Example Of A External Conflict

Exploring External Conflict: Examples and Analysis in Literature and Life

External conflict, a cornerstone of compelling narratives, describes the struggle between a character and an outside force. This opposition fuels plot, develops character, and creates tension that keeps readers or viewers engaged. Understanding external conflict is key to appreciating storytelling across various mediums, from classic novels to modern films. This article delves deep into the concept of external conflict, providing numerous examples across different genres and exploring its multifaceted nature. We will examine the various types of external conflict and analyze how authors and filmmakers leverage them to craft impactful stories.

Defining External Conflict: Beyond the Individual Struggle

External conflict differs significantly from internal conflict, which focuses on a character's internal struggles, such as moral dilemmas or emotional turmoil. External conflict, on the other hand, pits a character against a tangible, external force. This opposition can take many forms, creating diverse and captivating narratives. The protagonist’s journey to overcome these obstacles forms the core of the story's plot.

Types of External Conflict: A Spectrum of Opposition

External conflicts typically fall into several broad categories:

• Character vs. Character: This is perhaps the most readily recognizable type of external conflict. It involves a direct confrontation between two or more characters, fueled by opposing goals, ideologies, or personal animosity. The conflict might manifest as a physical fight, a verbal duel, or a protracted power struggle.

• Character vs. Nature: This type of conflict depicts a character's struggle against the forces of nature—storms, floods, wildfires, harsh weather conditions, or even wild animals. This highlights the vulnerability of humanity in the face of overwhelming natural power and often tests the character's resilience, resourcefulness, and survival instincts.

• Character vs. Society: This conflict showcases the protagonist's battle against societal norms, expectations, or institutions. The character might be fighting for social justice, challenging oppressive laws, or rebelling against ingrained prejudices. This type of conflict often explores themes of social injustice, political oppression, and individual freedom.

• Character vs. Technology: In modern narratives, technology increasingly plays a significant role as a source of external conflict. This can involve struggles against advanced AI, rogue technology, or the dehumanizing effects of technological advancement. This type of conflict reflects anxieties about technological progress and its potential consequences.

• Character vs. Supernatural: This classic conflict pits the protagonist against supernatural forces—ghosts, demons, gods, or otherworldly beings. This type of conflict often explores themes of good versus evil, faith versus doubt, and the boundaries between the human and supernatural worlds. It can be found in horror, fantasy, and mythological narratives.

Examples of External Conflict Across Genres: Unveiling the Narrative Power

Let's explore specific examples of external conflict to illustrate its diverse applications in storytelling:

1. Character vs. Character:

• The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins): Katniss Everdeen faces numerous external conflicts, but her struggle against President Snow and the Capitol's oppressive regime is a prime example of character vs. character conflict. This conflict drives the entire trilogy, involving not only physical battles but also psychological warfare and political maneuvering.

• Hamlet (William Shakespeare): Hamlet's conflict with Claudius, his uncle who murdered his father, is a classic example of character vs. character. This conflict fuels the play's plot, driving Hamlet's revenge and leading to a tragic climax.

• The Godfather (Mario Puzo): The Corleone family's battles with rival mafia families demonstrate character vs. character conflict on a grand scale. This involves intricate power struggles, betrayals, and violent confrontations, showcasing the brutal realities of organized crime.

2. Character vs. Nature:

• The Perfect Storm (Sebastian Junger): This non-fiction account chronicles the ordeal of a fishing vessel caught in a confluence of powerful weather systems. The crew's struggle against the relentless forces of nature, including hurricane-force winds and towering waves, is a powerful example of character vs. nature conflict.

• Into the Wild (Jon Krakauer): Chris McCandless's journey into the Alaskan wilderness demonstrates a character's confrontation with the harsh realities of nature. His struggle against extreme weather conditions, limited resources, and the unforgiving landscape tests his limits and ultimately leads to his tragic demise.

• Life of Pi (Yann Martel): Pi Patel's survival at sea after a shipwreck illustrates a character's struggle for survival against the immense power of the ocean, wild animals, and the elements. This exemplifies the raw and primal nature of character versus nature conflict, highlighting resilience and adaptability.

3. Character vs. Society:

• To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee): Scout Finch and her family face prejudice and discrimination in their Southern community. Their struggle against racism and societal injustice is a central theme of the novel, showcasing the power of individual conscience in the face of widespread intolerance.

• 1984 (George Orwell): Winston Smith rebels against the oppressive totalitarian regime of Oceania. His struggle against Big Brother and the Party's pervasive surveillance demonstrates the individual's fight against an overwhelming and controlling society.

• The Handmaid's Tale (Margaret Atwood): Offred's struggle against the totalitarian theocracy of Gilead highlights the fight for individual autonomy and freedom against a repressive societal structure that controls women's bodies and lives. The conflict is both physical and psychological, showcasing the profound impact of societal control.

4. Character vs. Technology:

• The Terminator (James Cameron): Kyle Reese and Sarah Connor's fight against a technologically advanced cyborg assassin showcases a struggle against a powerful and relentless machine. This conflict explores the potential dangers of artificial intelligence and the dehumanizing impact of technology.

• WarGames (John Badham): David Lightman accidentally accesses a military supercomputer and almost triggers a nuclear war. His struggle to prevent this catastrophic outcome demonstrates the potential for technology to spiral out of control and the need for human intervention to prevent devastating consequences.

• Black Mirror (Charlie Brooker): Each episode of this anthology series often presents a dystopian vision of the future where technology has profound and often negative impacts on society. The characters often struggle against the societal and individual repercussions of technological advancements.

5. Character vs. Supernatural:

• Dracula (Bram Stoker): Van Helsing and his companions confront the ancient vampire Dracula, battling against his supernatural power and immortality. This conflict combines physical combat with strategic planning, illustrating the struggle between human ingenuity and supernatural forces.

• The Exorcist (William Peter Blatty): Regan MacNeil's possession by a demonic entity is a direct confrontation with the supernatural. The conflict pits human faith and religious ritual against a powerful, malevolent force.

• Harry Potter (J.K. Rowling): Harry Potter's ongoing struggle against Lord Voldemort represents a classic battle between good and evil, featuring a complex supernatural conflict involving magic, spells, and mythical creatures.

Analyzing the Impact of External Conflict: More Than Just Plot

External conflict is more than just a plot device; it serves several crucial functions in storytelling:

• Character Development: Facing external obstacles forces characters to reveal their strengths, weaknesses, and values. The way a character responds to conflict reveals their true nature and contributes to their growth or downfall.

• Theme Exploration: External conflicts often serve as vehicles for exploring broader themes – social injustice, the human condition, the power of nature, or the implications of technological advancement.

• Raising the Stakes: The intensity of the conflict increases the stakes, creating suspense and keeping the audience engaged. The greater the threat, the higher the tension and the greater the emotional investment from the audience.

• Driving the Plot: External conflicts provide the impetus for the plot’s forward movement. The protagonist's attempts to overcome these obstacles shape the narrative structure and lead to the story's climax and resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can a story have multiple types of external conflict simultaneously?

A: Absolutely! Many compelling stories utilize multiple types of external conflict, creating a layered and more complex narrative. A character might be fighting a rival (character vs. character), while simultaneously battling a natural disaster (character vs. nature) and societal prejudice (character vs. society). This creates rich and multifaceted storytelling.

Q: How can I identify the main external conflict in a story?

A: Look for the central challenge or obstacle that the protagonist must overcome. This central conflict usually drives the plot and shapes the story's overall arc. Consider the overarching struggle that dominates the narrative.

Q: Is external conflict always violent or physically demanding?

A: No, external conflict can manifest in many ways, including subtle psychological battles or intellectual disagreements. The conflict doesn't always involve physical violence; it can involve struggles for power, influence, or ideological supremacy.

Q: How can I use external conflict effectively in my own writing?

A: Consider your story's central theme and protagonist. What challenges would be most relevant and impactful for your character and your narrative? Ensure the conflict is well-defined, impactful, and contributes to the overall story's development.

Conclusion: The Enduring Power of External Conflict

External conflict is a fundamental element of storytelling, providing the engine for plot, character development, and thematic exploration. Understanding the different types of external conflict and how they are used in literature and film allows for a deeper appreciation of narrative structure and the power of storytelling. Whether it's a character's battle against a tyrannical ruler, the forces of nature, or a technological menace, external conflict offers boundless opportunities for creating engaging and thought-provoking narratives. By analyzing the examples presented and considering the various facets of external conflict, we gain a more nuanced understanding of its vital role in shaping compelling and enduring stories.