Internal Conflict
* Character Development: Internal conflict forces a character to confront their flaws, fears, and inner demons. This often leads to growth, self-discovery, and a more nuanced understanding of the character.
* Moral Dilemmas: Internal conflict often involves moral dilemmas that make the audience question the character's choices. This can create tension, intrigue, and ethical discussions within the story.
* Psychological Depth: Internal conflict can delve into the character's psyche, exploring their motivations, past traumas, and emotional turmoil. This adds depth and complexity to the narrative.
External Conflict
* Plot Drive: External conflict is the driving force behind the plot, propelling the story forward. It creates challenges that the character must overcome.
* Worldbuilding: External conflict can reveal aspects of the story's setting, including social, political, or environmental challenges.
* Action and Suspense: External conflict often involves action, suspense, and dramatic scenes that keep the audience engaged.
Types of External Conflict
* Person vs. Person: This is the most common type of conflict, creating interpersonal drama, rivalry, and a battle of wills. It allows for exploration of relationships and human nature.
* Person vs. Nature: This conflict pits the character against the forces of nature, showcasing their resilience, survival instincts, and vulnerability to external forces. It can also highlight the power of nature and the fragility of humanity.
* Person vs. Society: This conflict explores societal issues, injustice, and the power dynamics within a community. It often raises questions about conformity, rebellion, and social norms.
* Person vs. Technology: This conflict highlights the dangers and complexities of technological advancement, showcasing its impact on individuals and society. It often explores themes of control, dependence, and unintended consequences.
* Person vs. Supernatural: This conflict involves the character facing mythical creatures, spirits, or other supernatural forces. It allows for exploration of the unknown, the limits of human understanding, and the battle between good and evil.
Why Authors Combine Conflict Types
* Richness and Complexity: Combining different types of conflict adds depth and complexity to the story, creating a more realistic and relatable experience for the reader.
* Intertwined Challenges: Internal and external conflicts can be intertwined, creating a multi-faceted struggle for the character. For example, a character facing a personal crisis (internal conflict) might also have to deal with a difficult decision that affects their community (external conflict).
* Emotional Impact: The combination of internal and external conflict creates more powerful emotional moments for the reader. It allows for exploration of the character's emotional journey as they navigate multiple challenges.
By understanding the different types of conflict and why authors choose to include them, readers can better appreciate the richness and complexity of the stories they encounter.