Types of Conflict Whats a Conflict A conflict

Types of Conflict

What's a Conflict? A conflict is a problem that the main character or characters face. Some stories have multiple conflicts.

Conflict Types External Conflicts 1. Character vs. Character 2. Character vs. Society 3. Character vs. Nature Internal Conflict 1. Character vs. Self

Character vs. Character The central character faces opposition from another person or group of people. Example • Two girls compete for the same role in the school play.

Character vs. Self The central character faces an internal struggle. Example • A young man goes through hard times after losing his father in a car accident.

Character vs. Society The central character or group of characters battles against traditions, institutions, or laws. Example • A student takes his fight against the school dress code all the way to the Supreme Court.

Character vs. Nature The central character struggles against animals, the elements, or other natural forces. Example • A ship captain goes after a great white whale through stormy seas.

Practice Read each description and identify the type of conflict.

Two boxers who were formerly friends compete for the championship belt.

Answer Conflict Type: Character vs. Character

A young woman fights to gain admittance in an elite prep school that was only for boys.

Answer Conflict Type: Character vs. Society

A group of colonists struggle to survive the winter in a strange land

Answer Conflict Type: Character vs. Nature

A students struggles against the urge to procrastinate and play video games rather than to do his homework.

Answer Conflict Type: Character vs. Self