Here are notes on basic conflicts in fiction.

1. TYPES OF
CONFLICT

2. Why is CONFLICT important?
 No conflict, no plot!
 Plot is created around the conflict…
 Introduced in rising action…
 Faced head-on during climax…
 Begins to work itself out during falling
action…
 Resolved during resolution.

3. INTERNAL CONFLICT
An internal conflict is between
a character and his/her self.

4. PERSON vs. SELF
 Struggle takes place in his/her own mind.
 Usually involves a choice between right
and wrong or overcoming emotions or
mixed feelings.

5. EXTERNAL CONFLICT
An external conflict is between
a character and an outside
force.

6. PERSON vs. PERSON
 Protagonist vs. Antagonist
 The classic “good guy” vs. “bad guy”
situation

7. PERSON vs. SOCIETY
 Fights against social
traditions or rules (fight for
freedom, rights, for a cause
etc.)
 Society becomes a
“character” of its own
 Usually comments on
positive or negative aspects
of real society (SATIRE)

8. PERSON vs. NATURE

9. PERSON vs. SUPERNATURAL

10. PERSON vs. TECHNOLOGY