Have you ever felt like you were battling the world itself? While internal struggles with our own thoughts and feelings are certainly a part of life, sometimes the challenges we face come from outside of ourselves. These external conflicts, where a character grapples with forces beyond their control, are the driving force behind countless compelling stories and real-life dramas. Understanding the different types of external conflict is crucial for analyzing literature, understanding history, and even navigating our own relationships and challenges.
From a lone adventurer facing a raging storm to a community fighting against injustice, external conflicts highlight the resilience of the human spirit and the complex interplay between individuals and their environment. Recognizing the various forms these conflicts can take – person versus person, person versus nature, person versus society, and person versus technology – allows us to better understand the motivations of characters, the themes of stories, and the forces that shape our world. By grasping the nuances of external conflict, we can unlock deeper meaning in the narratives we encounter and gain a more profound appreciation for the struggles and triumphs of those around us.
Which situation is an example of an external conflict?
Which scenarios clearly demonstrate a character struggling against an outside force?
Situations that exemplify external conflict involve a character's struggle against forces outside of themselves. These forces can include other characters, the environment, or societal expectations. The conflict is readily observable and creates tension as the character attempts to overcome the external obstacle.
External conflict is the engine that drives plot in many stories. A character battling a villain, surviving a natural disaster, or fighting against oppressive laws are all prime examples. The key element is that the source of the problem originates from something other than the character's internal thoughts or feelings. This external pressure shapes the character's actions and decisions, influencing their arc and ultimately impacting the story's outcome. Consider a few more concrete examples to illustrate external conflict: * A lone mountaineer struggling to survive a blizzard on Everest. * A group of refugees fleeing war and persecution in their homeland. * A lawyer fighting a corrupt corporation in a court of law. In each case, the character's challenge stems from an external source—nature, human actions, or institutional power—and their attempts to overcome this challenge form the core of the external conflict.How do you differentiate a character's internal struggles from external conflict?
Internal struggles are psychological or emotional battles within a character, while external conflicts involve a character's struggle against an outside force, be it another character, nature, society, or a supernatural element. Internal conflict is about *self* versus *self*, and external conflict is about *self* versus *other*.
Internal conflict manifests as doubt, fear, moral dilemmas, conflicting desires, or a struggle with one's own identity. The character's thoughts, feelings, and choices reveal this internal turmoil. For example, a character may deeply desire wealth but feel guilty about exploiting others to achieve it. This conflict exists solely within the character's mind and heart. Conversely, external conflict is readily observable in the plot and character interactions. It involves obstacles and challenges originating outside of the character. Consider a character facing a raging storm. This is external conflict - *self* versus *nature*. If that same character is grappling with the decision to abandon their injured friend during the storm to save themselves, that's internal conflict - *self* versus *self*. The key difference lies in the source of the conflict. Is it originating from within the character's psyche, or is it stemming from an external source challenging the character's goals, well-being, or beliefs? One is a battle waged in the mind; the other is a battle fought in the world.Can a conflict with nature be considered an example of external conflict?
Yes, a conflict with nature is definitively an example of external conflict. External conflict, by definition, involves a struggle between a character and an outside force, and nature, encompassing elements like weather, wild animals, or geographical obstacles, certainly qualifies as such an external force.
External conflict is characterized by a character's struggle against something *outside* themselves. This could be another person (character vs. character), society (character vs. society), or, as is relevant here, the environment around them (character vs. nature). When a character battles a hurricane, struggles to survive in the desert without water, or fights off a pack of wolves, they are engaged in a direct and obvious external conflict with nature. The character's survival, well-being, or goals are directly threatened by an element of the natural world. Consider examples in literature and film. In Jack London's "To Build a Fire," the protagonist's primary conflict is against the brutal Yukon winter. The cold, the snow, and the remoteness of the landscape are his adversaries. Similarly, in the film "The Revenant," Hugh Glass's struggle for survival against the wilderness, including attacks by wild animals and harsh weather conditions, perfectly illustrates character vs. nature as a form of external conflict. These narratives highlight how nature can serve as a powerful and often unforgiving antagonist, creating compelling external conflict.Is a disagreement between two characters always considered external conflict?
No, a disagreement between two characters is not always considered external conflict. While it often manifests as such, a disagreement can stem from internal conflicts within one or both characters that then manifest outwardly. The crucial factor is whether the source of the conflict originates from outside of the character or within.
External conflict, by definition, involves a struggle between a character and an outside force. This force can be another character (character vs. character), a natural element (character vs. nature), society (character vs. society), or even a supernatural entity (character vs. supernatural). In the case of disagreements, if the argument arises because of differing opinions, goals, or actions that are independent of each character's internal struggles, it’s more likely an external conflict. For example, two characters disagreeing over a business deal represents external conflict, as the disagreement stems from differing external objectives. However, if the disagreement is a direct result of internal struggles playing out between characters, it blurs the lines. Imagine two characters arguing because one is grappling with self-doubt and projecting insecurities onto the other. While the argument is an external manifestation, the root of the problem lies in the first character's internal conflict. The disagreement, in this case, is a *symptom* of an internal problem rather than solely an external one. The internal struggle is being projected outwards, influencing the characters' interactions, but the core conflict is still located *within* the character experiencing self-doubt. Therefore, identifying the root cause of the disagreement is key to determining whether it is solely external or connected to an internal source.Does social pressure qualify as an external conflict situation?
Yes, social pressure absolutely qualifies as an external conflict situation. External conflicts, by definition, involve a struggle between a character and an outside force. Social pressure, stemming from societal norms, expectations, or the influence of other people, fits this definition perfectly as it represents an external force acting upon the individual.
Social pressure can manifest in various forms, creating diverse external conflict scenarios. For example, an individual might face pressure to conform to a certain dress code, adopt specific political views, or engage in activities they find morally objectionable. These pressures arise from sources outside the individual's own internal beliefs and desires, leading to a conflict between what they want and what society or a particular group expects of them. The struggle to resist, negotiate, or succumb to these expectations constitutes an external conflict. Consider the case of a teenager pressured by their peers to engage in underage drinking. The teenager's internal desire might be to abstain from alcohol, but the external pressure from their friends creates a conflict. This conflict is undeniably external because the source of the problem originates from the social environment, not solely from within the teenager's own mind. Similarly, workplace expectations, family traditions, and cultural norms can all impose social pressure that leads to external conflict, demonstrating its broad applicability as a form of external struggle.What are some less obvious examples of external conflict in literature?
Beyond the typical man vs. man or man vs. nature scenarios, subtler forms of external conflict can arise from societal expectations, systemic oppression, or even the influence of technology.
While a direct physical confrontation is easily identified as external conflict, consider a protagonist struggling against the prevailing social norms of their time. This could manifest as a woman in the 19th century fighting for her right to education in the face of societal disapproval, or a member of a marginalized group battling institutional racism that limits their opportunities. These are external forces acting upon the individual, creating obstacles and shaping their choices, even if there's no single antagonist embodying the conflict. Similarly, the rise of technology can present external conflict. Imagine a skilled craftsman whose livelihood is threatened by automation, or a community grappling with the social and environmental consequences of rapid technological advancement. In these cases, the "antagonist" is not a person, but rather an intangible force altering the landscape around the protagonist and forcing them to adapt or resist. Another nuanced example lies in characters facing conflicting loyalties imposed by external forces. A soldier torn between obeying orders and following their conscience, or a family forced to choose between their cultural heritage and assimilation into a new society, are experiencing external conflict. The struggle stems from the opposing demands of external entities - the military, the government, societal pressures - rather than internal moral debate alone. Understanding these less obvious forms of external conflict allows for a richer interpretation of literature, revealing the complex ways in which individuals are shaped by the world around them.How does external conflict drive the plot in a story?
External conflict, a struggle between a character and an outside force, is a primary engine of plot development because it presents obstacles that the protagonist must overcome. These obstacles force the character to make choices, take action, and evolve, thereby creating the narrative arc and propelling the story forward from exposition to resolution.
External conflict introduces immediate tension and stakes. Whether it's a character battling nature, facing off against another person, or struggling against a societal structure, the conflict establishes a clear goal or problem that the protagonist must address. This sets the character in motion, compelling them to react and attempt to resolve the situation. The protagonist's attempts, successes, and failures in dealing with the external conflict then shape the plot, leading to further complications, rising action, a climax, and ultimately a resolution. Consider different forms of external conflict: person vs. person, person vs. nature, person vs. society, or person vs. technology. Each type presents unique challenges and forces the protagonist to develop specific strategies. The nature of the conflict itself often reveals important aspects of the character's personality, values, and flaws. For example, a character who stands up against a corrupt government (person vs. society) might demonstrate courage and a strong moral compass. Ultimately, the way a character navigates external conflict provides the core substance of the story, driving the narrative forward and engaging the reader.Which situation is an example of an external conflict?
An example of an external conflict is a hiker struggling to survive after getting lost in a blizzard.
And that wraps up our exploration of external conflict! Hopefully, you've got a clearer picture of what it looks like in action. Thanks for hanging out and learning with me! Feel free to swing by again soon for more insights into the world of literature and storytelling.