Conflict

Definition

Conflict refers to a struggle or clash between opposing forces, which can occur internally within a character or externally between characters or groups. In narratives, conflict is essential for driving the plot and is often revealed through dialogue, showcasing characters' motivations, desires, and frustrations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conflict can be categorized into various types, including internal (within a character) and external (between characters or forces), both of which are critical for character development.
2. Effective dialogue reveals conflict through subtext, where what is unsaid can be just as important as what is spoken, adding depth to characters' interactions.
3. Characters often experience growth as they confront and navigate conflicts, leading to significant changes in their beliefs or actions by the end of the story.
4. Conflict drives the narrative forward, creating tension that keeps readers engaged and invested in the outcome of the characters' struggles.
5. In literary analysis, understanding how conflict is presented through dialogue can reveal underlying themes and character motivations that enhance the overall message of the work.

Review Questions

• How does conflict contribute to character development through dialogue in a narrative?
  • Conflict plays a crucial role in character development as it forces characters to confront their beliefs and motivations. Through dialogue, characters express their desires and fears related to the conflict, revealing their true selves. This interaction not only highlights their growth but also shows how they respond to challenges, making their development more relatable and dynamic.
• In what ways can dialogue serve as a vehicle for both revealing and escalating conflict between characters?
  • Dialogue can serve as a powerful tool for revealing conflict by allowing characters to articulate their opposing views and feelings directly. As conversations unfold, tension can escalate through misunderstandings, confrontations, or emotional outbursts, illustrating the complexities of their relationships. This dynamic interaction emphasizes how characters navigate conflict and contributes to the overall intensity of the narrative.
• Evaluate the significance of subtext in dialogue when conveying conflict and its impact on character relationships.
  • Subtext in dialogue is significant because it allows characters to communicate underlying tensions without explicitly stating them. This creates layers of meaning that enrich character relationships and deepen audience engagement. When characters hint at conflicts rather than openly discussing them, it adds intrigue and complexity, showcasing how they may avoid confronting issues while still being affected by them, thus enhancing both their characterization and the overall narrative tension.

Related terms

Dialogue: The spoken exchanges between characters in a narrative that reveal their thoughts, feelings, and relationships.

Character Arc: The transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story, often influenced by the conflicts they encounter.

Resolution: The conclusion of a conflict in a narrative, where tensions are resolved and the story reaches its end.