This document defines and describes different types of conflict that can occur in short stories. It defines conflict as a problem or struggle between opposing forces that drives the action in a story. Conflicts can be internal, which takes place within a character's mind as they struggle with a decision, or external, which involves a character struggling against another character, nature, or society. The document provides examples for each type of internal and external conflict characters may face.

1. CONFLICTNB pgs. 18 & 19

2. ADD TO YOUR TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Pgs. 18 & 19 Conflict

3. Conflict – a problem (or struggle)
between opposing forces
In a short story, the conflict drives the
action. Events in the story add to the
conflict or help bring about the resolution--
the way the conflict is settled. Conflicts are
either internal or external.

4. Definition: takes place in the mind of a
character. The character struggles with himself
or herself to make a decision, take an action or
overcome an obstacle.

5. TYPES OF INTERNAL CONFLICT
character vs. self

6. Jessica thinks the sweater
Grandmother made for her is ugly.
Grandmother is looking forward to
seeing her wear it to her middle
school graduation. Todd, the boy
she likes, will be there. She
doesn’t want to hurt Grandmother’s
feelings, but she will feel
embarrassed in front of Todd on
the last day before summer.

7. • A character may have a dilemma: wrestle with one’s conscience, decide
between right and wrong, make a choice in a lose-lose situation, or
struggle with two solutions to a problem (Should I stick up for my best
friend who is getting teased?)
• A character’s fear prevents him/her from reaching a goal (I want to
camp out with the club, but I am secretly terrified of the dark.)
• A character feels guilt or shame about a past wrongdoing (I can’t
believe I stole the radio…how can I redeem myself?)
• A character struggles with self-image or conflicting identities (I don’t
like the way I look, and I want to hide; I want to be American instead of
Martian.)
• A character struggles with breaking a bad habit (I just can’t stop lying.)

8. Definition: conflict in which a
character struggles with an outside
force: another character or a force of
nature

9. TYPES OF EXTERNAL CONFLICT
character vs. character

10. character vs. character

11. TYPES OF EXTERNAL CONFLICT
character vs. nature

12. character vs. nature
• The hiker vs. the slippery slope
• The captain of the ship vs. a
hurricane
• Laura vs. the raging river

13. TYPES OF EXTERNAL CONFLICT
character vs. society

14. CHARACTER VS. SOCIETY