In storytelling, conflict drives character arcs and plot development—but not all conflict is created equal. Understanding the difference between internal vs external conflict is essential for writers, readers, and literature students alike. Internal conflict refers to a character’s psychological or emotional struggle, while external conflict arises from outside forces such as people, society, or nature. Together, these two forms of tension shape meaningful, multidimensional narratives. This article explores their definitions, differences, real-world and literary examples, and how combining them leads to stronger, more compelling storytelling.
Understanding Internal Conflict
Definition and Characteristics
Internal conflict, often referred to as "man vs. self," is a literary device that presents a psychological struggle within the mind of a character. Unlike external conflict, which arises from outside forces, internal conflict is rooted in a character's thoughts, emotions, beliefs, or desires. It involves the opposing forces within a character that drive tension and decision-making.
These conflicts are often intangible, yet they profoundly influence a character's actions and the story's progression. They tend to be more introspective, focusing on the character's personal dilemmas and emotional or moral uncertainty.
Psychological Struggles
One of the most common forms of internal conflict is psychological struggle. This includes battles with fear, self-doubt, anxiety, or trauma. Characters may experience a crisis of identity, question their self-worth, or struggle with obsessive thoughts and compulsions.
For example, in Shakespeare's Hamlet, the titular character wrestles with indecision, grief, and existential doubt. His internal turmoil drives much of the plot and ultimately leads to tragic consequences. These psychological conflicts add layers of complexity and realism, making characters feel more human and relatable.
Moral Dilemmas
Moral dilemmas are another powerful form of internal conflict. These occur when a character must choose between two competing ethical principles, often with no clear right or wrong answer. The tension lies in the emotional weight of the decision and its consequences.
In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch experiences internal conflict as he defends a Black man in a racially prejudiced society. His commitment to justice and equality conflicts with societal norms and the safety of his family, forcing him to make tough moral choices that define his character.
Personal Growth Journeys
Internal conflict often serves as the foundation for a character's personal growth arc. As characters confront and resolve their inner demons, they evolve — gaining insight, maturity, or a new sense of purpose. These arcs often mirror the hero’s journey, where internal transformation is as significant as the external adventure.
In Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir Eat, Pray, Love, the protagonist embarks on a journey of self-discovery following a painful divorce. Her internal conflicts — feelings of emptiness, guilt, and confusion — set her on a path toward healing and fulfillment. These internal shifts are essential to the narrative, illustrating how change begins from within.
Examples from Literature
- Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby: Gatsby’s internal conflict revolves around his obsession with the past and his idealization of Daisy. His inability to reconcile reality with his dreams leads to his downfall.
- Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice: Elizabeth struggles with her own prejudices and pride, which cloud her judgment of Mr. Darcy. Her internal realization of these faults contributes to her character development and the story’s resolution.
- Holden Caulfield in The Catcher in the Rye: Holden’s internal conflict with growing up, loss, and identity drives the narrative. His emotional struggles and resistance to change highlight the depth of his character.
These examples show how internal conflict not only enriches character development but also drives the plot forward in meaningful and engaging ways. Writers who skillfully weave internal struggles into their narratives can create emotionally resonant stories that stay with the reader long after the final page.
Exploring External Conflict
External conflict occurs when a character faces opposition from a force outside themselves. Unlike internal conflict, which takes place within the character’s mind and emotions, external conflict involves tangible challenges and adversaries that push the story forward. It is often the most visible form of conflict in storytelling, and it plays a crucial role in developing plot, pacing, and stakes.
Definition and Primary Characteristics
External conflict is defined as a struggle between a character and an external force. This force could be another character, a societal norm, a natural disaster, or a physical obstacle. What distinguishes external conflict is that it originates from outside the protagonist and requires them to act, adapt, or confront the challenge directly.
Key characteristics of external conflict include:
- Physical or social opposition
- Immediate, visible stakes
- Clear antagonistic forces
- Potential for resolution through action or confrontation
Character vs. Character
One of the most common forms of external conflict is character vs. character. This occurs when two or more individuals are in direct opposition to one another. The conflict may stem from differing goals, values, or desires. Whether it’s a hero battling a villain or two rivals competing for the same prize, this type of conflict often drives the central tension in a story.
Example: In Harry Potter, the ongoing struggle between Harry and Voldemort embodies a classic character vs. character conflict. Their opposing values and goals create a central narrative tension that spans the entire series.
Character vs. Nature
In this type of external conflict, a character must survive or overcome challenges posed by the natural world. This might include extreme weather, dangerous terrains, wild animals, or natural disasters. Conflict with nature often places characters in life-threatening situations and tests their resilience and ingenuity.
Example: In Jack London’s To Build a Fire, the protagonist’s battle against the harsh Yukon environment is a vivid example of man vs. nature. The setting itself becomes the antagonist, forcing the character to confront his limitations and the power of nature.
Character vs. Society
Character vs. society conflict arises when a character challenges the norms, laws, or expectations of the society in which they live. This type of conflict often explores themes of justice, conformity, and social change. It’s commonly used in dystopian fiction and stories that delve into political or cultural critique.
Example: In George Orwell’s 1984, Winston Smith’s rebellion against a totalitarian regime represents a clear man vs. society conflict. His struggle is not just personal but symbolic of resistance against oppressive societal structures.
Physical Obstacles and Challenges
Not all external conflicts involve other characters or grand societal issues. Sometimes, the conflict lies in physical struggles—such as being lost, imprisoned, injured, or trapped. These scenarios force characters into action and often reveal their resourcefulness or desperation.
Example: In the film 127 Hours, based on a true story, the protagonist is trapped by a boulder in a remote canyon. The physical obstacle becomes the primary source of conflict, driving the character’s transformation and survival instinct.
The Role of External Conflict in Storytelling
External conflict is essential for driving plot and action. It provides clear goals and opposition, setting the stage for tension and suspense. Additionally, external conflict often serves as a catalyst for internal conflict. For example, a battle with an enemy may lead a character to question their morals or values, creating a layered narrative experience.
By presenting characters with real-world challenges, external conflict helps define their traits, motivations, and growth. It also engages readers by creating stakes that demand resolution.
In summary, external conflict is a dynamic and versatile element of storytelling that shapes narrative structure and character evolution. Whether it’s a fight against a powerful antagonist, a struggle to survive the elements, or a rebellion against societal norms, external conflict offers writers countless opportunities to build drama, tension, and meaning in their stories.
Key Differences Between Internal and External Conflicts
Understanding the distinctions between internal and external conflicts is essential for crafting layered, compelling narratives. Both types of conflict serve unique functions within a story and affect characters and plot in different ways.
Source of the Conflict
The most fundamental difference between internal and external conflict lies in the origin of the struggle:
Internal conflict arises from within the character. It involves psychological, emotional, or moral dilemmas that the character must resolve. This type of conflict is often categorized as "character vs. self." The character might wrestle with fear, guilt, identity, indecision, or ethical choices.
External conflict, on the other hand, originates outside the character. It includes struggles between the character and external forces such as other characters (character vs. character), societal expectations (character vs. society), natural disasters or environment (character vs. nature), or even technology or fate.
Resolution Methods
Internal and external conflicts are resolved through different narrative methods:
Internal conflict resolution often involves personal growth, self-acceptance, or a transformation in worldview. The resolution comes from within, as the character makes choices that define who they are or who they want to become.
External conflict resolution usually involves action. The character must confront and overcome physical obstacles, defeat opponents, or navigate social systems. The resolution is observable and often includes a visible change in circumstance or setting.
Impact on Character Development
Internal conflict plays a crucial role in shaping a character’s internal arc. It reveals their deepest fears, desires, values, and flaws, helping readers connect with them on an emotional level. As the character resolves their internal struggles, they often evolve or mature.
External conflict drives the narrative forward and challenges characters to act. While it may not always lead to internal change, it provides the situations that test the character’s limits and provoke internal reflection or decisions.
Narrative Function
Each conflict type serves a distinct purpose in storytelling:
Internal conflict creates introspection and depth. It slows the narrative pace to allow for emotional resonance and thematic exploration.
External conflict generates momentum and action. It introduces stakes and tension, often forming the backbone of the plot’s primary events.
Visibility and Perception
Internal conflict is often subtle and requires careful development through monologue, inner thoughts, or symbolic actions. It may not be immediately apparent to other characters or even to the reader without insight into the character’s psyche.
External conflict is tangible and visible. It is easier for readers to identify, as it usually involves confrontation, dialogue, or action sequences that directly impact the plot.
Comparative Summary
| Aspect | Internal Conflict | External Conflict |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Inside the character (self) | Outside the character (others, world) |
| Resolution | Emotional or moral decision | Physical or situational resolution |
| Impact on Character | Drives personal growth and change | Tests limits and incites reaction |
| Visibility | Internal, often subtle | External, usually visible |
| Narrative Role | Builds emotional depth | Drives action and plot progression |
When to Use Each Type
Writers choose between or combine conflict types based on the story they want to tell:
- Use internal conflict when focusing on character-driven stories, personal transformation, or moral complexity.
- Use external conflict to build suspense, create external stakes, or emphasize action and interaction.
- Use both to create rich, multidimensional narratives where external events trigger internal dilemmas, and internal decisions affect how external challenges are handled. This interplay is often what makes stories most compelling, as seen in classics like Hamlet, The Great Gatsby, or The Hunger Games.
The Power of Combined Conflicts
In compelling storytelling, the most memorable narratives often arise when internal and external conflicts are not only present but intricately woven together. The synergy between these two types of conflict elevates both character development and plot progression. Understanding how to combine them effectively can transform a simple story into a layered, emotionally resonant experience.
How Internal and External Conflicts Complement Each Other
Internal and external conflicts are fundamentally different in origin—one arises from within the character, the other from outside forces. However, when these two forces interact, they enrich the narrative by mirroring, reinforcing, or even opposing one another. For instance, an external conflict such as a war or societal oppression can trigger a character's internal struggle with fear, guilt, or identity. Conversely, unresolved internal issues, such as insecurity or pride, can influence how a character responds to external challenges.
This interdependence creates a multidimensional storytelling experience. A character may be forced to confront their deepest fears (internal) while also surviving a natural disaster (external), making each struggle more intense and meaningful.
Creating Tension Through Dual Conflicts
Dual-layered conflicts naturally raise the stakes in a narrative. When a character is torn between conflicting desires internally while simultaneously dealing with external opposition, the tension escalates. This duality keeps readers invested, as they are not only eager to see how the external events unfold but also how these events transform the character from within.
For example, in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby faces the external conflict of winning back Daisy and overcoming social barriers, while grappling internally with his idealistic obsession and disillusionment. The interplay between these conflicts is what ultimately drives the story’s tragic conclusion.
Impact on Character Development
Combining internal and external conflicts provides fertile ground for character development. Characters who confront both types of challenges tend to evolve more dramatically. External obstacles often act as catalysts for internal growth, pushing characters to question values, confront fears, or reevaluate life choices.
Consider Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games. Her external conflict—surviving a deadly competition—forces her to confront internal dilemmas about morality, loyalty, and identity. The contrast between what she faces physically and what she feels emotionally adds depth to her character and makes her journey more relatable and powerful.
Pacing and Plot Development
Blending internal and external conflicts also enhances pacing and plot complexity. Writers can alternate between the two to maintain narrative momentum and avoid stagnation. When external action slows, internal conflict can take precedence, allowing for introspection and emotional development. Conversely, when introspection becomes too heavy, external events can reignite excitement and urgency.
This balance not only sustains reader interest but also creates a more dynamic narrative structure. In literary terms, this technique allows for both character-driven and plot-driven elements to coexist harmoniously.
Examples of Successful Combinations in Literature
Hamlet by William Shakespeare: Prince Hamlet’s internal turmoil over avenging his father’s death is compounded by the external conflict of political intrigue and murder. His indecision (internal) directly influences the external events of the play, leading to its tragic end.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: Atticus Finch faces the external conflict of defending a Black man in a racially prejudiced society, while internally, Scout and Jem grapple with understanding morality and justice in a flawed world.
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger: Holden Caulfield’s internal conflict with depression, identity, and alienation is set against his external struggle to connect with others and navigate a world he finds hypocritical.
These examples demonstrate how combining internal and external conflicts doesn't just add complexity—it deepens emotional resonance and thematic richness. Writers who master this technique can craft stories that not only entertain but also leave a lasting impact.
Internal and external conflicts serve different but complementary roles in storytelling. While internal conflict offers emotional depth and character development, external conflict fuels tension and momentum. The most powerful narratives often feature both, allowing characters to evolve under pressure while striving against visible challenges. Whether you’re crafting fiction, analyzing literature, or just exploring the art of storytelling, understanding the dynamics of internal vs external conflict will deepen your appreciation and effectiveness. Explore how these forces intertwine—and elevate your storytelling today.
