Understanding External Conflict in Literature
External conflict is a fundamental element in storytelling that drives the narrative forward and adds complexity to characters and plots. It refers to the struggle between a character and an outside force which can be another character, society, nature, or even technology. Recognizing and analyzing external conflict helps readers and writers understand the underlying tensions that shape a story’s development, themes, and messages. This article explores the literary definition of external conflict, its types, significance, and examples across different genres and works.
Defining External Conflict
What Is External Conflict?
External conflict occurs when a character faces opposition from an outside force that challenges their goals, beliefs, or actions. Unlike internal conflict, which resides within a character's mind or emotions, external conflict manifests through interactions with external elements. It is the tangible obstacle that a character must confront and overcome during the course of the story.
In literary terms, external conflict typically involves a protagonist struggling against forces beyond their control, which creates tension and propels the narrative toward its climax. This struggle often reflects broader themes such as good versus evil, individual versus society, or humanity versus nature.
The Role of External Conflict in Literature
External conflict serves several purposes in storytelling:
- Driving the plot: It creates obstacles that characters must navigate, leading to key events and turning points.
- Character development: Overcoming external conflicts often results in growth, change, or realization for characters.
- Establishing themes: The nature of external conflicts can highlight central themes, such as justice, survival, or morality.
- Engaging the audience: Tension generated by external conflicts keeps readers invested in the story’s outcome.
Types of External Conflict
External conflict can take various forms depending on the nature of the opposing force. Here are the primary types:
1. Character versus Character
This is one of the most common types of external conflict, involving direct opposition between two or more characters. It can manifest as rivalry, hostility, or moral opposition.
Examples:
- Sherlock Holmes versus Professor Moriarty in Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories.
- Harry Potter versus Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter series.
- Antagonist versus protagonist in most thrillers or dramas.
Significance:
This conflict often explores themes of good vs. evil, justice, or personal rivalry, and is essential in creating suspense and emotional engagement.
2. Character versus Society
Here, the protagonist faces conflicts with societal norms, laws, or cultural expectations. Such conflicts highlight issues like injustice, discrimination, or rebellion.
Examples:
- Atticus Finch defending Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird.
- Katniss Everdeen fighting against the oppressive Capitol in The Hunger Games.
- Hester Prynne confronting Puritan society in The Scarlet Letter.
Significance:
This conflict emphasizes social issues and often advocates for change or challenges the status quo.
3. Character versus Nature
In this type, characters confront natural forces such as storms, animals, or environmental conditions. It underscores themes of survival, resilience, and humanity's relationship with the natural world.
Examples:
- The protagonist in Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea battling the sea and fish.
- The castaways in Robinson Crusoe struggling against the wilderness.
- Survivors facing a hurricane or earthquake in disaster novels.
Significance:
It emphasizes human vulnerability and the power of nature, often highlighting themes of endurance and adaptability.
4. Character versus Technology
This conflict involves struggles with technological forces, machines, or artificial intelligence, reflecting fears and hopes related to technological advancements.
Examples:
- Humanity versus robots in Isaac Asimov’s I, Robot.
- The conflict between humans and AI in The Terminator franchise.
- The fight against hacking or cyber threats in contemporary fiction.
Significance:
It explores ethical dilemmas, control, and the impact of technology on society.
5. Character versus Fate or Supernatural Forces
This type involves characters battling destiny, gods, or supernatural entities. It often appears in myth, fantasy, or religious narratives.
Examples:
- Oedipus versus fate in Greek tragedy.
- Frodo versus the power of the One Ring in The Lord of the Rings.
- Characters confronting ghosts or divine beings.
Significance:
It raises questions about free will, destiny, and divine justice.
The Significance of External Conflict in Literature
Enhancing Narrative Tension
External conflicts introduce obstacles that characters must overcome, creating suspense and engaging the reader's interest. The more formidable or complex the external conflict, the more compelling the story.
Facilitating Character Development
Facing external challenges often leads characters to evolve. Confronting adversity can reveal their true nature, values, and resilience, making them more relatable and multidimensional.
Highlighting Themes and Morals
External conflicts often embody the central themes of a work, illustrating moral dilemmas, societal issues, and human virtues or flaws.
Creating Emotional Impact
The struggle against external forces evokes emotional responses such as empathy, fear, or hope, strengthening the reader’s connection to the narrative.
Examples of External Conflict in Literature
Classic Literature
- Moby-Dick by Herman Melville: Captain Ahab’s obsession with the white whale exemplifies character versus nature conflict.
- The Odyssey by Homer: Odysseus faces numerous external conflicts with monsters, gods, and the sea during his journey home.
- Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare: Romeo’s conflict with societal expectations and family feud.
Modern Fiction
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: Katniss faces society’s oppressive system and the brutal arena.
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: Atticus Finch confronts racial injustice.
- The Road by Cormac McCarthy: A father and son struggle against a post-apocalyptic world.
Science Fiction and Fantasy
- Star Wars franchise: Jedi versus Sith as a conflict of good versus evil.
- Harry Potter series: Harry faces Voldemort and the dark forces of the wizarding world.
- Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin: Characters contend with political machinations, war, and supernatural threats.
Conclusion
External conflict is an indispensable element of storytelling that enriches narratives across genres and eras. By pitting characters against external forces such as other characters, society, nature, technology, or supernatural entities, writers create tension, develop characters, and explore profound themes. Understanding external conflict allows readers to appreciate the complexities of stories and the universal struggles that resonate across human experience. Whether it manifests as a hero battling the elements or a society resisting change, external conflict remains a vital device in crafting compelling, meaningful, and memorable literature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the literary definition of external conflict?
External conflict in literature refers to a struggle between a character and an outside force, such as another character, society, nature, or technology.
How does external conflict differ from internal conflict in stories?
External conflict involves outside forces impacting the character, while internal conflict occurs within the character's mind, such as emotional or moral struggles.
Why is external conflict important in storytelling?
External conflict creates tension and drives the plot forward by challenging characters and forcing them to confront obstacles outside themselves.
Can you give an example of external conflict in literature?
An example is the struggle between Scout and Bob Ewell in 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' illustrating a conflict between an individual and societal prejudice.
How can understanding external conflict enhance our interpretation of a story?
Understanding external conflict helps readers analyze characters' motivations, themes, and the overall message by examining how outside forces influence the narrative.
