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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 diving into internal conflict, which occurs within a character's own mind. Can anyone tell me what they think internal conflict might involve?
Maybe it’s when a character feels torn between two choices?
Exactly! It’s that struggle that characters have internally. Think of it as a battle within. For instance, a character might decide between their moral values and their desires. Can someone give me an example of a story where this happens?
I think in 'Hamlet,' he struggles with avenging his father's death but worries about the consequences.
Great example! Hamlet’s internal conflict shapes much of the play. Remember, we can use the acronym 'DREAM' to help us remember aspects of internal conflict: Decision, Regret, Emotions, Actions, and Morality.
Now let’s shift to external conflicts. What are the different types we can find?
There’s person vs. person and person vs. nature, right?
Yes! Those are two of the major types. We also have person vs. society. Each type can create tension in unique ways. Let's break this down. Can someone give a specific example of 'person vs. person' conflict?
In 'Romeo and Juliet,' the feud between the Montagues and Capulets is a perfect example.
Exactly! The family feud presents continuous external conflict. Remember, external conflicts are crucial for developing plot dynamics, creating tension, and driving the narrative forward.
Let’s discuss how conflict can enhance a story's progression. Why is conflict important in a narrative?
It keeps the story interesting because without conflict, there is no tension?
Exactly! Conflict generates interest and engagement by presenting challenges and stakes for characters. Can anyone think of a story where conflict drives the plot significantly?
In 'The Hunger Games,' Katniss faces multiple external conflicts, which keeps the plot evolving and intensifying.
Perfect example! Katniss's struggles are critical to the narrative arc. Remember, we can summarize the role of conflict with the mnemonic 'SCORE': Stakes, Challenges, Obstacles, Resolution, and Emotion.
Now that we understand the types of conflicts, how do we analyze them? What should we look for?
We should identify the main struggles and see how they affect the characters’ decisions.
Exactly! We should also look for how conflicts contribute to themes. Can someone give an example of identifying a conflict in a book?
In 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' there's a conflict between Atticus Finch and the society that wants to uphold racism.
Great analysis! That conflict is critical in shaping themes of justice and morality. Remember to examine how victories or losses in conflict lead to character growth or change!
The driving force that propels narrative and creates tension.
A character's struggle with their own emotions or decisions.
Struggles against forces outside the character, including societal and natural challenges.
A direct struggle between characters.
A conflict against natural forces.
A conflict against social norms or expectations.
In 'Macbeth,' the protagonist faces internal conflict as he grapples with guilt after committing murder.
In 'The Grapes of Wrath,' the Joad family's struggle against the harsh realities of the Dust Bowl represents a clear example of person vs. nature conflict.
In 'Fahrenheit 451,' Montag’s conflict with a repressive society is a prime instance of person vs. society conflict.
Conflict spins a tale, with struggles we unveil; inner battles and foes, that's how the narrative grows.
Imagine a knight torn between honor and loyalty; his internal conflict leads to a brave decision that shapes his destiny.
Use the acronym 'ICE': Internal is Choice, External is Environment.
C.O.N.F.L.I.C.T. - Characters, Obstacles, Narratives, Forces, Lines (of conflict), Interactions, Choices, Tension.
Term
What is Conflict?
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Define Internal Conflict.
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Explain External Conflict.
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What is Person vs. Person Conflict?
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The struggle or problem that drives a narrative forward, creating tension and interest.
A struggle that occurs within a character's mind, involving personal dilemmas or emotional battles.
A struggle between a character and an outside force, which can be categorized into person vs. person, person vs. nature, or person vs. society.
A conflict where two characters face each other, creating direct opposition.
A conflict where a character struggles against natural forces.
A conflict where a character opposes societal norms or structures.
Conflict is the central struggle in literature that propels the narrative and shapes character development.
In this section, we explore the concept of conflict as a crucial element of storytelling that creates tension and drives the narrative forward. Different types of conflict, including internal and external conflicts, are discussed, alongside their significance in character development and plot progression.
Conflict is the engine of narrative and plays a pivotal role in engaging the reader. It is characterized by struggles that characters face, which not only creates tension but also drives the story forward. This section delineates the types of conflict that writers utilize:
Each conflict enriches the narrative by adding depth to character development, heightening emotional engagement, and providing a structure to the plot. Understanding these conflicts not only illuminates character motivations but also enhances the reader's overall experience in connecting with the story’s themes.