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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 are going to discuss the heartbeat of any story: conflict. Can anyone tell me what conflict is?
Isn't it when characters face challenges or struggles?
Exactly! Conflict drives the plot. There are two main types: internal and external. Can anyone give me examples of each?
A hero trying to overcome their fear would be internal conflict?
And an external conflict could be a character fighting against a villain, right?
Great examples! Remember, think of I.C.E. — Internal conflicts are about emotions, Challenges and conflicts are external. How do you think these conflicts can affect the story?
They create tension and keep readers engaged!
Correct! Conflict adds that essential tension and pacing that makes a narrative compelling.
Let’s summarize: Conflict is crucial because it drives the story forward and creates character depth through struggles.
Now let's discuss pacing and tension. Why do you think it’s important to control pacing in a story?
If it's too slow, readers might get bored?
And if it's too fast, you might miss important details!
"That’s right! So pacing helps in maintaining reader interest. Let’s use the acronym T.E.N.S.E. to remember:
Today, we’ll talk about subplots. Who can tell me what a subplot is?
It's a secondary storyline that complements the main plot!
Exactly! Subplots can add complexity to the narrative. How can they enhance the story?
They can reveal more about characters and their motivations!
And they can relate to the main conflict, making things more interesting!
"You all make excellent points! Remember the acronym C.A.D. to remember the function of subplots:
A character battles with their fear of public speaking (internal conflict), while facing a demanding audience during a speech (external conflict).
In a story involving a detective solving a murder case, the subplot might involve their troubled relationship with family members, providing additional emotional stakes.
In conflict we find, depth of the mind, it drives the story, a plot that’s well-defined.
Imagine a hero overcoming fear to face a dragon, this captures internal conflict, while battling the dragon represents external conflict.
Remember I.C.E. - Internal Conflict Equals emotions, while External challenges lead to struggles in real-time.
C.A.D.: Character development, Adding tension, Diversity in narrative.
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What is Internal Conflict?
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Define External Conflict.
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What role does pacing play?
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What is Tension in storytelling?
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What is a Subplot?
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A struggle within a character, involving emotional or psychological dilemmas.
A struggle between a character and outside forces, such as others, society, or nature.
The speed at which a story unfolds, affecting the reader's engagement.
The emotional or mental strain that creates suspense within a narrative.
A secondary storyline that complements or contrasts the main plot.
This section emphasizes the importance of conflict in narratives, distinguishing between internal and external conflicts and their role in driving stories forward.
In this section, students learn about the centrality of conflict in storytelling, including definitions of internal and external conflicts. The discussion covers how pacing and tension influence narrative flow and the potential of subplots to enrich the primary storyline.
In storytelling, conflict serves as the fundamental force that propels narratives and develops characters. This section explores two primary types of conflict: internal conflict, which refers to a character's struggle with their own emotions or decisions (for example, fear vs. courage), and external conflict, where a character faces obstacles from outside forces, such as nature, society, or other characters. Understanding these conflicts is crucial for students as they craft their narratives.
Students will learn how effective pacing—controlling the speed at which a story unfolds—and building tension—creating suspense and excitement—enhances the reader's experience. Tension can be developed through strategic reveals and raising stakes, thereby maintaining reader interest. Additionally, the introduction of subplots can provide depth and complexity to stories, intertwining with the main plot and enriching overall narrative.
By mastering these concepts, students cultivate the ability to produce compelling stories that resonate with readers, making conflict not just a plot device, but a vital element in character development and thematic exploration.