Differences Between Internal and External Struggles in Storytelling: Crucial Distinctions
In the world of storytelling, conflict is a crucial element that propels narratives forward and creates tension. According to renowned screenwriting expert Robert McKee, "Conflict is the story" (McKee, 2005, p. 210). This analysis delves into the importance of internal and external conflicts, explaining how they contribute to captivating storylines and engaging audiences.
What Is Conflict?
Conflict, in essence, is the clash of differences in motivations, ideas, desires, or values. It is an integral part of our lives, making it essential in the stories we create to reflect human nature. By incorporating conflict appropriately, storytellers can drive forward their narratives and foster narrative tension.
The Essence of Internal Conflict
Internal conflict arises within a character's thought processes and emotions. Common forms of internal conflict include the struggles between fear and desire, guilt and pride, or logic and emotion. It is this personal and psychological conflict that propels characters through their respective journeys and contributes to meaningful character growth.
The Fundamentals of External Conflict
External conflict, on the other hand, occurs when a character encounters opposition from an outside force. This can include obstacles created by other characters, nature, societal norms, or supernatural elements. External challenges provide immediate stakes and test the character's resilience and resourcefulness.
The Interconnected Nature of Internal and External Conflict
Both internal and external conflicts are vital components in storytelling. Sometimes, internal struggles cause external actions, while external conflicts can provoke internal growth. By blending both types of conflict, storytellers can create complex, layered narratives that captivate audiences and facilitate character development.
Examples of Internal and External Conflict in Literature
In William Shakespeare's Hamlet, the protagonist grapples with moral dilemmas and indecision due to a haunting past. In Fyodor Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment, the protagonist Raskolnikov's internal struggles with guilt after committing murder dominate the narrative.
In Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), an ensemble cast faces external challenges while dealing with their personal internal conflicts. Each character's past trauma and loss shape their behavior within the team and contribute to their growth throughout the story.
The Crucial Role of Conflict in Story Development
By weaving internal and external conflicts into their narratives, storytellers can create emotionally resonant stories that keep audiences engaged. Mastering the art of crafting compelling conflicts is essential for driving narratives forward, fostering character growth, and creating narratives that are unforgettable.
Building engaging character conflict can make all the difference in a story. Power up your planning and plotting with our website's beat sheets and character tools. (Source)
Storytelling in the realm of fashion-and-beauty, literature, education-and-self-development, and entertainment all share a common ground – the inclusion of conflict to reflect human nature. This is analogous to how internal and external conflicts propel characters through their journey, as each serves as a test of strength and resilience, contributing to meaningful character growth. For instance, a person aspiring to improve their lifestyle might grapple internally with fear of failure and pride in their abilities, while externally facing challenges such as societal expectations or limited resources. Likewise, a student pursuing knowledge in a competitive environment might struggle internally with self-doubt while externally overcoming obstacles such as difficult coursework and peer competition. Building engaging character conflicts can make all the difference, just as mastering the art of crafting compelling conflicts is essential for driving narratives forward, fostering character growth, and creating stories that resonate deeply with an audience.
