Internal Conflict

Definition

Internal conflict refers to the psychological struggle within a character, often involving opposing desires, beliefs, or emotions. This tension can drive a character's motivations and actions, shaping their development and influencing the story's progression. The depth of this conflict adds layers to the character's experience, making it essential for understanding obstacles they face and how they navigate through them.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Internal conflict is crucial for character development, as it reveals their vulnerabilities and strengths, making them relatable to the audience.
2. This type of conflict often manifests as a decision-making process where characters weigh their values against their desires, leading to compelling drama.
3. Effective portrayal of internal conflict requires actors to tap into emotional truths, enabling them to convey subtle shifts in feelings and thoughts.
4. Writers often use internal conflict to create stakes within the story, making characters’ journeys more impactful as they confront their dilemmas.
5. Resolving internal conflict can lead to significant changes in a character's beliefs or behaviors, impacting not only their arc but also the story's outcome.

Review Questions

• How does internal conflict influence a character's decision-making process within a narrative?
  • Internal conflict plays a significant role in shaping a character's decision-making by presenting them with competing desires or values. When faced with these struggles, characters must navigate their emotions and motivations carefully, leading to pivotal moments in the story. This tension not only drives the plot forward but also deepens the audience's understanding of the character’s journey and growth.
• In what ways can understanding a character’s internal conflict enhance an actor's performance?
  • Understanding a character's internal conflict can greatly enhance an actor's performance by allowing them to portray emotional depth and complexity. By tapping into the nuances of the character's struggles, actors can express genuine emotions that resonate with the audience. This insight helps them embody the character's journey authentically, making pivotal moments more compelling and relatable.
• Evaluate how internal conflict contributes to storytelling and audience engagement in dramatic works.
  • Internal conflict is a powerful tool in storytelling that fosters deeper audience engagement by creating relatable and complex characters. When audiences witness characters grappling with their internal struggles, they become emotionally invested in their journeys. This investment leads to heightened tension and anticipation as viewers hope for resolution, making internal conflicts vital for crafting compelling narratives that resonate on a personal level.

Related terms

Character Arc: The transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a narrative, often influenced by their internal conflicts.

Motivation: The reasons behind a character's actions or decisions, which can often be complicated by internal conflicts.

Dramatic Irony: A situation in which the audience knows more about a character's internal struggle than the character does, creating tension and engagement.