Internal vs External Conflict Worksheet

Are you struggling to distinguish between internal and external conflicts? Look no further as this blog post will provide you with a comprehensive worksheet that can help you differentiate these two types of conflicts easily. Designed for readers who are studying literature or writing fiction, this worksheet will focus on the entity and subject of conflicts within a story, allowing you to deepen your understanding and enhance your storytelling skills.

  4 Types of Conflict Worksheet

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  4 Types of Conflict Worksheet

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  4 Types of Conflict Worksheet

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  4 Types of Conflict Worksheet

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  4 Types of Conflict Worksheet

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  4 Types of Conflict Worksheet

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  4 Types of Conflict Worksheet

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  4 Types of Conflict Worksheet

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  4 Types of Conflict Worksheet

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  4 Types of Conflict Worksheet

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  4 Types of Conflict Worksheet

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  4 Types of Conflict Worksheet

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  4 Types of Conflict Worksheet

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  4 Types of Conflict Worksheet

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  4 Types of Conflict Worksheet

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  4 Types of Conflict Worksheet

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  4 Types of Conflict Worksheet

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  4 Types of Conflict Worksheet

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  4 Types of Conflict Worksheet

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  4 Types of Conflict Worksheet

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Define internal conflict.

Internal conflict is a psychological struggle within a character, typically driven by opposing desires, beliefs, or emotions. This conflict is typically experienced on a personal level and may involve decision-making, moral dilemmas, or feelings of guilt, creating tension and complexity within the character.

Give an example of internal conflict.

An example of internal conflict is when a character in a story is torn between following their moral values or doing something for personal gain. For instance, a character may have to choose between telling the truth and risking negative consequences or lying to protect themselves or others. This conflict creates inner turmoil and often drives the character's decisions and actions throughout the story.

Define external conflict.

External conflict is a type of conflict that occurs between a character and an outside force, such as another character, society, nature, or a situation. It is a struggle that the protagonist faces that is external to themselves and requires them to overcome obstacles and challenges in order to achieve their goals or desires. External conflicts can drive the plot forward and create tension in a story.

Give an example of external conflict.

An example of external conflict is a character facing opposition from a family member who is trying to sabotage their business endeavors.

How do internal conflicts impact a character's thoughts and emotions?

Internal conflicts can deeply impact a character's thoughts and emotions by creating a sense of turmoil and uncertainty within them. They may feel torn between different desires, values, or decisions, leading to inner turmoil, self-doubt, and confusion. This can manifest as feelings of guilt, shame, fear, or anger, affecting their mental and emotional well-being. Internal conflicts can also drive character development, challenging them to confront their inner struggles and ultimately leading to growth and self-discovery.

What are some common sources of internal conflict?

Common sources of internal conflict include conflicting values or beliefs, competing desires or needs, unresolved emotions such as guilt or shame, fear of failure or rejection, and self-doubt or indecision. These internal conflicts can create inner turmoil and make it difficult for individuals to make decisions or feel at peace with themselves.

How do external conflicts impact a character's actions and behaviors?

External conflicts can greatly impact a character's actions and behaviors by creating tension, presenting challenges, and forcing the character to make difficult decisions. External conflicts can push a character out of their comfort zone, prompt them to confront their fears or flaws, and ultimately drive the plot forward as the character navigates through obstacles and changes in their environment. These conflicts can reveal a character's strengths and weaknesses, shape their development, and lead to transformation or growth as they react to, adapt to, and ultimately resolve the challenges they face.

What are some common sources of external conflict?

Common sources of external conflict can include disagreements over resources, power dynamics, competition for a goal or objective, differing values or beliefs, misunderstandings or miscommunications, and actions or decisions of others that impact an individual or group negatively. Additionally, conflicts can arise from external factors such as societal norms, cultural differences, economic disparities, and political tensions.

How do internal and external conflicts relate to each other within a story?

Internal and external conflicts are often interlinked within a story, as they work together to drive the plot and character development. External conflicts, such as physical obstacles or antagonists, can trigger internal conflicts within characters, such as moral dilemmas or emotional struggles. Furthermore, how characters navigate and resolve both types of conflict can reveal their growth and transformation throughout the story. In essence, internal and external conflicts complement each other by presenting challenges that characters must face and overcome, leading to a deeper and more engaging narrative.

Why is it important for a story to have a balance of internal and external conflicts?

A balance of internal and external conflicts is important for a story because it provides depth and complexity to the characters and plot. External conflicts, such as struggles with other characters, the environment, or society, drive the action of the story and create tension. On the other hand, internal conflicts, such as emotional struggles or moral dilemmas, allow readers to connect with the characters on a deeper level and explore their motivations and growth. By weaving these two types of conflicts together, a story can engage readers on multiple levels and create a more compelling and nuanced narrative.