Types of Conflict

Instructor: Mr. Washington

Objectives

• Recognize and understand external conflict.
• Recognize and understand internal conflict.
• Distinguish between the two types of conflict.

Essential Questions

1. What is a conflict?
2. What are the different types of conflict and how are they defined and explained?

Defining Conflict

• Conflict: A problem or struggle in a story between the protagonist (main character) and an opposing force (usually an antagonist).
• Two main types of conflict: external and internal.

External Conflict

• Occurs between a character and an outside force.
• Five main types of external conflict:
  1. Individual vs. Individual
     • Example: Harry Potter vs. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named
  2. Individual vs. Nature
     • Example: "Cast Away": Tom Hanks' character struggles against nature on a desert island.
  3. Individual vs. Society
     • Example: Rosa Parks refusing to obey an unjust law.
  4. Individual vs. Supernatural
     • Example: The horror movie "Annabelle" involving supernatural forces.
  5. Individual vs. Technology
     • Example: "The Matrix": Neo fights against machines and computer programs.

Internal Conflict

• Individual vs. Self
• Occurs within the mind of a character.
• Can be challenging to portray visually but often shown creatively in media.
• Example: "The Emperor's New Groove": Kronk's internal struggle shown through his decision-making process.

Summary

• External Conflicts: Character vs. Outside Forces (other characters, nature, society, supernatural, technology).
• Internal Conflicts: Character vs. Self (mental or emotional struggle).