1. To Drive the Plot:
* Create Stakes: External conflict creates obstacles and challenges that the protagonist must overcome, raising the stakes of the story and keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.
* Develop the Protagonist: Facing challenges forces the protagonist to grow, learn, and reveal their true nature. Their response to conflict shapes their character arc.
* Introduce Themes: Conflicts can represent larger themes like good vs. evil, love vs. hate, or individual vs. society.
2. To Explore Relationships:
* Test Bonds: Conflict can test the bonds between characters, revealing their true feelings and motivations.
* Highlight Differences: Conflict can emphasize the differences in characters' beliefs and values, leading to tension and emotional growth.
* Create Drama: External conflict can create tension and drama between characters, adding layers of complexity to their relationships.
3. To Create a Compelling World:
* Establish Setting: External conflict can be a powerful tool for establishing the setting and its rules.
* Showcase Power Dynamics: Conflict can reveal the power structures within a society or world, highlighting societal norms and issues.
* Introduce Conflict Resolution: By resolving external conflicts, the story can showcase the ways in which individuals and communities adapt to challenges.
4. To Provide Suspense and Intrigue:
* Mystery: External conflicts can be used to create mystery and intrigue, raising questions that keep the reader engaged.
* Action and Excitement: Conflict can fuel action sequences and exciting scenes, providing a thrilling experience for the reader.
* Emotional Rollercoaster: By creating tension and uncertainty, external conflict can create a rollercoaster of emotions for the reader, deepening their connection to the story.
Examples:
* In "The Hunger Games," Katniss Everdeen faces external conflict in the form of the Hunger Games itself, a deadly competition forcing her to fight for survival. This conflict drives the plot, tests her character, and explores themes of survival, rebellion, and societal injustice.
* In "Pride and Prejudice," Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy experience external conflict in their initial misunderstandings and societal pressures. This conflict develops their relationship, tests their values, and highlights societal norms of the time.
Overall, external conflict is a crucial element of storytelling, serving as a powerful driver of plot, character development, theme exploration, and reader engagement.