What is External Conflict? Definition, Examples and Writing Tips

Consider your favorite story—a thrilling survival story, a heroic fight, or a suspenseful courtroom drama. What keeps you hooked? External conflict is most likely to be the source of tension. This story aspect places characters in difficult situations that test them to their limits. Understanding external conflict is critical for crafting stories that attract readers and make a lasting impact.

What is External Conflict?

External conflict is a struggle between a character and an outside force that propels the plot forward. This struggle may involve another individual, society, nature, or even technology. It tests the protagonist and builds suspense, keeping the plot interesting. Katniss Everdeen, for example, must deal with the repressive laws of the Capitol in The Hunger Games. External conflict raises the stakes and drives characters to make decisions, demonstrating their development and resilience as they overcome obstacles.

Difference Between External and Internal Conflict

External conflict occurs when a character meets challenges from outside sources, such as confrontations with other characters, impediments, or forces such as nature or society. Internal conflict, on the other hand, occurs within a character’s mind and consists of emotional conflicts, uncertainties, or moral quandaries. External problems propel the plot along by presenting obvious challenges, but internal conflicts enhance a story by revealing a character’s inner reality. They provide dimension to the characters and tales, making them more approachable and intriguing for readers.

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Types of External Conflict

Character vs. Character

“Character vs. Character” is a common type of external conflict where two or more characters are in direct opposition. This can involve physical fights, verbal arguments, or competing goals. For example, in Harry Potter, the ongoing battle between Harry and Voldemort drives the story forward. This conflict adds tension and keeps readers engaged, as it often reflects deeper themes like good versus evil. It’s an effective way to show character growth and build dynamic relationships in your story.

Character vs. Nature

Character vs. Nature is an external conflict in which a character battles natural forces such as weather, animals, or calamities. This struggle frequently displays human vulnerability and resilience in the face of uncontrollable factors. For example, in Ernest Hemingway‘s The Old Man and the Sea, the protagonist faces both a marlin and the perils of the sea. This sort of confrontation heightens drama by pushing characters against nature’s unpredictable forces, emphasizing their physical and emotional strength in survival situations.

Character vs. Society

Character vs. Society is a sort of external conflict in which a character challenges societal norms, standards, or expectations. This battle frequently highlights topics such as injustice, inequality, and rebellion. The protagonist may dispute laws, cultural norms, or a community’s opinions. Katniss Everdeen, for example, faces off against a corrupt government structure in Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games. This sort of conflict heightens tension by emphasizing the individual’s struggle for change or survival against bigger societal forces.

Character vs. Technology

Character vs. Technology refers to an external battle in which a character encounters technological problems such as advanced machinery, artificial intelligence, or futuristic systems. This battle frequently addresses issues like humanity’s reliance on technology and the possible perils of innovation. For example, in The Terminator, humans face up against formidable machines that threaten their lives. Writers exploit this conflict to illustrate ethical quandaries, the tension between progress and control, and the challenges of upholding human values in a technologically advanced environment.

Character vs. Supernatural

Character vs. Supernatural refers to an external battle in which a character meets problems outside the natural world, such as fighting ghosts, vampires, or other supernatural forces. This debate frequently revolves on themes of fear, belief, and the unknown. For example, in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the characters face up against the vampire Count Dracula, symbolizing humanity’s struggle against supernatural evil. This form of struggle heightens tension and intrigue, making the story both exciting and thought-provoking.

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Why is External Conflict Important in Stories?

Builds Drama and Tension

External conflict is important in stories because it adds drama and tension. When characters meet challenges from outside factors, such as an opponent, nature, or society, they encounter barriers that they must overcome. These struggles provide excitement and force characters to mature. The tension keeps readers interested, eager to know how the dispute will be resolved. Without external conflict, the story may feel flat, since the characters lack real challenges to propel the plot along. It’s an essential component for keeping the audience interested.

Drives the Plot Forward

External conflict is vital in stories because it moves the plot along. This form of conflict, such as a character confronting opposition from others, nature, or society, provides roadblocks that propel the story forward. Without external conflict, the story would lack movement and urgency, making it impossible to keep the reader’s attention. It compels characters to make decisions, take acts, and change, which keeps the plot interesting and contributes to the story’s themes.

Reveals Character Strengths and Weaknesses

External conflict is significant in stories because it highlights a character’s strengths and faults. When characters face external problems, such as a villain, nature, or cultural constraints, they must respond in ways that reflect who they truly are. For example, a character may show bravery in a perilous scenario, demonstrating their strength. On the other side, they may demonstrate fear or vulnerability, revealing their flaws. These moments assist readers appreciate the complexities of a character’s nature.

How to Write External Conflict Effectively

Develop Relatable Characters

Creating relatable people is essential for making external issues effective in stories. When readers identify with a character’s feelings, objectives, or weaknesses, they are passionately concerned about how external challenges influence them. A character’s struggles against cultural norms, natural disasters, or opposing forces become more fascinating when their personality and motivations are authentic. Relatable characters add depth to the conflict by allowing readers to root for their success or feel their failings on a personal level.

Create High-Stakes Situations

Creating high-stakes situations is essential when investigating external conflict because it keeps the audience interested and emotionally connected in the story. High stakes indicate that something significant is at stake, such as a character’s life, relationships, or objectives. These stakes make the conflict feel more urgent and significant, propelling the plot forward. For example, in The Hunger Games, Katniss experiences life-threatening difficulties that highlight her exterior struggles while also pushing her to grow. High stakes increase tension and strengthen the reader’s engagement.

Balance External and Internal Conflicts

Balancing external and internal issues improves a story’s engagement and realism. External conflicts, such as battles, rivalries, or natural disasters, drive the plot and pose visible problems to the characters. However, combining these with internal conflicts such as dread, self-doubt, or moral quandaries increases depth and relatability. For example, a hero may battle to defend others (external) while confronting their own concerns (internal). This balance allows readers to identify with the characters and makes the story emotionally engaging.

Use Conflict to Show Growth

External conflict is vital in stories because it encourages characters to develop and change. When characters face external problems, such as rivalries, natural calamities, or societal expectations, they must make decisions, adapt, and learn. This development enhances the plot and makes the characters more relevant to readers. For example, in The Hunger Games, Katniss experiences external challenges in the arena, but these conflicts transform her into a strong leader, demonstrating her emotional and moral development.

Keep It Believable

“Keep it believable” is essential when creating external conflict since actual problems make stories more interesting. External conflicts, such as clashes with nature, opponents, or societal restrictions, should feel natural to the story’s setting and characters. Readers may lose interest if the conflict is extremely dramatic or unrealistic. For example, a character overcoming unfathomable odds without explanation can undermine the story’s believability. Grounding conflicts in relatable challenges keeps the audience emotionally connected and the story interesting.

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Examples of External Conflict in Literature and Media

Famous Examples in Literature

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: Atticus Finch battles societal racism.
Moby-Dick by Herman Melville: Captain Ahab faces the forces of nature and obsession.

Iconic Examples in Movies and TV Shows

Jurassic Park: Characters fight for survival against genetically engineered dinosaurs.
Breaking Bad: Walter White’s external conflicts with law enforcement and rival drug lords intensify the story.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing External Conflict

Overcomplicating the Plot

One typical mistake when writing external conflict is confusing the plot. Including too many twists, subplots, or characters can overload readers and detract from the main struggle. A clear, focused storyline keeps the tension high and the stakes relevant. Avoid needless complication by prioritizing the main conflict and ensuring that all subplots support it. Simplicity does not imply boredom; rather, it allows the story’s central conflict to shine, making it simpler for readers to identify with the characters and their journey.

Ignoring Character Motivation

Leaving out character motivation is a common mistake when creating external conflict. External conflicts are more fascinating when they are motivated by the characters’ desires or fears. If their actions appear random or inexplicable, the battle may feel superficial and dull. For example, a character fighting a villain should have a clear motivation, such as protecting loved ones or pursuing justice. To avoid this, ensure that your characters’ objectives are obvious and closely related to the external conflict.

Making the Conflict Too Predictable

One typical error in writing external conflict is making it too predictable. If readers can easily predict the outcome of a conflict, they may lose interest in the novel. Avoid excessively known plots and stereotyped resolutions. Instead, use twists, unanticipated hurdles, or morally hard judgements to keep readers interested. By making the conflict dynamic and unexpected, you build tension and inspire readers to remain immersed in the characters’ problems and the story’s outcome.

Conclusion

External conflict is the foundation for fascinating storytelling. It tests the characters, propels the plot, and interests readers. Mastering this factor allows you to tell stories that resonate with your audience long after they’ve finished reading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of external conflict?

The primary types include Character vs. Character, Character vs. Nature, Character vs. Society, Character vs. Technology, and Character vs. Supernatural.

Can a story have both internal and external conflict?

Absolutely! Combining both types of conflict adds depth and richness to the narrative.

How do external conflicts enhance character development?

What is the difference between external conflict and plot?

External conflict is the challenge or struggle, while the plot is the sequence of events driven by that conflict.

Can external conflicts be resolved without violence?

Yes, many external conflicts can be resolved through negotiation, clever strategy, or emotional breakthroughs.