Remember the scene in The Hunger Games when Katniss Everdeen volunteers as tribute to save her sister? That moment, full of tension and dread, is a perfect example of external conflict. It grabs your attention, makes you care, and sets the entire story in motion.
So, what exactly is external conflict? Simply put, it’s a struggle between a main character and something outside of themselves. This “something” could be another person, a group, nature, or even technology. Whatever it is, this type of conflict is a crucial element of storytelling. It’s what drives the plot forward and forces characters to change, adapt, and grow.
We’re going to explore the different types of external conflict, including: Man vs. Man, Man vs. Society, Man vs. Nature, Man vs. Technology, Man vs. Supernatural, and Man vs. Fate. Each of these types creates unique challenges and opportunities for storytelling.
External conflict is a vital ingredient in any good story. It propels the plot, shapes the characters, and explores meaningful themes. In this article, we’ll delve into its various forms and show you how it works with specific examples.
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