Internal vs External Conflict

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What is Internal Conflict?

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Internal Conflict is a struggle that takes place within a character's mind. It often involves emotions, desires, or decisions that the character must face.

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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, or nature.

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Example of Internal Conflict: A character wants to go to a party but feels guilty about leaving their homework unfinished. What type of conflict is this?

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Internal Conflict.

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Example of External Conflict: A character is lost in the woods and must find their way back home. What type of conflict is this?

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External Conflict.

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What is a common cause of Internal Conflict?

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Internal Conflict often arises from personal dilemmas, such as fear, guilt, or conflicting desires.

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What is a common cause of External Conflict?

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External Conflict can arise from obstacles such as other characters, societal rules, or natural disasters.

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How can Internal Conflict affect a character's actions?

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Internal Conflict can lead to indecision, anxiety, or growth as the character resolves their inner struggles.

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How can External Conflict drive a story forward?

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External Conflict creates tension and challenges that characters must overcome, propelling the plot and character development.

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What is an example of a character facing External Conflict with another character?

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A character might have a rivalry with a classmate, leading to competition or confrontation.

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What is an example of a character facing Internal Conflict regarding their values?

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A character might struggle with whether to tell the truth about a friend's mistake, weighing honesty against loyalty.