Definition Of Internal Conflict In Literature

If a character is tortured by their choices their future decisions and choices are often marred by their mistakes.

Definition of internal conflict in literature. An internal conflict tends to be one in which the main character struggles with himself such as a decision he needs to make or a weakness he has to overcome. Pick a work of literature you believe has internal conflict. Hamlet s inaction is caused by internal conflict. Definition types example.

While conflict is a key element of stories though not all conflicts take the same shape occurring both outside and inside a character s consciousness. Consider the external conflict of the story and ask yourself how the character. In literature these choices can revolve around an adventure family work friendships or a grab for power. An external conflict is one in which the character faces a challenge with an external force like another character an act of nature or even society.

While internal conflict can take a large role in literature it typically happens in conjunction with external conflict. From disastrous battles with nature to fights against evil villains to moral dilemmas internal and external conflict provide the templates for a variety of fascinating stories.