Internal vs. external conflict in literature: What’s the difference?

When it comes to storytelling, conflict is one of the key elements that drives the narrative forward, shapes your characters, and keeps readers engaged. There are two main types of conflict in literature: internal and external. Let’s explore the differences between the two and how they can give depth and nuance to your writing.

What is internal conflict?

Internal conflict is a psychological struggle that takes place within a character’s mind. This type of conflict can involve moral dilemmas, emotional turmoil, or personal challenges that a character needs to overcome to achieve their goals. For example, a character with internal conflict may struggle with guilt over their past actions, making it harder to make decisions in the present. Internal conflict can also be a struggle to reconcile different aspects of one’s identity or choices.

Examples of internal conflict

A superhero feeling guilty for not being able to save everyone.
A detective doubting their abilities after failing to solve a case.
A character battling addiction.
A protagonist struggling with the decision to sacrifice their happiness for the greater good.

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What is external conflict?

While internal conflict takes place in the character’s mind, external conflict revolves around the character’s interactions with others or their environment. It’s the protagonist versus an outside force, which could be nature, society, or a particular antagonist. External conflict creates tension and suspense, while internal struggle adds depth and complexity to the characters. The relationship between these two types of conflict makes the story compelling and relatable.

Examples of external conflict

A group of lost hikers trying to survive on a mountain.
A woman fighting against gender roles to follow her passion.
A protagonist battling a villain.
A character trying to overcome poverty and improve their living conditions.

The differences between internal versus external conflict

The main difference between internal and external conflict is the location of the struggle. Internal conflict is a psychological struggle within the character, while external conflict is a struggle between a character and an outside force. Both types of conflict are important as they help drive the plot and character development. In fact, many authors use both internal and external conflict in their work to make their stories more engaging and relatable.

“When it comes to storytelling, conflict is one of the key elements that drives the narrative forward, shapes your characters, and keeps readers engaged. There are two main types of conflict in literature: internal and external.”

Combining internal and external conflict

Incorporating internal and external conflict in your story gives your protagonist depth and helps them develop realistically. When using both strategically, you set the stage for your characters to overcome challenges that lead to growth. For some characters, their internal conflict is a result of the external conflict they’re battling. For example, your character could be struggling with the external conflict of surviving a natural disaster, while trying to come to terms with a morally grey decision they made to survive.

Understanding the difference between internal and external conflict can help you craft a well-balanced narrative that resonates with your readers. The next time you’re writing a story, remember to use internal and external conflict to bring your characters to life.