Conflict

Definition

Conflict refers to the struggle between opposing forces in a story, driving the narrative forward and engaging the audience. It can manifest as internal conflict, where a character grapples with personal dilemmas, or external conflict, which involves struggles between characters, societies, or natural elements. Conflict is crucial for character development and enhances the stakes of the plot, as it influences how characters interact with each other and shapes their motivations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conflict is essential for maintaining audience interest, as it introduces challenges that characters must navigate.
2. Both internal and external conflicts can create depth in characters, revealing their desires, fears, and motivations.
3. A well-crafted antagonist is key to creating compelling conflict; their goals should oppose those of the protagonist to heighten tension.
4. Subtext in dialogue can often reflect underlying conflicts that add layers to character interactions without being overtly stated.
5. Loglines often highlight the central conflict to convey the stakes and essence of the story quickly, making it crucial for pitches.

Review Questions

• How does conflict contribute to character development in storytelling?
  • Conflict serves as a catalyst for character development by forcing characters to confront their challenges, fears, and desires. Through overcoming obstacles, characters reveal their true selves and grow throughout the narrative. For instance, internal conflict can lead to profound changes in a character's beliefs or values, while external conflict often showcases a character's resilience and determination.
• In what ways can an antagonist enhance the overall conflict within a story?
  • An antagonist enhances conflict by directly opposing the protagonist’s goals and motivations. This opposition creates tension and drama that keeps audiences engaged. A well-developed antagonist not only challenges the protagonist but also forces them to confront their own limitations, leading to growth or transformation by the story's conclusion. The dynamics between these two forces are central to building a compelling narrative.
• Evaluate how subtext can reveal deeper layers of conflict in character interactions.
  • Subtext plays a vital role in revealing deeper layers of conflict by allowing characters to convey their true feelings or intentions without explicit dialogue. This underlying tension can highlight unresolved issues or power struggles between characters, making interactions more complex. For example, when two characters are in disagreement but express camaraderie on the surface, it showcases an internal conflict that adds richness to their relationship and raises stakes in their dynamic.

Related terms

Protagonist: The main character in a story who faces conflict and drives the narrative forward, often embodying the audience's perspective.

Antagonist: A character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating tension and conflict that must be resolved by the end of the story.

Resolution: The part of a story where conflicts are resolved, leading to a conclusion and determining the fate of the characters.