Introduction to
What is Conflict?
Conflict - is the struggle
between opposing forces
that creates tension or
suspense in a story.
Categories of Conflict
External Conflict –
struggle between a
character and an
outside force
Internal Conflict –
struggle that takes
place inside a
character’s mind
Heads
or tails?
Types of Conflict
External Conflict –
struggle between a
character and an
outside force
Character vs. Character
Types of Conflict
External Conflict –
struggle between a
character and an
outside force
Character vs. Character
Character vs. Nature
Types of Conflict
External Conflict –
struggle between a
character and an
outside force
Character vs. Character
Character vs. Nature
Character vs. Society
Types of Conflict
Internal Conflict –
struggle that takes
place inside a
character’s mind
Character vs. Self
Opposing Forces
Notice how every type of conflict involves the
character versus something else?
Versus means against or opposed to.
(We use the abbreviation vs. more
often than the word itself.)
Opposing Forces
Notice how every type of conflict involves the
character versus something else?
• It may help to think of conflict as a game of
tug-of-war.
• One force is pulling in one direction, while
another force is pulling in the opposite direction.
Opposing Forces
• Often, strong negative emotions are confused
with conflict.
• Emotions like fear, anger, frustration or jealousy
do not represent the conflict itself, but they
often signal the presence of conflict.
Ask yourself “why” the character feels this way,
and you can usually discover the opposing forces
– or conflict that cause the emotion.
Opposing Forces
Kelly had never been so frightened in his
life. From his hiding place under the bed,
he heard the intruder pause at his doorway,
then head down the hall.
His first instinct was to get out of his
room and dash for the door. He knew he
couldn’t escape before the robber returned,
though. Confused, he simply froze where he
was and waited.
Why is Kelly
frightened?
Intruder might
find him
character vs.
character
Why is Kelly
confused?
Run away or
stay hidden
character vs. self
External Conflict
Character vs. Character
The giant scooped Jack into his palm.
Then he held him close to his face and
roared, “I’ll grind your bones to make my
bread.”
Jack struggled in vain to escape. The
goose let out a squawk.
“What have you there?” asked the giant.
“Is that my golden goose? How dare you
try to steal her from me!”
Jack knew (if you’ll pardon the
expression) his goose was cooked.
Internal Conflict
Character vs. Self
Tony slapped the snooze button and
burrowed back under the warm bedcovers.
There wasn’t much chance of falling back
asleep though, not with today’s class
presentation weighing so heavily on him.
I could stay home sick, he thought. His
nervousness really was making his stomach
queasy. His partners were counting on him
though, and he hated to let them down. He
tossed restlessly, trying to decide what to do.
Guided Practice
The water was definitely higher now.
Another foot and it would spill over the
sandbags that shielded their pasture.
Martin knew it was time to herd the
livestock to higher ground.
Character vs. Nature
Guided Practice
Zoey didn’t know what to do. Yes, she
had told Rebekah she would go to the
movies with her Friday night. However,
that was before Kathryn had invited her
to a pool party. She loved to swim!
Character vs. Self
Guided Practice
Michaela loved to learn new things and
was naturally inquisitive. Unfortunately,
she lived in a country that did not permit
women to pursue an education.
Character vs. Society
Guided Practice
Brian stuck his foot out into the aisle
just as Rodney passed by carrying his
science fair project. Rodney stumbled
and the project crashed to the ground.
Character vs. Character
Conflict Game
Before playing:
Each person gets a 2-sided Internal/External Conflict card.
Each group gets one set of Conflict Description cards.
1. Turn over a colored Conflict Description card.
2. Each person should flip their Internal/External
Conflict to match the category of conflict described.
3. Discuss any differences of opinion. When you reach
an agreement, record it on your answer sheet.
4. Repeat this process until time is called.
Conflict Game Answers
#1 Two Irish boys have to hide their friendship from
their families because one is Catholic and the
other is Protestant.
EXTERNAL: Character vs. Society
#2 A young sleuth tries to find out who stole the
priceless painting from a museum.
EXTERNAL: Character vs. Character
#3 Two children are adopted by an aunt who plots to
steal their inheritance.
EXTERNAL: Character vs. Character
Conflict Game Answers
#4 A star figure-skater must conquer her fear and get
back on the ice after a terrifying accident.
INTERNAL: Character vs. Self
#5 When his father is badly hurt during hike deep in
the Montana wilderness, a young boy must make
his way back to civilization to get help.
EXTERNAL: Character vs. Nature
#6 Unhappy with her appearance, a young girl
struggles with an eating disorder.
INTERNAL: Character vs. Self
Conflict Game Answers
#7 The new girl in school learns that the popular girls
are out to get her after she wins a coveted spot
on the cheerleading team.
EXTERNAL: Character vs. Character
#8 Adrift at sea, a group of shipwreck survivors find
themselves surrounded by sharks.
EXTERNAL: Character vs. Nature
#9 A prince trades places with a look-alike servant so
each can enjoy the other’s lifestyle.
EXTERNAL: Character vs. Society
Conflict Game Answers
#10 When a teen is offered a basketball scholarship he
has to decide whether or not to admit he faked a
now famous half-court shot on YouTube.
INTERNAL: Character vs. Self
#11 A teacher is pressured to change a student’s grade
after his parents donate money to the school.
EXTERNAL: Character vs. Character
#12 A time-traveler’s ship malfunctions and he has to
find a way to return to his present-day life.
EXTERNAL: Character vs. Nature