Conflict drives stories forward, keeping readers hooked. Internal conflicts reveal characters' inner struggles, while external conflicts present tangible obstacles. Both types work together to create compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.

Understanding these conflicts helps writers craft engaging stories. Internal conflicts develop characters, while external conflicts create tension. By balancing both, writers can create rich, multi-layered narratives that captivate readers from start to finish.

Internal Conflict

Psychological Struggles and Emotional Journeys

• Internal conflict arises from a character's inner turmoil, doubts, fears, or conflicting desires (a soldier grappling with the morality of war)
• Psychological struggles stem from a character's past experiences, traumas, or unresolved issues that shape their behavior and decisions (an abuse survivor struggling to trust others)
• Emotional journeys involve a character's growth, change, or transformation as they confront their internal conflicts and learn important lessons (a selfish businessman learning the value of empathy)
• Character arcs refer to the development and evolution of a character's personality, beliefs, or goals throughout the story, often driven by their internal conflicts (a timid teenager becoming a confident leader)

Driving Character Development and Theme

• Internal conflicts serve as powerful tools for driving character development, forcing characters to confront their flaws, fears, or limiting beliefs
• By overcoming internal conflicts, characters demonstrate growth, resilience, and the ability to change, making them more relatable and engaging to the audience
• Internal conflicts often tie into the central themes of the story, such as the importance of honesty, the power of forgiveness, or the consequences of unchecked ambition (a politician's struggle with integrity vs. ambition reflecting the theme of moral corruption)
• Exploring internal conflicts allows writers to delve deeper into a character's psyche, motivations, and inner world, creating complex and multi-dimensional characters that resonate with audiences

External Conflict

Physical Obstacles and Challenges

• External conflict refers to the tangible obstacles, challenges, or forces that a character must overcome to achieve their goals or desires
• Physical obstacles can include natural disasters, technological failures, or logistical problems that hinder a character's progress (a group of survivors battling a zombie outbreak)
• External conflicts often create a sense of urgency, high stakes, and tension, propelling the story forward and keeping the audience engaged
• Overcoming physical obstacles requires characters to use their skills, resources, and problem-solving abilities, showcasing their strengths and weaknesses (a detective piecing together clues to solve a complex murder case)

Interpersonal Conflicts and Antagonistic Forces

• Interpersonal conflicts arise from the clash of goals, values, or personalities between characters, creating tension and drama (a rivalry between two competing business owners)
• Antagonistic forces, such as villains, authority figures, or societal norms, actively oppose the protagonist's goals and create external conflicts (a whistleblower fighting against a corrupt corporation)
• External conflicts can stem from misunderstandings, competing interests, or ideological differences between characters, leading to arguments, betrayals, or power struggles
• Interpersonal conflicts test a character's ability to communicate, compromise, and navigate complex relationships, revealing their social skills and emotional intelligence (a couple navigating the challenges of a long-distance relationship)