Internal And External Conflict In Stories: The Essential Guide [With Examples & Tips]

Have you ever wondered why some movies are so boring while other movies are so exciting? It’s all in the screenplay.

In this article, we will look at the differences between internal and external conflicts in screenwriting and how they can affect your movie.

We’ll also look at how you can use both to make your characters more interesting and engaging for your audience.

At the heart of every gripping story lie the twin pillars of internal and external conflict.

These elements are the engines that drive narratives forward, compelling us to turn the page or keep our eyes glued to the screen.

We’ll jump into how internal conflicts reveal characters’ struggles within themselves, while external conflicts pit them against outside forces.

Understanding these dynamics is crucial for both writers and readers seeking to unlock the depth of storytelling.

Internal Conflict: Exploring Characters’ Inner Struggles

Internal conflict is the silent war raging within a character, often laying the groundwork for character development and thematic depth.

   

It’s the engine that drives the narrative forward, revealing the complexities and contradictions within a character’s psyche.

When characters face internal conflicts, audiences are given a window into their souls.

These struggles are pivotal for character arcs, allowing us to witness the transformation from who the character is to who they might become.

To Kill a Mockingbird illustrates internal conflict through the moral dilemmas faced by Atticus Finch.

As he navigates the prejudice in his community, his internal struggle is as compelling as the courtroom battle.

His integrity is the torch lighting the way through his inner darkness, emblematic of the challenge to remain true to oneself in the face of societal pressure.

In Fight Club, the protagonist’s internal battle is against his own nihilism and discontent with modern life.

This battle leads to the creation of an alter ego, Tyler Durden, whose philosophies and actions represent a physical manifestation of the protagonist’s inner turmoil.

We often see characters confronting:

• Personal fears versus dreams,
• Ethical decisions in the face of easy outs,
• The desire for change against the comfort of the status quo.

Each character’s journey through their internal battles is unique, but the resonance of these battles with audiences is universal.

As filmmakers, we create these layers within our characters, presenting internal conflicts that are:

• Nuanced and complex,
• Integral to the character’s growth,
• Reflective of larger societal or philosophical issues.

Internal conflict is a treasure trove for storytellers.

It allows us to jump deeply into the human condition, uncovering the rich veins of motivation that drive our characters to fascinating and often unexpected places.

Types Of Internal Conflict In Stories

When we jump into stories, whether on screen or in pages, internal conflicts are the silent engines driving characters toward profound transformations.

These conflicts often manifest in various ways, reflecting the complexities of the human spirit.

Man Vs. Self

At the heart of many stories lies the Man vs.

Self conflict where characters grapple with their own beliefs, desires, or flaws.

Films like Fight Club showcase a protagonist battling his own identity crisis, demonstrating the struggle between reality and illusion.

Man Vs. Society

Man vs.

Society pits characters against societal norms or expectations.

The Truman Show portrays a man’s realization of his life as a fabricated reality, illustrating his fight for authenticity against societal constructs.

Man Vs. Fate

Man vs.

Fate involves characters confronting destiny or circumstances beyond their control.

In The Matrix, Neo’s journey centers around the concept of free will in a predetermined world, raising questions about fate and personal choice.

   

Man Vs. Nature

Although more prevalent in adventure genres, Man vs.

Nature can also be internal when a character opposes their own nature or instincts.

In The Revenant, the protagonist’s resilience is tested against both the physical wilderness and his innate desire for survival.

Man Vs. Machine

Exploring the theme of Man vs.

Machine invites reflection on humanity’s relationship with technology.

Her examines a man’s emotional bond with an artificial intelligence system, confronting the nature of love and connection in a digital age.

Film and literature often blend these conflicts, creating layers of tension and resolution that captivate audiences:

• Protagonists may face multiple conflicts at once,
• Antagonists can mirror or exacerbate the hero’s inner struggles,
• Supporting characters often act as catalysts for the protagonist’s confrontations.

Recognizing these types of internal conflicts allows us to appreciate the intricacies of storytelling and the portrayal of universal experiences.

As filmmakers and storytellers, we harness these dynamics to craft narratives that resonate deeply with audiences across the globe.

Leveraging internal conflict effectively elevates our characters from mere figures to echoes of our own inner trials.

The Power Of Internal Conflict In Character Development

Internal conflict isn’t just a mere tool for storytelling; it’s the lifeblood of character development.

Protagonists become memorable by facing challenges that aren’t only from their surroundings but also from within, pushing them toward transformative arcs.

In fact, internal conflict is often what makes characters feel real and relatable to us.

It reflects our own experiences with the struggles between our desires, duties, and fears, translating into a deeper connection with the audience.

Consider Rocky – a classic underdog who doesn’t just battle his opponents in the ring but also grapples with his own self-worth and identity.

His internal battles give rise to a journey that resonates far beyond the physical fights.

Likewise, The Godfather presents Michael Corleone’s internal conflict – his desire to preserve his family while grappling with the moral implications of his actions.

This creates a gripping narrative that engrosses viewers as they observe his transformation.

• Internal conflict uncovers various layers in characters: – Man vs. Self – essential for demonstrating character growth – Man vs. Society – highlighting personal convictions against societal norms – Man vs. Fate – showcasing the struggle against destiny or circumstances – Man vs. Nature – delving into the primal and existential struggles – Man vs. Machine – raising questions about humanity in the face of technology.

Employing these dimensions of conflict ensures that characters are not one-dimensional.

They offer multiple angles for audiences to engage with and contemplate.

Stories thrive on the complexities these internal conflicts bring to characters.

They allow us to explore themes of redemption, courage, and the human condition, making them not just tales to entertain but also profound statements on life itself.

Each layer of internal strife adds to a narrative’s richness, inviting viewers to jump into the psyche of the characters we bring to life on screen.

External Conflict: Forces Beyond The Characters’ Control

While we’ve delved into the internal struggles that characters grapple with, it’s equally vital to consider external conflict.

External conflicts are the struggles characters face against outside forces.

These are the antagonistic pressures that drive the plot forward and are typically out of the protagonist’s control.

Let’s take Jurassic Park for instance.

The characters must survive the primal might of nature in the form of dinosaurs resurrected through science’s hubris.

The external conflict often falls into clear categorical buckets.

These buckets can become critical tools in a filmmaker’s arsenal.

We’ve identified several common types of external conflict:

• Man vs Man – where characters are at odds with other individuals.
• Man vs Society – when a protagonist stands against societal norms or institutions.
• Man vs Nature – highlighting humanity’s fight against natural elements.
• Man vs Supernatural – featuring battles against elements beyond the natural world, such as ghosts or fantastical creatures.

A compelling narrative often intertwines these conflicts.

Consider the epic storytelling in The Lord of the Rings.

The fellowship journeys through a myriad of external challenges from warring factions to unforgiving environments, all while shouldering their own personal crises.

We can’t ignore the impact of relatable external conflict in elevating empathy and tension in our stories.

The best of our storytelling tradition mixes these conflicts deftly.

When we witness the resilience of characters in The Martian, as Mark Watney engineers his survival on a hostile planet, we’re seeing an intricate dance of man versus nature, and it resonates with our primal fight for existence.

In visual storytelling, external conflict can be particularly captivating.

Stunning visuals can heighten the drama even without dialogue.

The imposing silence of space in Gravity parallels the loneliness Sandra Bullock’s character faces, crafting an intense atmosphere where the external conflict almost becomes a character itself.

Weaving external conflict into our scripts demands careful consideration of the stakes involved.

The stakes are the consequences of the conflict.

They must be high enough to engage the audience but believable within the world we’ve built.

When these elements are balanced, external conflicts not only drive the story forward but also amplify the internal conflicts, showing the vast range of human experience.

Types Of External Conflict In Stories

As filmmakers, we understand that external conflict propels the narrative forward and keeps audiences engaged.

Every story requires a compelling force to challenge the protagonist, and these forces can be categorized into several distinct types.

• Man vs. Man – This classic type of conflict involves the protagonist against another character with opposing goals. Consider the relentless battles between the rebels and the Empire in Star Wars.
• Man vs. Society – Here, the protagonist battles against societal norms or expectations. The Hunger Games showcases a powerful struggle against a dystopian society.
• Man vs. Nature – Characters facing the fury of the natural world create gripping stories, as seen when the crew battles the ocean in The Perfect Storm.

Films often depict characters grappling with the supernatural or technology, adding layers to the external conflict.

– Man vs.

Supernatural – Characters confront elements beyond the natural world, such as ghosts or monsters.

The Exorcist reveals the harrowing conflict of confronting demonic possession.

• Man vs. Technology – The clash between humans and technological advancements can lead to thrilling narratives, particularly in the realm of science fiction. The Matrix poses a formidable enemy in sentient machines.

Incorporating these external conflicts enriches our scripts by providing tangible obstacles for characters to overcome.

They augment the internal conflicts and fuel the transformative arcs that make stories resonate with viewers.

Through external challenges, characters are tested, and their true nature is revealed, sometimes forging unlikely heroes or tragic figures.

We know that a well-crafted external conflict can become the turning point of a film, solidifying its impact on both characters and audience alike.

As such, we meticulously design these conflicts to reflect not only the physical struggles but also the philosophical and ideological battles our characters face.

This dynamic interplay between internal and external conflicts ensures that our narratives are full-bodied and compelling.

The Significance Of External Conflict In Plot Development

External conflict is the engine that propels a story forward.

It introduces stakes that are high, often life-changing, ensuring audiences remain glued to their seats.

This type of conflict is a catalyst for character development, pushing protagonists beyond their limits and forcing them to evolve.

Consider Rocky Balboa in Rocky – his external battles in the ring echo his internal struggles, shaping his journey every step of the way.

In The Godfather, clashes between rival families exemplify external conflicts that test loyalties and morality.

These vivid confrontations aren’t just physical battles; they symbolize the deeper ideological wars each character fights.

Such conflicts are crucial as they visibly demonstrate the challenges the characters face, providing a window into their evolution for the audience.

Different Types of External Conflicts:

• Man vs. Man – Personal and direct, like in The Dark Knight,
• Man vs. Society – The protagonist against the norms, like in V for Vendetta,
• Man vs. Nature – Battling the elements, such as in The Revenant,
• Man vs. Supernatural – Confronting the otherworldly, seen in Stranger Things,
• Man vs. Technology – Wrestling with artificial forces, depicted in The Matrix.

Weaving these conflicts into the narrative gives tangible obstacles for characters to overcome.

It’s not just about the fight scenes or the spectacular showdowns but also about how these external pressures can reveal hidden depths within characters.

When the external and internal conflicts align, it leads to a harmonious narrative that fully engages an audience both emotionally and intellectually.

It’s the depth of the conflict that enriches a script.

Whether it’s a simple Man vs.

Man struggle or a complex Man vs.

Society scenario, these battles highlight the transformative arcs of characters.

They don’t just exist for the sake of conflict; they serve a larger narrative purpose.

Take Jurassic Park, where the fights against prehistoric creatures are thrilling, but it’s the human response to this external threat that tells the real story.

The Intersection Of Internal And External Conflict

In the realm of storytelling, the most resonant tales often weave a tapestry where internal and external conflicts collide and influence each other.

Characters in films like Rocky face not only the physicality of a boxing match but also the personal demons that challenge their resolve.

The layers of conflict experienced by Michael Corleone in The Godfather demonstrate a complex narrative dance.

His internal struggles with family loyalty and power dynamics play out against a backdrop of mob rivalries and societal expectations.

We find that when internal and external conflicts intersect, they create:

• Pivotal moments that define character development,
• Unexpected turns that enhance the story’s depth,
• Catalysts that propel the narrative toward critical junctures.

Such convergence becomes a fertile ground for rich, nuanced character arcs.

It’s where protagonists must reconcile their desires with the harsh realities they confront, forging them into more robust, more profound characters.

In our exploration of scriptwriting, we’ve observed that maintaining a delicate balance between these conflicts is key.

Too much emphasis on one can overshadow the other, while a harmonious blend ensures both remain impactful and engaging.

By crafting scenarios where internal and external conflicts amplify each other, we set the stage for transformative experiences.

Audiences are drawn into a world where characters must navigate both the world around them and the one within, offering a reflection of the human condition in its most compelling form.

Resolving Conflict: Finding Balance In Stories

We know that storytelling hinges on conflict.

It’s the heart of the narrative, driving characters and plots with urgency and passion.

Yet, finding the right equilibrium between internal and external struggles is crucial – it’s what keeps an audience hooked and invested in the outcome.

In iconic films like The Godfather and Rocky, a delicate balance is struck.

The characters grapple with their inner demons while simultaneously confronting tangible, outside forces.

This balance does more than advance the plot; it deepens our connection to the characters, making their victories – and losses – resonate more powerfully.

• Crafting multidimensional characters,
• Constructing convincing and relatable motivations,
• Maintaining suspense and engagement.

To achieve this synthesis, we consider each character’s journey.

We aim to intersect the personal and the universal at moments that feel both inevitable and surprising.

These intersections aren’t random; they’re carefully designed to mirror life’s complexity through the lens of film.

We build characters to experience transformative moments that serve as a crucible, testing and eventually revealing their true nature.

Through this, we’re able to explore topics like redemption, courage, and the human capacity for change.

And it’s in these revelatory moments where internal and external conflicts align, immersing the viewer in the depth of the story.

Effective storytelling demands that we weave these conflicts seamlessly.

Our narratives become more than a series of events; they evolve into experiences that mirror the complexities and triumphs of the human spirit.

Whether through action or introspection, our characters face conflicts that engage us deeply, making their stories our own.

The intersection of internal and external conflicts not only propels characters into action but also reflects back on us.

It asks us to consider our own internal battles and how we navigate the external challenges life throws our way.

Through this dynamic, we create stories that are not just watched but felt, and long after the screen fades to black, they stay with us, challenging and inspiring in equal measure.

Internal And External Conflict In Stories – Wrap Up

We’ve seen how the dance between internal and external conflict is essential to storytelling that resonates.

By intertwining the two, writers create multifaceted characters and narratives that reflect the human experience.

It’s the synergy of these conflicts that keeps us riveted, rooting for characters as they navigate the complexities of their worlds.

As storytellers, our aim is to craft these layers with precision, ensuring that each twist and turn is both believable and emotionally charged.

When we get it right, we leave our audience contemplating their own conflicts, inspired by the journeys they’ve witnessed.

Remember, it’s through the masterful melding of internal struggles and external challenges that stories leave a lasting impact.

Let’s continue to weave these elements together, crafting tales that speak to the heart of the human condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Importance Of Internal Conflict In Storytelling?

Internal conflict is crucial in storytelling as it drives transformative character arcs, bringing depth to characters and making them more relatable.

It reflects the complexities of the human spirit and is essential for developing engaging narratives.

How Do Internal And External Conflicts Intersect In A Story?

Internal and external conflicts intersect to create pivotal moments that define character development, adding unexpected turns and enhancing the narrative’s depth.

They act as catalysts, propelling the story toward critical junctures.

Why Must A Delicate Balance Between Internal And External Conflicts Be Maintained?

Maintaining a balance between internal and external conflicts ensures that both elements remain impactful.

This balance allows for a more compelling depiction of the human condition and keeps the audience engaged with the story.

How Can Internal And External Conflicts Amplify Each Other?

When crafted scenarios allow internal and external conflicts to amplify each other, they create transformative experiences.

These experiences offer a reflection on the human condition that is both complex and compelling.

What Is The Significance Of Resolving Conflict In Storytelling?

Resolving conflict in storytelling is significant because it contributes to the multidimensionality of characters and maintains suspense.

It helps construct relatable motivations and satisfying conclusions that mirror the complexity of life.

How Does Effective Storytelling Benefit From The Intertwining Of Conflicts?

Effective storytelling benefits from the intertwining of internal and external conflicts as it creates richer experiences.

This weaving together reflects life’s complexities and triumphs, challenging and inspiring audiences long after the story concludes.