Conflict

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Conflict is a struggle between opposing wishes, people, or forces in a story. It can happen inside a character or between a character and something outside them, giving their choices weight and helping the plot move forward.

The two main kinds of conflict

Internal conflict

A character struggles with competing feelings, beliefs, or desires. The difficulty lies within the character, even when outside events bring it to the surface.

In Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Huck struggles between the rules he has been taught about slavery and his loyalty to Jim. He decides to help Jim even though he believes doing so is wrong.

In Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

External conflict

A character struggles against an outside force, such as another person, social rules, or nature. This struggle need not involve physical fighting.

In Romeo and Juliet, the lovers try to be together despite the feud between their families. Juliet's parents also press her to marry Paris.

In Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

How to spot conflict

Identify what a character wants or needs.
Look for the person, force, or feeling standing in the way.
Notice how the struggle shapes the character's choices.

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Does conflict always mean a fight?

No, conflict can be a quiet struggle rather than a fight. A character might face pressure to marry, fear telling the truth, or feel torn between duty and love. What matters is that opposing wishes or forces make a choice or goal difficult.

What is the difference between conflict and plot?

Conflict is the struggle in a story, while plot is the sequence of events. A conflict can lead to several plot events as characters act, meet obstacles, and face consequences. One story can also contain several conflicts within its main plot.