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Learn it your way
A short class with Sarah and her students. The other ways are under More.
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Today, we're starting with internal conflict, which is when a character faces a struggle within themselves. Can anyone think of what this might involve?
Maybe a character has to choose between right and wrong?
"Exactly, like when a character has moral dilemmas. For a quick memory aid, we can use the acronym 'MIND' -
Let’s now move on to external conflicts. Can anyone tell me what this involves?
Isn't that when a character struggles against outside forces rather than their own mind?
Correct! We have five types of external conflict. Let's quickly go through them. For memory, consider the acronym 'SNTSP,' where 'S' is for Society, 'N' is for Nature, 'T' is for Technology, 'S' is for Supernatural, and 'P' is for Person. Who can give me an example of person vs. person?
Two siblings arguing over inheritance could be an example!
Exactly! Now, can someone give me an example of person vs. nature?
How about a man stranded on a desert island surviving against the elements?
Excellent! These examples show how conflict drives the plot and character development.
A character's struggle within their own mind.
A struggle between the character and outside forces.
Conflict between two characters.
Conflict against societal norms.
Conflict against natural forces.
Conflict with technological entities.
Conflict with supernatural forces.
A character debating whether to lie to protect a loved one highlights internal conflict.
A rivalry between two students competing for a scholarship exemplifies person vs. person conflict.
A character struggling to survive in the wilderness demonstrates person vs. nature conflict.
A protagonist challenging societal expectations embodies person vs. society conflict.
A hacker battling a computer system represents person vs. technology conflict.
A hero confronting a mythical creature illustrates person vs. supernatural conflict.
If your mind is torn, 'tween wrong and right, that's internal conflict, a stirring fight.
Imagine a hero torn between saving a friend or following the law; this internal battle shapes their destiny.
SNTSP for external conflict - Society, Nature, Technology, Supernatural, Person.
MIND for internal conflict - Moral choices, Inner struggles, Navigating emotions, Decisions.
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What is internal conflict?
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What does person vs. nature conflict entail?
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Example of person vs. technology?
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Difference between person vs. society and person vs. person?
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A struggle occurring within a character's own mind.
A struggle between a character and outside forces.
A conflict between two characters.
A character's struggle against societal norms or institutions.
A conflict between a character and natural elements.
A fight between a character and machines or technological advancements.
A character's conflict with forces beyond human understanding, such as ghosts or magic.
This section delves into the various types of conflicts encountered in fiction, highlighting their internal and external dynamics.
The section categorizes conflicts into internal and external types, detailing specific forms such as person vs. self, person vs. person, person vs. society, person vs. nature, person vs. technology, and person vs. supernatural. Each type is illustrated with relevant examples to clarify their distinctions.
In fiction, conflict serves as the driving force behind the narrative, shaping character development and plot progression. This section categorizes conflicts into two primary types: internal conflict and external conflict, each further divided into distinct forms, providing a comprehensive understanding of how conflict manifests in literature.
Internal conflict involves a character grappling with their own thoughts, emotions, or moral dilemmas. This type of conflict is crucial for character development and can lead to significant transformations when the character confronts their issues.
External conflict arises from the character's struggles against outside forces. This can include:
Person vs. Person: A direct confrontation between characters, often highlighting rivalry or opposition.
Person vs. Society: The struggle of a character (or group) against societal norms or institutions.
Person vs. Nature: A character's battle against natural forces or phenomena.
Person vs. Technology: A conflict involving modern advancements or machines.
Person vs. Supernatural: A conflict with otherworldly elements or forces.
Understanding these types of conflict enriches the analysis of texts and enhances the reader's ability to connect with characters and their journeys.