Internal/External Conflict Flashcard

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What is internal conflict?

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Internal conflict is a psychological struggle within a character, where they face opposing desires, beliefs, or emotions.

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What is external conflict?

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External conflict is a struggle between a character and an outside force, which can be another character, society, nature, or a situation.

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What does it mean when a conflict is described as 'both'?

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A conflict described as 'both' involves elements of both internal and external conflict, where a character faces personal dilemmas while also dealing with outside pressures.

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Give an example of internal conflict from literature.

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An example of internal conflict is a character who must choose between following their dreams or fulfilling family obligations.

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Give an example of external conflict from literature.

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An example of external conflict is a character fighting against a natural disaster, such as a hurricane or earthquake.

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How can internal conflict affect a character's decisions?

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Internal conflict can lead to indecision, anxiety, and self-doubt, ultimately influencing the character's choices and actions.

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How can external conflict drive a story forward?

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External conflict creates tension and challenges for characters, propelling the plot and leading to character development and resolution.

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What are common types of external conflict?

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Common types of external conflict include character vs. character, character vs. nature, character vs. society, and character vs. technology.

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What role does internal conflict play in character development?

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Internal conflict is crucial for character development as it reveals the character's motivations, fears, and growth throughout the story.

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How can a writer effectively portray internal conflict?

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A writer can portray internal conflict through a character's thoughts, dialogue, and actions, as well as through symbolic elements and narrative structure.