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External conflict is defined in contrast to internal conflict, in which the struggle is between a character and themselves—for example, between selfish and selfless impulses. External and internal conflicts aren't mutually exclusive.
Jul 18, 2023 · In this post, we’ll look at external conflict's role in good writing, giving you some prime examples of the literary device at work — while also dropping some writing tips from top writers and editors.
Examples of External Conflict in Literature Example #1: Romeo and Juliet (By William Shakespeare) One classic example of character vs. society external conflict occurs in Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet .
Dec 1, 2023 · External conflict is a fight (physical/psychological/emotional) between one character and an outside antagonistic force. In its simplest form, we can see conflict as: Point of view character + point of view goal + antagonistic force + stakes = external conflict. Let’s break down those four key story elements below. 1.
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- Character vs. Character(s) Pesky people: they cause trouble wherever they go! That’s the crux of this type of external conflict, which you’ll find in many, if not most, stories.
- Character vs. Society. Particularly prevalent in fiction these days, this type of external struggle pits the individual against the collective. In this case, “the collective” might take the form of something like
- Character vs. Nature. How do you fancy your chances in a fight against Mother Earth? In this type of conflict, that is exactly what our protagonists are facing.
- Character vs. Technology. Since the dawn of the industrial age, humanity has had a turbulent relationship with technology. Some see scientific progress as a defiance of God and the natural, while others have used it to question the limits of our morality, patience, and greed.
External conflicts give readers tangible obstacles and negative forces to root against. Rather than being wholly introspective, external conflicts have more explicit consequences. On the other hand, plots that rely too heavily on external conflicts may lack depth of characterization.
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Want to know what makes a story interesting? Conflict. There would be no reason for epic battle scenes or archnemesis face-offs without it. Get ready to dig deeper into the different types of external conflict and how they shape a story and the reader’s experience. External Conflict Definition.
