What Is A External Conflict In A Story

External conflict is the engine that drives many compelling stories, the clash between a character and forces outside of themselves. This confrontation creates tension, compels the protagonist to act, and ultimately shapes the narrative's trajectory. It's the visible, tangible struggle that readers can easily identify and root for (or against). Understanding the nuances of external conflict is crucial for both writers and readers seeking to dissect the layers of a compelling narrative.

From epic battles to subtle social clashes, external conflict manifests in a myriad of ways. At its core, it's about opposition – a character's desires or goals thwarted by an outside force. This force could be another individual, a group, society as a whole, nature itself, or even a supernatural entity. Each type of external conflict presents unique challenges and opportunities for character development and plot progression. In the simplest terms, external conflict answers the question: what stands in the way of the character getting what they want?

Unpacking the Essence of External Conflict

External conflict, in its essence, is a struggle between a character and an outside force. This conflict forms the backbone of countless stories, providing the necessary friction to propel the plot forward and challenge the protagonist. It's the visible, often dramatic, element that draws readers into the narrative and keeps them invested in the outcome.

Unlike internal conflict, which revolves around a character's inner turmoil, external conflict is readily observable. It's the fight against a villain, the struggle against a natural disaster, or the confrontation with societal norms. These external pressures force the character to react, make choices, and ultimately, evolve.

The beauty of external conflict lies in its versatility. It can be as grand as a war between nations or as intimate as a disagreement between neighbors. Regardless of scale, it serves the same fundamental purpose: to create obstacles for the character and force them to confront challenges. This confrontation is where the character's true nature is revealed, and where the story's themes are explored.

Consider the classic tale of "The Tortoise and the Hare." The external conflict is the race itself, a direct competition between the two animals. This simple conflict allows the story to explore themes of perseverance, humility, and the dangers of overconfidence. Similarly, in "The Hunger Games," the protagonist Katniss Everdeen faces the external conflict of the Games themselves, a brutal competition orchestrated by a tyrannical government. This conflict serves as a backdrop to explore themes of oppression, sacrifice, and rebellion.

A Comprehensive Overview of External Conflict Types

External conflict isn't a monolithic entity; it exists in various forms, each with its own distinct characteristics and implications for the story. Understanding these different types allows writers to craft more nuanced and compelling narratives. Here's a breakdown of the most common categories:

• Character vs. Character: This is perhaps the most recognizable type of external conflict. It involves a direct confrontation between two or more characters, often with opposing goals or values. This conflict can manifest as physical battles, verbal disputes, or even subtle power struggles. The key element is the direct antagonism between the characters. Think of Sherlock Holmes vs. Moriarty, or Harry Potter vs. Voldemort. These rivalries drive the plot and provide ample opportunities for character development.

• Character vs. Nature: This conflict pits the character against the forces of nature, such as storms, wild animals, or harsh environments. This type of conflict often highlights the character's resilience, resourcefulness, and vulnerability. Stories like "The Old Man and the Sea" by Ernest Hemingway exemplify this conflict, where the protagonist battles a giant marlin in a relentless test of endurance.

• Character vs. Society: This conflict arises when a character clashes with the norms, laws, or values of their society. The character may be fighting for social justice, challenging oppressive systems, or simply trying to live authentically in a restrictive environment. Examples include "To Kill a Mockingbird," where Atticus Finch defends a wrongly accused black man in a racially prejudiced society, or "Fahrenheit 451," where Guy Montag rebels against a dystopian society that bans books.

• Character vs. Technology: In an increasingly technological world, this conflict is becoming more prevalent. It involves a character struggling against technology, whether it's malfunctioning machinery, sentient AI, or the dehumanizing effects of technological advancement. Stories like "The Terminator" or "The Matrix" explore the potential dangers of advanced technology and its impact on humanity.

• Character vs. Supernatural: This conflict places the character against supernatural forces, such as ghosts, demons, magic, or divine beings. This type of conflict often explores themes of faith, fear, and the unknown. Classic examples include "Dracula" by Bram Stoker or "The Exorcist" by William Peter Blatty.

Each of these types of external conflict offers unique possibilities for storytelling. Writers can combine them to create complex and layered narratives, exploring different facets of the human experience.

Contemporary Trends and Evolving Landscapes

The landscape of external conflict is constantly evolving, reflecting the changing realities of the world we live in. Contemporary stories are increasingly grappling with complex social issues, technological advancements, and environmental concerns, leading to new and nuanced forms of external conflict.

One prominent trend is the rise of Character vs. System narratives. These stories go beyond simply challenging societal norms and delve into the systemic issues that perpetuate inequality and oppression. They explore the complexities of power structures, institutional biases, and the challenges of creating meaningful change. Examples include stories that address climate change denial, systemic racism, or the corrupting influence of corporate power.

Another significant trend is the blurring of lines between Character vs. Technology and Character vs. Self. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into our lives, it shapes our identities, relationships, and perceptions of reality. Stories are exploring the potential for technology to both empower and enslave us, blurring the lines between the external and internal struggles. For example, a character might struggle with addiction to social media, leading to both external conflicts with family and friends and internal conflicts with self-esteem and identity.

Furthermore, the rise of cli-fi (climate fiction) has brought Character vs. Nature into the forefront of contemporary literature. These stories explore the devastating consequences of climate change, forcing characters to confront the harsh realities of a changing planet. This type of conflict is not just about individual survival; it's about the future of humanity and the responsibility we have to protect the environment.

Social media also plays a significant role in shaping external conflicts in modern storytelling. Online platforms can amplify existing conflicts, create new ones, and even serve as the battleground for entire narratives. Stories might explore the dangers of online bullying, the spread of misinformation, or the challenges of navigating online relationships.

Expert Tips for Crafting Compelling External Conflicts

Creating compelling external conflicts is an art form. It requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the characters and their motivations. Here are some expert tips to help you craft external conflicts that will captivate your readers:

• Make it meaningful: The external conflict should not be arbitrary or random. It should be directly related to the character's goals, desires, and values. This connection will make the conflict more emotionally resonant and increase the stakes for the character.

• Escalate the stakes: As the story progresses, the external conflict should intensify. This escalation can be achieved by raising the stakes, introducing new obstacles, or increasing the pressure on the character. The goal is to keep the reader engaged and invested in the outcome.

• Show, don't tell: Instead of simply stating that a character is facing a conflict, show the conflict through their actions, dialogue, and interactions with the world around them. This approach will create a more immersive and engaging experience for the reader.

• Develop the antagonist: If the external conflict involves another character, make sure to develop that character as a fully realized individual with their own motivations and goals. This will make the conflict more complex and compelling, and prevent the antagonist from becoming a one-dimensional villain.

• Consider the consequences: The external conflict should have meaningful consequences for the character, regardless of the outcome. These consequences can be physical, emotional, or social, and they should shape the character's development and the overall trajectory of the story.

• Balance external and internal conflict: While external conflict is important for driving the plot, it should not overshadow the character's internal struggles. The best stories weave together external and internal conflicts, creating a rich and layered narrative that explores both the outer and inner worlds of the characters.

By following these tips, writers can create external conflicts that are not only exciting and engaging, but also meaningful and impactful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: Can a story have multiple external conflicts?

  • A: Absolutely! In fact, many compelling stories feature multiple layers of external conflict, creating a richer and more complex narrative.

• Q: Is external conflict always physical?

  • A: No. External conflict can be physical, emotional, social, or even intellectual. It's any struggle that originates from an outside force.

• Q: How does external conflict contribute to character development?

  • A: External conflict forces characters to confront challenges, make choices, and adapt to changing circumstances. This process reveals their strengths, weaknesses, and values, leading to significant character development.

• Q: Can a story be entirely driven by internal conflict without external conflict?

  • A: While possible, it's rare. Even in stories focused on internal struggles, some form of external trigger or circumstance is usually present to initiate and shape the internal conflict.

• Q: How important is external conflict in genre fiction (like action or thriller)?

  • A: In genre fiction, external conflict is often paramount. It's the driving force behind the plot, providing the suspense, excitement, and action that readers expect.

Conclusion

External conflict is the lifeblood of storytelling, the engine that drives the plot forward and compels characters to act. From the classic battles of good versus evil to the subtle clashes of social norms, external conflict provides the necessary tension and drama to captivate readers. By understanding the different types of external conflict and mastering the art of crafting compelling struggles, writers can create stories that resonate with audiences and leave a lasting impact.

The key takeaway is that external conflict is not just about creating obstacles; it's about exploring the human condition, challenging our assumptions, and revealing the true nature of the characters we create. So, the next time you're crafting a story, remember to consider the external forces that are shaping your characters' lives and the conflicts that will ultimately define their journeys. How will your characters confront the world around them, and what will they learn along the way?