Internal conflict occurs when individuals face emotional or mental struggles within themselves, such as choosing between right and wrong or personal desires versus societal expectations. This article explains internal conflict, offers real-world and literary examples, and provides tools to recognize and overcome these inner battles.


Defining Internal vs. External Conflicts

Understanding the distinction between internal and external conflicts is essential for analyzing human behavior, improving personal decision-making, and crafting compelling narratives. Both types of conflict involve tension or opposition, but they originate from different sources and affect individuals in distinct ways.

Characteristics of Internal Conflicts

Internal conflict occurs within a character or individual. It involves a psychological struggle where a person must make a difficult decision, wrestle with emotions, or resolve contradictions in values or beliefs. This type of conflict is often referred to as "character vs. self." It is introspective and subjective, and it typically centers around:

  • Moral dilemmas (e.g., choosing between honesty and loyalty)
  • Emotional turmoil (e.g., coping with grief or fear)
  • Identity struggles (e.g., self-worth, belonging, or purpose)
  • Conflicting desires (e.g., pursuing a dream vs. meeting responsibilities)

Internal conflict is significant because it drives self-reflection, character development, and personal growth. For example, a student torn between attending a school dance and participating in a football game embodies an internal conflict. This situation highlights the challenge of balancing personal desires with social commitments and responsibilities.

Characteristics of External Conflicts

External conflict arises from outside forces acting against a person or character. These forces can be individuals, society, nature, or technology. External conflicts are objective, observable, and often involve confrontation or competition. Common types include:

  • Character vs. character (e.g., a rivalry in a school election)
  • Character vs. society (e.g., challenging an unfair workplace policy)
  • Character vs. nature (e.g., surviving on a deserted island)
  • Character vs. technology (e.g., adapting to new digital systems)

Unlike internal conflict, external conflict is typically visible in actions or dialogue and drives the plot forward in storytelling or presents real-world challenges in personal and professional settings.

How to Identify Each Type

Distinguishing between internal and external conflicts involves examining the source of the struggle:

  • If the conflict is based on internal thought, emotions, or moral ambiguity, it is an internal conflict.
  • If the conflict stems from interactions with external forces or entities, it is an external conflict.

For instance, a character debating whether to tell a painful truth is facing an internal conflict. In contrast, if they argue with someone over differing views, it is an external conflict.

Recognizing the type of conflict not only aids in understanding character motivations and personal challenges but also improves conflict resolution strategies in real life and storytelling contexts.

Classic Examples of Internal Conflict

Internal conflict is a psychological struggle that occurs within a character or individual, often involving moral dilemmas, emotional tension, or competing desires. These conflicts are central to character development in literature and decision-making in real life. Below are classic examples that illustrate how internal conflict manifests in various scenarios.

Hamlet’s Moral Dilemma – William Shakespeare’s Hamlet

One of the most iconic examples of internal conflict in literature is found in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The titular character is torn between avenging his father’s murder and his own moral hesitation. His famous soliloquy, “To be or not to be,” exemplifies his existential struggle with action versus inaction, justice versus morality, and life versus death. Hamlet’s internal battle drives the plot forward and underscores the psychological complexity of revenge and duty.

Holden Caulfield’s Identity Crisis – J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye

Holden Caulfield, the protagonist of The Catcher in the Rye, experiences profound internal conflict as he struggles with the transition from adolescence to adulthood. He grapples with feelings of alienation, grief over his brother’s death, and a desire to protect the innocence of children. This internal turmoil is emblematic of identity struggles and emotional confusion, common in coming-of-age narratives.

Dr. Jekyll vs. Mr. Hyde – Robert Louis Stevenson’s Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

In Stevenson’s novella, Dr. Jekyll embodies the conflict between good and evil within a single individual. His scientific experiment to separate his darker impulses results in the creation of Mr. Hyde. The story is a literal representation of internal conflict, where the duality of human nature becomes a battleground for control. This example explores the psychological and moral contradictions that exist within every person.

Katniss Everdeen’s Emotional Struggles – Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games

Katniss Everdeen faces multiple internal conflicts throughout The Hunger Games series. She is torn between her survival instincts and her sense of justice, as well as between her feelings for Peeta and Gale. Her inner turmoil is heightened by the pressure of being a symbol of rebellion, making her story a powerful example of emotional and ethical conflict in a high-stakes environment.

Jay Gatsby’s Obsession – F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby

Jay Gatsby’s internal conflict revolves around his obsessive love for Daisy Buchanan and the illusion of recreating an idealized past. He is caught between the reality of who he is and the persona he has created to win her love. Gatsby’s internal struggle highlights the destructive nature of denial and the conflict between appearance and truth.

Real-Life Scenario: Choosing Between Two Passions

A relatable example of internal conflict outside of literature is the decision between pursuing two equally compelling interests—such as choosing between joining the school dance team or the football team. This kind of conflict is based on time management, personal priorities, and identity. The individual must weigh their passion for each activity, the impact on social relationships, and future goals. This example illustrates how internal conflict often involves balancing desires, values, and external expectations.

Moral vs. Practical Decisions

Internal conflict frequently arises when one's moral compass clashes with practical needs. For instance, a person might struggle with whether to report a friend’s dishonest behavior at work, knowing it’s the right thing to do but fearing the potential fallout. This scenario highlights the tension between ethics and self-preservation, a common theme in both personal and professional environments.

Emotional Conflict in Relationships

In personal relationships, internal conflict can occur when emotions are at odds with logic. For example, someone might feel deep affection for a partner who continuously causes emotional pain. The internal battle between staying for love and leaving for self-respect exemplifies emotional conflict tied to self-worth and vulnerability.

These classic examples demonstrate how internal conflict is woven into both fictional narratives and real-life decision-making. Whether rooted in moral dilemmas, emotional tension, or competing desires, internal conflict is essential to understanding human behavior and storytelling.

Contrasting with External Conflict Examples

Understanding internal conflict becomes clearer when contrasted with external conflict, which involves struggles between a character or person and outside forces. While internal conflict centers on personal dilemmas and emotional battles within an individual, external conflict reflects tangible opposition in the outside world. Here, we will explore key examples of external conflict to highlight how they differ from internal struggles.

Professional Conflict: Company Policy vs. Employee Needs

An example of external conflict can be seen in workplace disagreements, such as a female employee requesting extended maternity leave due to health complications, while her employer insists on adhering to a strict policy that limits time off. This scenario presents a conflict between two parties—an individual and an institution—fitting the definition of an external conflict. Here, the struggle exists outside the individual and involves clashing interests, making it distinctly different from an internal conflict, where the employee might instead wrestle with guilt over taking time off versus fulfilling career goals.

Social Conflict: School Election Rivalry

In a school setting, consider two students running against each other for student council president. Their competition, which includes debates, campaigning, and public scrutiny, exemplifies external conflict. The tension arises from their direct engagement with each other and the reactions of the broader school community. If one of the candidates privately struggles with self-doubt or anxiety about public speaking, that internal struggle would constitute internal conflict—but the rivalry itself is external, rooted in social interaction and competition.

Environmental Conflict: Surviving Harsh Conditions

Imagine a character stranded on a deserted island, forced to find food, build shelter, and survive dangerous weather. This scenario is a classic example of man vs. nature, a type of external conflict. The protagonist’s battle is with environmental forces beyond their control. In contrast, if the same character experiences an internal debate about whether to hold onto hope or give in to despair, that would represent an internal conflict. Here, the external conflict provides the backdrop, while the internal conflict develops emotional depth.

Distinguishing the Two in Narrative and Real Life

In storytelling and real-life situations, internal and external conflicts often coexist, but they serve different roles. External conflicts generate momentum and plot development, while internal conflicts reveal character depth and emotional complexity. Recognizing the difference is essential for writers developing compelling narratives and for individuals navigating personal challenges.

For instance, a student choosing between joining the football team or the dance club—a decision rooted in personal identity and fear of judgment—is facing an internal conflict. However, if their parents forbid participation in either activity, the resulting argument becomes an external conflict. The internal versus external distinction lies in whether the struggle is happening within the person or between the person and an outside force.

Components of Internal Conflict

Internal conflict arises when an individual faces a psychological struggle between opposing needs, desires, values, or emotions. These inner battles can be complex and multifaceted, often involving several overlapping components. Understanding these elements is key to recognizing and addressing internal conflict effectively.

Personal Values

At the heart of many internal conflicts are deeply held personal values. These are the principles and beliefs that guide an individual's behavior and decisions. When a situation challenges or contradicts a person's values, it can result in significant inner turmoil.

For example, a student may value honesty but feel tempted to cheat on an important exam due to pressure to maintain a scholarship. The conflict between integrity and academic success highlights how personal values can be a central component of internal struggle.

Individual Desires

Desires represent what a person wants on a personal level, whether it's emotional satisfaction, ambition, or achievement. Internal conflict often arises when multiple desires are in opposition or when a desire clashes with a value or responsibility.

A classic example is choosing between two equally appealing but mutually exclusive opportunities—such as a high school student who must decide whether to attend football practice or the dance rehearsal. Both activities fulfill different aspects of the student's identity and aspirations, creating a conflict between personal goals.

Social Expectations

Social norms and the expectations of others frequently contribute to internal conflict. These can include family obligations, peer pressure, cultural norms, and institutional rules. When external expectations conflict with internal desires or values, the result is often emotional tension and indecision.

For instance, a young adult might feel pressured to pursue a career path favored by their family, despite wanting to follow a different passion. This conflict between autonomy and approval exemplifies how social expectations can intensify internal struggles.

Time Management Considerations

Time is a finite resource, and the need to choose between competing priorities is a common source of internal conflict. When individuals are forced to allocate limited time among multiple important responsibilities or interests, it can lead to stress and difficult trade-offs.

A relevant scenario might involve a working parent deciding between attending a child’s school event and an important work meeting. Each choice comes with emotional implications and consequences, reinforcing the internal conflict caused by time constraints.

Emotional and Psychological Factors

Internal conflict is not only about logical decision-making; it often involves a complex emotional landscape. Guilt, fear, anxiety, and doubt can all play a role in intensifying conflict. These emotions may stem from past experiences, future uncertainties, or internalized beliefs.

For example, someone might struggle with the decision to end a long-term relationship. Even if they know it's the right choice logically, emotional attachments and fear of loneliness can create a powerful internal struggle, reflecting the psychological depth of internal conflict.

Understanding these components—values, desires, expectations, time, and emotions—provides a clearer framework for recognizing internal conflict in both everyday situations and character development in stories. Each element contributes uniquely to the complexity of the inner struggle, making resolution a nuanced and often transformative process.

Decision-Making Strategies

Resolving internal conflicts often begins with structured decision-making. This process involves identifying the conflict clearly, outlining possible choices, and evaluating the short-term and long-term consequences of each. Tools such as decision matrices or pros-and-cons lists can be particularly useful. These methods help individuals clarify their values and priorities, enabling more objective and confident choices.

For example, in a scenario where a student must choose between attending football practice or a dance recital, listing the benefits and drawbacks of each option can illuminate which aligns more closely with their long-term goals or personal identity. This reflective approach reduces emotional noise and allows for a clearer understanding of the inner conflict.

Weighing Options Effectively

Internal conflicts often stem from competing desires or obligations. To resolve these, individuals should evaluate each option in terms of personal relevance, urgency, and alignment with long-term aspirations. Prioritization is key. Ask questions like:

  • What are the potential outcomes of each choice?
  • Which option supports my core values?
  • What will I regret not doing?

This process helps in distinguishing between immediate gratification and meaningful, long-term fulfillment.

Seeking Guidance

Sometimes internal conflict can feel overwhelming, especially when emotions cloud judgment. In such cases, seeking external guidance can offer clarity. Trusted friends, family members, mentors, or counselors can provide new perspectives and help articulate the internal struggle. Their input may reveal blind spots or validate feelings, which can be crucial when trying to make difficult decisions.

For instance, a character in literature facing a moral dilemma might consult a mentor figure, illustrating how guidance can play a pivotal role in resolving internal tensions. Similarly, in real life, professional help such as therapy or coaching can support individuals in navigating complex internal landscapes.

Self-Reflection Techniques

Self-reflection is essential for understanding the root causes of internal conflict. Techniques such as journaling, meditation, or mindfulness can help individuals observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment. This introspection often leads to greater emotional awareness and helps identify unconscious motivations or fears driving the conflict.

Journaling, for instance, allows individuals to explore their internal dialogue, identify patterns, and track progress in their decision-making journey. Meditation fosters a non-reactive awareness, helping individuals detach momentarily from the emotional charge of the conflict, making space for clarity and insight.

Embracing Compromise and Integration

In some situations, resolving internal conflict may not require choosing one path over another but finding a way to integrate both. This could involve time management strategies, renegotiating commitments, or redefining success to include multiple pursuits.

For example, a student conflicted between extracurricular activities might choose to participate in both on a rotating schedule or seek alternative roles that offer partial involvement. This approach reduces the pressure of an either/or decision and acknowledges the legitimacy of all internal desires.

Monitoring Outcomes and Adjusting

Resolution doesn’t always mean perfection. After a decision is made, it’s important to monitor emotional responses and outcomes. If discomfort or regret persists, revisiting the decision with new information or insight can be beneficial. Flexibility in thought and behavior ensures that internal conflicts become learning experiences rather than sources of prolonged distress.

This cyclical process of decision, reflection, and adjustment not only resolves the immediate conflict but also builds emotional intelligence and resilience over time.

Internal conflict shapes who we are and the choices we make. Understanding its signs and causes allows us to grow and develop emotionally. Whether you face moral dilemmas or emotional uncertainty, recognizing these mental battles equips you with the tools to resolve them. Reflect on recent decisions and explore your values—this is the first step toward clarity and peace of mind.