Which Of The Following Is An Example Of Internal Conflict

Which of the Following is an Example of Internal Conflict?

Internal conflict, a cornerstone of compelling storytelling, drives character development and plot progression. It's the invisible battle raging within a character, shaping their decisions and defining their journey. Unlike external conflict, which pits a character against outside forces, internal conflict focuses on the character's inner turmoil, their struggle with their own thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. This article will delve deep into understanding internal conflict, exploring its various forms and providing clear examples to distinguish it from external conflict. We'll also analyze how authors use internal conflict to create rich, relatable characters and engaging narratives.

Understanding Internal Conflict: The War Within

Internal conflict is a character's struggle with their own thoughts, emotions, or values. This struggle often manifests as a moral dilemma, a personal crisis, or a battle against self-doubt. It's the internal pressure cooker that forces a character to confront their flaws, make difficult choices, and ultimately, undergo transformation. This internal conflict isn't always dramatic or overtly expressed; sometimes, it's a subtle, simmering tension that shapes the character's every action.

Key Characteristics of Internal Conflict:

• Character-driven: The conflict originates within the character, not from external circumstances.
• Emotional depth: It explores the character's psychological landscape, revealing their motivations, fears, and desires.
• Moral dilemmas: Often involves ethical choices and the weighing of conflicting values.
• Self-discovery: The process of resolving internal conflict often leads to significant character growth and self-understanding.
• Subtlety: It can be subtly conveyed through the character's actions, dialogue, and internal monologues.

Types of Internal Conflict:

Internal conflict isn't a monolithic entity. It can take several forms, each contributing to the complexity and depth of the character:

1. Man vs. Self (The Classic Internal Struggle):

This is the most common type of internal conflict. It involves a character grappling with their own conflicting desires, beliefs, or values. This could be a struggle between good and evil, ambition and morality, or love and fear. For instance, a character might struggle with their desire for revenge versus their sense of justice. They might battle their own self-doubt and insecurities, preventing them from pursuing their dreams. This is often characterized by internal monologue, where the reader gains access to the character's thoughts and feelings, witnessing their internal debate.

Example: Hamlet's indecision in Shakespeare's Hamlet is a prime example. His internal conflict between his desire for revenge and his moral scruples paralyzes him for much of the play.

2. Moral Dilemmas:

Moral dilemmas are a specific type of internal conflict where a character must choose between two or more morally justifiable courses of action. This creates significant internal tension as the character weighs the consequences of each choice, often facing difficult sacrifices.

Example: A doctor might face a moral dilemma when they must decide between saving the life of a mother or her unborn child.

3. Fear vs. Desire:

This internal conflict centers on a character's struggle between their fears and their desires. Fear can paralyze them, preventing them from pursuing their dreams or taking necessary risks. Conversely, their desires might push them to act against their better judgment.

Example: A character might dream of becoming a writer but be paralyzed by fear of failure and rejection.

4. Past Trauma and Guilt:

Internal conflict can stem from unresolved past traumas or feelings of guilt. The character might struggle to overcome the emotional scars of their past, or they might be haunted by the consequences of their actions.

Example: A character might struggle with survivor's guilt after surviving a devastating accident, while another might grapple with the guilt of a past mistake that continues to affect their present life.

Differentiating Internal from External Conflict:

It's crucial to distinguish between internal and external conflict. While they can coexist and often reinforce each other, they are fundamentally different:

Examples of Internal Conflict in Literature and Film:

Numerous literary and cinematic works powerfully depict internal conflict:

• Literature: The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald): Gatsby’s internal conflict revolves around his unattainable dream of reuniting with Daisy. To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee): Scout Finch grapples with understanding prejudice and injustice. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoevsky): Raskolnikov's internal conflict centers on his guilt and moral struggle after committing murder.

• Film: Fight Club (David Fincher): The unnamed narrator battles his own fractured identity and consumerist anxieties. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Michel Gondry): Joel's internal conflict arises from his decision to erase his memories of Clementine. 12 Angry Men (Sidney Lumet): The jurors grapple with their own biases and prejudices as they deliberate a murder case.

The Importance of Internal Conflict in Storytelling:

Internal conflict is crucial for crafting compelling characters and narratives for several reasons:

• Relatability: Internal struggles resonate deeply with readers and viewers as they reflect universal human experiences such as self-doubt, fear, and moral ambiguity.
• Character Development: Overcoming internal conflict leads to character growth, transformation, and a deeper understanding of the character's motivations and flaws.
• Plot Progression: Internal conflicts can drive the plot forward, forcing characters to make crucial decisions that shape their actions and interactions with others.
• Emotional Depth: Internal conflict adds layers of complexity to characters, making them more believable and engaging.
• Thematic Exploration: Internal conflicts can explore profound themes about human nature, morality, and the search for meaning.

How to Write Effective Internal Conflict:

Crafting believable and impactful internal conflict requires careful consideration:

1. Know Your Character: Understand your character's motivations, values, fears, and past experiences. This will inform their internal struggles.

2. Create a Compelling Dilemma: Present your character with a significant challenge that forces them to confront their inner demons and make difficult choices.

3. Show, Don't Tell: Use actions, dialogue, internal monologues, and descriptive language to reveal the character's internal turmoil rather than explicitly stating it.

4. Build Tension: Gradually escalate the internal conflict, building suspense and anticipation as the character struggles to resolve their inner turmoil.

5. Allow for Growth: The resolution of the internal conflict should lead to significant character development and transformation.

Conclusion:

Internal conflict is a powerful tool for creating compelling narratives and relatable characters. By understanding its various forms and how to craft it effectively, writers can create stories that explore the complexities of the human experience and leave a lasting impact on their audience. The examples provided offer a starting point for recognizing and appreciating the multifaceted nature of internal conflict within both literary and cinematic masterpieces. Remember, the key lies in making the inner struggles of your characters as captivating and engaging as any external battle.