Conflict

Definition

Conflict refers to a struggle or clash between opposing forces, ideas, or characters, which creates tension and drives the narrative forward. It is a crucial element in storytelling that provides motivation for characters and shapes the plot. The resolution of conflict often leads to character development and reveals deeper themes, making it essential for both story arcs and dialogue.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conflict can be internal, involving struggles within a character's mind, or external, where characters face challenges from outside forces.
2. There are several types of conflict, including person vs. person, person vs. self, person vs. society, and person vs. nature, each serving different narrative purposes.
3. In dialogue, conflict can be expressed through disagreement, tension, and contrasting viewpoints between characters, adding depth to their interactions.
4. The resolution of conflict is often what leads to character growth and change, making it a critical component of storytelling.
5. Effective use of conflict keeps audiences engaged by creating suspense and emotional investment in the characters' journeys.

Review Questions

• How does conflict function as a driving force in narratives and impact character development?
  • Conflict serves as a driving force in narratives by creating tension and challenges that characters must confront. This struggle pushes characters to make decisions that reveal their true nature and facilitates growth throughout the story. As characters face various conflicts, whether internal or external, they undergo transformations that can lead to significant developments in their relationships and motivations.
• Analyze the different types of conflict present in storytelling and how they contribute to the overall plot structure.
  • Different types of conflict, such as person vs. person, person vs. self, person vs. society, and person vs. nature, each play unique roles in shaping the plot structure. For instance, person vs. person conflicts often create dramatic tension between characters that propels the action forward. In contrast, person vs. self conflicts delve into the inner struggles of a character, adding depth to their journey. Together, these conflicts enrich the narrative and guide the audience's emotional engagement with the story.
• Evaluate how dialogue can effectively convey conflict between characters and enhance storytelling.
  • Dialogue is a powerful tool for conveying conflict between characters as it allows them to express opposing views and emotions directly. Through sharp exchanges and disagreements, dialogue can highlight tensions and stakes in relationships, making the audience more invested in the outcome. Moreover, well-crafted dialogue can reveal deeper themes related to the conflict at hand, enriching the storytelling by providing insight into character motivations and societal issues.

Related terms

Protagonist: The main character in a story who faces conflict and drives the plot forward.

Antagonist: A character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict in the narrative.

Climax: The point of highest tension in a story where the main conflict reaches its peak and begins to resolve.