character: This involves a direct confrontation or opposition between two or more characters. This could be a physical fight, a verbal argument, or a competition.

  • Character vs. Nature: This type of conflict pits a character against the forces of nature, such as a natural disaster, a harsh climate, or a dangerous animal.

  • Character vs. Society: In this case, a character clashes with the norms, laws, or beliefs of their society. This could involve fighting against injustice, prejudice, or oppressive systems.

  • Character vs. Technology: As technology advances, characters may find themselves in conflict with machines, artificial intelligence, or the unforeseen consequences of technological advancements.

  • Character vs. Supernatural: A character battles against ghosts, demons, gods, or other supernatural entities.

External conflict is crucial for driving the plot forward and creating tension within a story. By placing a character in opposition to an external force, the author can explore themes of survival, resilience, justice, and the human condition.