External Conflict: the Catalyst of Engaging Narratives

Conflict is what drives stories, whether they’re in books, movies, or real life. Tension, mystery, and, eventually, resolution can’t be built without conflict. Conflict, at its root, is a problem that must be confronted and overcome. In narrative, these conflicts often fall into two broad types: internal and external. External conflict brings impediments from the outside world, forcing our heroes into situations they must face, while internal conflict grapples with an individual’s own feelings, beliefs, and actions. This article delves into the topic of external conflict, discussing its relevance, nuances, and effects on a tale.

When a protagonist faces up against some other entity, this is an example of external conflict. This external factor might be another personality, the natural world, or even social conventions. What defines external conflict is the presence of obvious, physical challenges to the protagonist.

The struggle between humans is an archetypal case in point. The protagonist is opposed by another character in this form of struggle. Think about the intense competition between Holmes and Moriarty. Their verbal attacks, pursuits, and counterattacks keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

Humans pitted against the elements is another common theme. The protagonist in this case is pitted against the elements. Jack London’s “To Build a Fire” and Tom Hanks’ “Cast Away” are two examples of works that depict the protagonist’s struggle against extreme environments. These stories often emphasize the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.

The larger society may also be a tough challenge. Characters in man against society dramas often go against conventional wisdom or the law. Novels like “1984” by George Orwell and “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood explore the struggle of the individual against repressive regimes in which the whole social system is opposed against the lone rebel.

Another kind of extra-human conflict, man vs technology, has emerged as a direct result of technological progress. Characters here face up against robots, AI, or other forms of technology. Stories like Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” and films like “The Matrix” examine the tension that may arise between people and their inventions when technological progress is allowed to go uncontrolled.

No matter what form it takes, external conflict in a story serves many functions. This propels the story and compels the protagonist to take action. Characters develop, change, and mature as they face and overcome these external obstacles. The audience can identify with and remember these characters because of the choices, sacrifices, and acts they take despite these setbacks.

In addition, society’s greater difficulties and challenges may be seen reflected in external conflicts. Authors and filmmakers may use these conflicts to convey points about human nature, society, and universal experiences. Characters’ exterior conflicts are often allegories for the difficulties that readers and viewers really experience on a regular basis.

Finally, I want to stress the importance of external conflict in stories, since it is more than simply a useful tool for authors and filmmakers. It changes anecdotes from dull memories to exciting accounts of conflict, development, and triumph. One’s ability to study and appreciate literature and movies, as well as to perceive the greater challenges mirrored in these media, is greatly enhanced by an awareness of and appreciation for the role of external conflict.

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