Conflict

Definition

Conflict refers to a struggle or clash between opposing forces, ideas, or characters that often drives the narrative in storytelling. In film and television, conflict is essential as it creates tension and engages the audience, revealing character motivations and themes. This dynamic can take many forms, including interpersonal struggles, societal issues, or internal dilemmas faced by characters.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conflict is typically categorized into various types, including person vs. person, person vs. self, person vs. society, and person vs. nature, each adding layers to the narrative.
2. In film and television, conflict is crucial for character development; characters often grow through their experiences and challenges presented by conflicts.
3. Visual storytelling uses conflict not only in dialogue but also in visual elements like camera angles, lighting, and sound to heighten emotional impact.
4. Resolution of conflict can lead to different endings; some stories conclude with a sense of closure while others leave questions unanswered, impacting audience interpretation.
5. Conflict can also symbolize larger societal issues, allowing creators to comment on real-world problems through the lens of characters' struggles.

Review Questions

• How does conflict function as a driving force in storytelling within film and television?
  • Conflict serves as the central mechanism that propels the story forward by creating tension between opposing forces. It reveals character motivations and deepens the narrative by presenting challenges that characters must navigate. Without conflict, stories would lack engagement and emotional resonance, as audiences connect with characters through their struggles.
• Discuss the role of both protagonists and antagonists in shaping conflict in a film or television series.
  • Protagonists and antagonists are vital to conflict creation; the protagonist often faces obstacles introduced by the antagonist. This opposition creates a framework for exploring themes and character arcs. As the protagonist confronts these challenges, their responses and growth reflect broader messages of the narrative, making the conflict not just a plot device but also a means of character exploration.
• Evaluate how different types of conflict can affect audience perception and interpretation of a story's themes.
  • Different types of conflict can significantly influence how an audience perceives a story's themes. For example, internal conflicts might resonate more personally with viewers as they relate to self-doubt or moral dilemmas, while societal conflicts could spark discussions about real-world issues. By varying types of conflict, filmmakers can engage audiences on multiple levels, prompting them to reflect on both individual experiences and larger societal implications.

Related terms

protagonist: The main character in a story, often facing conflicts that drive the plot and lead to their development.

antagonist: A character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and tension in the narrative.

narrative arc: The chronological construction of plot in a story, typically involving rising action, climax, and resolution where conflicts are addressed.