Literary Elements Conflict DefinitionConflict n The Problem that

Literary Elements Conflict

Definition--Conflict n The Problem that a character is faced with in the story.

Four Types of Conflict Character vs. Character n One character in conflict with another n Disagreement, Competition, Physical Fight

Four Types of Conflict Character vs. Environment n Character struggles to survive against the harsh forces of nature n In conflict with dangers posed by the natural world

Four Types of Conflict Character vs. Society n Character is in conflict with a group n Character and/or his ideas are rejected by group n Character rejects group or its ideas n Often found in conjunction with Internal Conflict

Four Types of Conflict Internal Conflict n Conflict within the heart or mind of a character n Emotional upset n Uncertainty about what to do

Patterns of Conflict n Character generally makes several attempts to solve problem—often 3 attempts n Attempts are unsuccessful n Character eventually must take desperate measures to solve problem

Outcomes of Conflict n Character overcomes Problem (happy ending)—most common outcome in stories n Problem overcomes Character (tragic ending) n Character learns to live with the Problem (problem unresolved)— most realistic outcome

Final Word about Conflict n Conflict is driving force behind story n Without a problem there is no story n Considered most important of literary elements