Internal conflict

Definition

Internal conflict refers to the psychological struggle within a character, often involving opposing desires, beliefs, or emotions. This type of conflict plays a crucial role in revealing a character's motivations and personal growth, allowing readers to connect with the character's journey through their dialogue and actions. Internal conflict can manifest in various forms, such as moral dilemmas, identity crises, or conflicting goals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Internal conflict often serves as a catalyst for character development, pushing them to confront their fears and make important decisions.
2. Characters experiencing internal conflict may express their struggles through dialogue that showcases their emotions and thought processes.
3. Effective dialogue can create tension by highlighting contradictions in a character's beliefs or desires, showcasing their internal struggle.
4. Readers gain insight into a character's psyche through their internal conflicts, making them more relatable and human.
5. Resolving internal conflict can lead to significant moments of change or revelation for characters, affecting the overall narrative.

Review Questions

• How does internal conflict enhance a character's development through dialogue?
  • Internal conflict enhances character development by providing a deeper understanding of a character's thoughts and feelings during dialogue. When characters grapple with their inner struggles, their spoken words often reflect their uncertainty or confusion, revealing their motivations and values. This tension creates an emotional connection with the audience, allowing readers to empathize with the characters as they navigate their dilemmas.
• In what ways can dialogue illustrate a character's internal conflict while also advancing the plot?
  • Dialogue can illustrate a character's internal conflict by showcasing moments of hesitation, contradiction, or indecision. When characters voice their doubts or fears during conversations, it not only highlights their inner turmoil but also propels the plot forward as these struggles often lead to pivotal decisions or actions. This dynamic interplay between dialogue and internal conflict allows for richer storytelling and character engagement.
• Evaluate the impact of resolving an internal conflict on a character's overall journey and the story's themes.
  • Resolving an internal conflict significantly impacts a character's journey by marking a turning point that influences their decisions and relationships with others. This resolution often leads to personal growth, which can embody larger themes within the story such as redemption, self-discovery, or acceptance. By overcoming their inner struggles, characters not only evolve but also contribute to the narrative's overarching messages about human experience and resilience.

Related terms

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

Motivation: The underlying reasons or drives that prompt a character to act in certain ways, often shaped by their internal struggles.

Dialogue: The spoken exchanges between characters, which can be used to reveal their internal conflicts and develop their character through interaction.