The image you've uploaded is a visual guide explaining the two main types of
conflict in a story:
Internal Conflict and
External Conflict. Let's break down the diagram and explain each type clearly.
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🔹 What is Conflict?
>
Conflict is defined as *a problem or struggle in a story*. It drives the plot forward and creates tension that engages readers.
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🔹 1. Internal Conflict
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Struggle within a character’s mind or heart
This refers to a character facing an emotional, moral, or psychological challenge. The conflict is internal—between different feelings, desires, or beliefs.
#### 🎯 Examples:
- A character choosing between doing what’s right or what’s easy.
- A person battling guilt, fear, or self-doubt.
- A hero deciding whether to sacrifice themselves for others.
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✔ Visual Clues in the Image:
- Lightbulb (representing thoughts or ideas).
- Heart (representing emotions).
- Two faces showing conflicting expressions (one smiling, one frowning), symbolizing inner turmoil.
👉 This is often called
"Man vs. Self".
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🔹 2. External Conflict
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Struggle between two characters OR between a character and nature
This involves a character facing challenges from outside forces.
#### 🎯 Types of External Conflict:
1.
Man vs. Man: Conflict between two characters.
- Example: Two friends competing for the same job.
- Visual in image: Two stick figures facing each other with "vs." between them.
2.
Man vs. Nature: Conflict between a character and natural forces.
- Example: A hiker surviving a storm or earthquake.
- Visual in image: A stick figure next to a tornado and fire, showing danger from nature.
3. *(Other common types not shown here)*
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Man vs. Society: Fighting against social rules or injustice.
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Man vs. Technology: Struggling with machines or AI.
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Man vs. Supernatural: Facing ghosts, monsters, or magic.
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✔ Summary Table:
| Type of Conflict | Description | Visual Symbol in Image |
|------------------------|----------------------------------------------|------------------------------------|
|
Internal | Struggle within a character’s mind/emotions | Lightbulb, heart, conflicted face |
|
External | Struggle with others or nature | Two figures facing off, tornado, fire |
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📌 Final Answer:
The image explains that
conflict in a story can be:
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Internal: A character's inner struggle (e.g., fear, choice, identity).
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External: A struggle against another character or nature (e.g., fight, disaster).
These conflicts are essential for creating drama, development, and meaning in stories.
Let me know if you'd like examples from famous books or movies!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of internal and external conflict worksheet.
