Internal External Conflict Worksheet

Understanding and resolving conflicts is an essential skill for both individuals and teams. Whether you are a student exploring the complexities of fictional characters, a writer seeking to develop compelling plotlines, or a teacher guiding your students through the intricacies of internal and external conflicts, having a reliable worksheet can be a valuable asset. With the right entity and subject-oriented worksheet, you can delve deeper into the heart of conflicts and foster meaningful discussions or writing exercises.

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  Person Vs. Society Conflict

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  Person Vs. Society Conflict

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  Person Vs. Society Conflict

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  Person Vs. Society Conflict

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  Person Vs. Society Conflict

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  Person Vs. Society Conflict

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  Person Vs. Society Conflict

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  Person Vs. Society Conflict

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  Person Vs. Society Conflict

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  Person Vs. Society Conflict

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  Person Vs. Society Conflict

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What is an internal conflict?

An internal conflict is a psychological struggle within a character where they experience conflicting emotions, thoughts, beliefs, or values. This conflict is typically depicted as the character facing a difficult decision or dilemma that creates inner turmoil and tension. It often involves a moral or ethical dilemma or a clash between their desires and responsibilities, leading to a complex and dynamic portrayal of the character's inner world.

Give an example of an internal conflict.

An example of an internal conflict could be someone grappling with their decision to pursue a career they are passionate about that may not be as financially stable versus choosing a more conventional career path that offers stability but lacks personal fulfillment.

What is an external conflict?

An external conflict is a struggle or clash between a character and an outside force, such as another character, society, nature, or a situation. This conflict typically creates obstacles for the protagonist to overcome, driving the plot forward and adding tension and drama to the story.

Provide an example of an external conflict.

An example of an external conflict is a disagreement between two countries over territorial boundaries, such as the conflict between India and Pakistan over the region of Kashmir. This conflict involves political, military, and diplomatic tensions as both countries assert their claims to the region, leading to ongoing disputes and occasional border skirmishes.

How does internal conflict affect a character's thoughts and emotions?

Internal conflict can greatly impact a character's thoughts and emotions by causing them to experience confusion, doubt, and inner turmoil. It can manifest as a constant battle between opposing desires, beliefs, or values, leading to feelings of guilt, anxiety, and fear. This conflict can cloud their judgment, create inner tension, and affect their overall mental and emotional well-being as they struggle to make decisions and reconcile their conflicting feelings.

How does external conflict impact a character's actions and decisions?

External conflict can greatly impact a character's actions and decisions by forcing them to confront obstacles, challenges, and adversaries that stand in the way of their goals or values. This conflict can create tension, motivation, and stakes that drive the character to react in certain ways, pushing them to make choices and decisions that they may not have otherwise made. It can also reveal the character's strengths, weaknesses, values, and morals as they navigate the challenges presented by external conflicts, ultimately shaping their development and growth throughout the story.

Can internal and external conflicts be interconnected? Give an example.

Yes, internal and external conflicts can be interconnected. For example, a character may have an internal struggle with self-doubt and lack of confidence, which can manifest externally as conflicts with others due to their defensive or confrontational behavior stemming from their insecurities. The internal conflict of self-worth can drive the external conflicts with others as the character tries to compensate for their internal struggles through external means.

How do internal conflicts contribute to character development?

Internal conflicts contribute to character development by forcing characters to confront their values, beliefs, fears, and desires. Through these struggles, characters often experience growth, change, and transformation as they work through their inner turmoil. This process allows readers to understand the complexity of the character's psyche, motivations, and actions, ultimately adding depth and realism to their development throughout the story.

How can external conflicts drive the plot of a story?

External conflicts can drive the plot of a story by presenting obstacles, challenges, and tension that characters must overcome. Whether it's a physical threat, a rivalry with another character, or a struggle against nature, external conflicts propel the storyline forward, creating dramatic tension and driving character development. By facing these external challenges, characters are forced to make choices, take action, and ultimately drive the plot towards resolution.

Why are internal and external conflicts important elements in storytelling?

Internal and external conflicts are important elements in storytelling because they create tension, drive the plot forward, and allow for character development. Internal conflicts add depth to characters by showcasing their inner struggles, motivations, and growth, while external conflicts provide obstacles and challenges for characters to overcome, pushing them to their limits and testing their abilities. Both types of conflicts captivate the audience's emotions, making the story more engaging and dynamic. Ultimately, internal and external conflicts contribute to a more nuanced and compelling narrative that resonates with the audience on a deeper level.