Understanding the concept of external conflicts is fundamental in analyzing stories, characters, and narratives across literature, film, and other storytelling mediums. External conflicts are the struggles that occur between a character and outside forces, which can include other characters, society, nature, or even technology. These conflicts drive the plot forward, create tension, and often serve as the catalyst for character development. In this article, we will explore what external conflicts are, their types, their significance in storytelling, and how they differ from internal conflicts.
Defining External Conflict
What Is External Conflict?
External conflict refers to a struggle that a character faces with an outside force. Unlike internal conflicts—which involve psychological or emotional struggles within a character—external conflicts are tangible, observable struggles that can be seen and measured. They often manifest as physical obstacles, societal pressures, or confrontations with other individuals or forces.
For example, a character fighting against a natural disaster, battling an antagonist, or protesting against unjust laws are all instances of external conflict. These conflicts are critical because they challenge the protagonist in ways that test their strength, morals, and resolve.
Difference Between External and Internal Conflicts
While external conflicts involve outside forces, internal conflicts are conflicts within a character’s mind or emotions. To clarify:
- External Conflict: Character vs. outside force (e.g., character vs. nature, character vs. society, character vs. character).
- Internal Conflict: Character vs. self (e.g., moral dilemmas, emotional struggles, psychological battles).
Both types of conflicts are essential for creating compelling stories, but external conflicts often add action and tension, making the narrative more engaging.
Types of External Conflicts
External conflicts can be categorized based on the nature of the outside force involved. Recognizing these types helps in understanding how stories create tension and how characters respond to different challenges.
1. Character vs. Character
This is perhaps the most common form of external conflict. It involves a struggle between two or more characters, often with opposing goals or desires. This conflict can be friendly or hostile, physical or psychological.
Examples:
- A hero battling a villain.
- Two friends competing for the same opportunity.
- A detective trying to solve a case against a criminal.
Significance: This conflict often drives the story’s main action and reveals character traits through their interactions.
2. Character vs. Society
In this type, the protagonist faces opposition from societal norms, laws, or cultural expectations. The character might be challenging unjust laws, fighting societal prejudices, or trying to bring about social change.
Examples:
- A young woman protesting gender inequality.
- An activist fighting against corrupt government policies.
- A rebel challenging an oppressive regime.
Significance: It highlights themes of justice, morality, and resistance, emphasizing the character’s struggle against systemic issues.
3. Character vs. Nature
This conflict occurs when a character confronts natural forces such as weather, animals, or environmental conditions. It often emphasizes survival, resilience, and the unpredictability of the natural world.
Examples:
- A mountaineer battling a snowstorm.
- Survivors stranded after a shipwreck.
- A farmer facing a drought.
Significance: It underscores human vulnerability and the power of nature.
4. Character vs. Technology
With advancing technology, stories sometimes explore conflicts between humans and machines or technological systems. This can include themes of automation, artificial intelligence, or dystopian futures.
Examples:
- A hacker fighting against a corrupt AI system.
- A robot developing consciousness and questioning its purpose.
- Humanity battling against a destructive technological disaster.
Significance: These conflicts explore ethical dilemmas and the impact of technological progress.
The Role and Importance of External Conflicts in Storytelling
Driving the Plot
External conflicts are essential for propelling the narrative. They create obstacles that characters must overcome, maintaining suspense and engagement. Without external conflicts, stories risk becoming monotonous or uneventful.
Character Development
Facing external conflicts allows characters to demonstrate qualities such as courage, resilience, ingenuity, and morality. These struggles often lead to character growth as individuals adapt, learn, or change in response to their challenges.
Theme Exploration
External conflicts highlight central themes within a story. Whether it’s good versus evil, individual versus society, or man versus nature, these struggles underpin the story’s message and moral.
Creating Tension and Suspense
External conflicts generate tension by placing characters in jeopardy or difficult situations. This keeps the audience invested in the outcome and eager to see how conflicts resolve.
Examples of External Conflicts in Literature and Media
To better understand the concept, consider some classic and modern examples:
- Harry Potter vs. Voldemort: Character vs. character conflict central to the Harry Potter series.
- Atticus Finch vs. Racism: Character vs. society conflict in "To Kill a Mockingbird."
- Robinson Crusoe vs. Nature: Crusoe’s survival struggles on a deserted island.
- Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury: Character vs. oppressive societal control.
- The Martian: Mark Watney’s battle against the environment and technology to survive on Mars.
These examples demonstrate how external conflicts shape narratives and influence characters’ journeys.
Conclusion
In summary, external conflicts are crucial elements of storytelling that involve struggles between a character and outside forces. They can take various forms, including conflicts with other characters, society, nature, or technology. These conflicts not only create excitement and tension but also serve as catalysts for character development and thematic exploration. Recognizing the different types of external conflicts enriches our understanding of stories and enhances our appreciation of how narratives are constructed to engage and inspire audiences.
Whether in literature, film, or theater, external conflicts remain a vital component of compelling storytelling, illustrating the universal human experience of facing challenges beyond oneself and striving to overcome adversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are external conflicts in literature?
External conflicts are struggles between a character and outside forces such as other characters, society, or nature that drive the story's tension.
Can you give examples of external conflicts?
Yes, examples include a character fighting against another character, battling natural disasters, or confronting societal norms or laws.
How do external conflicts differ from internal conflicts?
External conflicts involve outside forces impacting the character, whereas internal conflicts occur within the character's mind or emotions.
Why are external conflicts important in storytelling?
External conflicts create tension and obstacles that characters must overcome, making stories more engaging and dynamic.
What are common types of external conflicts?
Common types include character vs. character, character vs. nature, character vs. society, and character vs. technology.
How can understanding external conflicts enhance reading comprehension?
Recognizing external conflicts helps readers understand characters' motivations, plot development, and the story's overall message.
Are external conflicts only found in fiction?
No, external conflicts are also present in real life situations, such as personal struggles with societal issues or environmental challenges.
