External conflict meaning

External conflict is a struggle between a character and an outside force or entity.


External conflict definitions

Word backwards lanretxe tcilfnoc
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division ex-ter-nal con-flict
Plural The plural of the word external conflict is external conflicts.
Total letters 16
Vogais (4) e,a,o,i
Consonants (7) x,t,r,n,l,c,f

External conflict is a common literary device used to add depth and complexity to a story. This type of conflict occurs when a character is pitted against an outside force, whether it be another character, society, nature, or a supernatural entity.

Types of External Conflict

There are several types of external conflict that can drive a narrative forward and create tension for the protagonist. These include character vs. character, character vs. society, character vs. nature, and character vs. supernatural.

Character vs. Character

In character vs. character conflict, the protagonist is at odds with another character, often leading to intense confrontations and power struggles. This type of conflict can reveal a character's strengths, weaknesses, and motivations.

Character vs. Society

Character vs. society conflict occurs when a character goes against the norms, beliefs, or expectations of the society they live in. This can lead to themes of rebellion, discrimination, and alienation.

Character vs. Nature

Character vs. nature conflict involves a character struggling against the forces of nature, such as weather, animals, or the environment. This type of conflict can highlight themes of survival, resilience, and the fragility of human life.

Character vs. Supernatural

Character vs. supernatural conflict introduces elements of the supernatural, such as ghosts, demons, or magic, into the story. This type of conflict can explore themes of belief, destiny, and the unknown.

Overall, external conflict is a powerful tool used by writers to create engaging and dynamic stories. By placing characters in situations where they must overcome external obstacles, conflict can drive the plot forward and reveal deeper truths about the characters and the world they inhabit.


External conflict Examples

  1. During the heated debate, the characters' conflicting viewpoints led to an intense external conflict.
  2. The external conflict between the protagonist and antagonist added suspense to the story.
  3. In the war film, the soldiers faced external conflict from enemy forces.
  4. The external conflict between the hero and the villain reached its climax in the final showdown.
  5. The external conflict of man vs. nature forced the characters to fight for survival.
  6. The external conflict between siblings over their inheritance caused tension within the family.
  7. The external conflict between the detective and the suspect kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
  8. The external conflict of a stranded traveler against the harsh elements tested their willpower.
  9. The external conflict between rival companies resulted in a fierce competition for market dominance.
  10. The external conflict between the rebels and the government forces escalated into a full-scale war.


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  • Updated 10/05/2024 - 01:42:16