Types of Conflict in Narratives

1. Conflict
Exploring the Types of Conflict in Narratives

2. What is CONFLICT?
In literature, a conflict is a literary element that involves a
struggle between two opposing forces usually a protagonist
and an antagonist.

3. Why is CONFLICT important?
 Conflict is important to literature because it provides the
basic materials for the construction of the plot.
 Without conflict nothing would happen.
 Also, the conflict within a piece may be central to the
author's view of life or the point he or she is trying to
make.

4. MAN vs. MAN
A character struggles with another character. The classic “good
guy” vs. “bad guy situation.

5. MAN vs. NATURE
A character struggles with a force of nature (natural disaster,
desolation, animal, etc.) Usually, the character is struggling to
survive.

6. MAN vs. SOCIETY
 A character or a group of characters fight against the
society in which they live.
 The character fights against social traditions or rules (fight
for freedom, rights, for a cause, etc.)
 Society becomes a “character” of its own

7. MAN vs. SOCIETY

8. MAN vs. SELF
 The character’s struggle takes place in his/her own mind.
 Usually has something to do with a choice (choosing
between right and wrong), or it may have to do with
overcoming emotions or mixed feelings.

9. OTHER TYPES OF CONFLICT
 MAN vs. SUPERNATURAL
A character fights with gods, ghosts, monsters, spirits,
aliens, etc.
 MAN vs. FATE
A character fights against their destiny; fight for a
choice.
 MAN vs. TECHNOLOGY
A character struggles or fights with machines, computers,
etc.

10. Homework Assignment
Identify one of the conflicts present in A Raisin in the
Sun and write a 500 word essay elaborating on the
conflict and the significance to the play.
Due midnight Thursday, June 25th

11. Bibliography
• "7 Types of Narrative Conflict." Daily Writing Tips. N.p., n.d. Web. 21
June 2015.
• "Types of Conflict That Can Be Found in a Narrative." Education.
N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2015.
• "Selma Movie CLIP - Give Us the Vote (2015) - David Oyelowo,
Oprah Winfrey Movie HD." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 21 June
2015.
• "[HD] Hereafter (2010) - Realistic Tsunami Scene." YouTube.
YouTube, n.d. Web. 21 June 2015.
• The Wolverine - Extended Train Fight Scene." YouTube. YouTube,
n.d. Web. 21 June 2015.