A Struggle Between Opposing Forces Or Characters Within A Story Is Known As: A. Conflict

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What is Conflict in Literature?

Conflict is a fundamental element in literature that drives the plot forward and creates tension within a story. It is a struggle between opposing forces or characters that tests the protagonist's abilities, resolves the conflict, and ultimately leads to a resolution. Conflict is a crucial aspect of storytelling, as it engages the reader, creates suspense, and adds depth to the narrative.

Types of Conflict

There are several types of conflict that can occur in a story, including:

  • Internal Conflict: This type of conflict occurs within a character's mind, where they struggle with their own thoughts, feelings, and desires. Internal conflict can be a result of a character's own flaws, fears, or doubts.
  • External Conflict: This type of conflict occurs between a character and an external force, such as another character, a situation, or a natural event. External conflict can be physical, emotional, or psychological.
  • Man vs. Man: This type of conflict occurs between two or more characters, where they have opposing goals, values, or interests.
  • Man vs. Nature: This type of conflict occurs between a character and the natural world, where they face challenges such as weather, geography, or wildlife.
  • Man vs. Society: This type of conflict occurs between a character and the society they live in, where they face challenges such as social norms, laws, or expectations.

Why is Conflict Important in Literature?

Conflict is essential in literature because it:

  • Creates Tension: Conflict creates tension within a story, which keeps the reader engaged and interested.
  • Drives the Plot Forward: Conflict drives the plot forward, as characters work to resolve the conflict and achieve their goals.
  • Tests the Protagonist: Conflict tests the protagonist's abilities, courage, and determination, making them a more well-rounded character.
  • Resolves the Story: Conflict is often the catalyst for the story's resolution, as characters learn and grow from their experiences.

Examples of Conflict in Literature

Conflict is a common element in many literary works, including:

  • Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare: The conflict between the two families, the Montagues and the Capulets, drives the plot and ultimately leads to the tragic ending.
  • The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: The conflict between Gatsby's dream and the reality of the American Dream creates tension and drives the plot forward.
  • To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: The conflict between Tom Robinson's innocence and the racial prejudices of the community creates tension and highlights the importance of justice and equality.

How to Create Conflict in Your Writing

Creating conflict in your writing can be challenging, but here are some tips to help you get started:

  • Introduce Conflict Early: Introduce conflict early in the story to create tension and engage the reader.
  • Make Conflict Personal: Make conflict personal by making it relevant to the protagonist's goals, values, and desires.
  • Create Multiple Conflicts: Create multiple conflicts to add depth and complexity to the story.
  • Resolve Conflict Gradually: Resolve conflict gradually, allowing the reader to see the characters' growth and development.

Conclusion

Conflict is a fundamental element in literature that drives the plot forward and creates tension within a story. It is a struggle between opposing forces or characters that tests the protagonist's abilities, resolves the conflict, and ultimately leads to a resolution. By understanding the different types of conflict, why it is important, and how to create it in your writing, you can create engaging and compelling stories that captivate your readers.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the purpose of conflict in literature? Conflict in literature serves several purposes, including creating tension, driving the plot forward, testing the protagonist, and resolving the story.
  • What are the different types of conflict? There are several types of conflict, including internal conflict, external conflict, man vs. man, man vs. nature, and man vs. society.
  • How do I create conflict in my writing? To create conflict in your writing, introduce conflict early, make it personal, create multiple conflicts, and resolve conflict gradually.

Further Reading

  • The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White: This classic writing guide provides guidance on writing style, grammar, and syntax.
  • The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers by Christopher Vogler: This book provides guidance on storytelling and the hero's journey.
  • The Art of Fiction by John Gardner: This book provides guidance on writing fiction and creating compelling stories.

Understanding Conflict in Literature

Conflict is a fundamental element in literature that drives the plot forward and creates tension within a story. It is a struggle between opposing forces or characters that tests the protagonist's abilities, resolves the conflict, and ultimately leads to a resolution. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about conflict in literature.

Q&A: Conflict in Literature

Q1: What is the purpose of conflict in literature?

A1: Conflict in literature serves several purposes, including creating tension, driving the plot forward, testing the protagonist, and resolving the story. Conflict is essential in literature because it engages the reader, creates suspense, and adds depth to the narrative.

Q2: What are the different types of conflict?

A2: There are several types of conflict, including:

  • Internal Conflict: This type of conflict occurs within a character's mind, where they struggle with their own thoughts, feelings, and desires.
  • External Conflict: This type of conflict occurs between a character and an external force, such as another character, a situation, or a natural event.
  • Man vs. Man: This type of conflict occurs between two or more characters, where they have opposing goals, values, or interests.
  • Man vs. Nature: This type of conflict occurs between a character and the natural world, where they face challenges such as weather, geography, or wildlife.
  • Man vs. Society: This type of conflict occurs between a character and the society they live in, where they face challenges such as social norms, laws, or expectations.

Q3: How do I create conflict in my writing?

A3: To create conflict in your writing, introduce conflict early, make it personal, create multiple conflicts, and resolve conflict gradually. Conflict should be relevant to the protagonist's goals, values, and desires, and should test their abilities and courage.

Q4: What are some common mistakes to avoid when creating conflict in literature?

A4: Some common mistakes to avoid when creating conflict in literature include:

  • Introducing conflict too late: Conflict should be introduced early in the story to create tension and engage the reader.
  • Making conflict too easy: Conflict should be challenging and difficult for the protagonist to resolve.
  • Making conflict too simplistic: Conflict should be complex and multi-faceted, with multiple layers and nuances.

Q5: How do I resolve conflict in my writing?

A5: To resolve conflict in your writing, create a satisfying and meaningful conclusion that ties up loose ends and provides a sense of closure. Conflict should be resolved gradually, allowing the reader to see the characters' growth and development.

Q6: What are some tips for creating realistic conflict in literature?

A6: Some tips for creating realistic conflict in literature include:

  • Drawing from personal experience: Draw from your own experiences and emotions to create authentic and relatable conflict.
  • Researching real-world conflicts: Research real-world conflicts and challenges to create realistic and nuanced conflict.
  • Creating complex characters: Create complex and multi-dimensional characters with their own motivations and desires.

Q7: How do I balance conflict with other elements of the story?

A7: To balance conflict with other elements of the story, consider the following:

  • Create a balance between action and dialogue: Balance action and dialogue to create a dynamic and engaging narrative.
  • Use conflict to reveal character: Use conflict to reveal character and create depth and nuance.
  • Create a sense of resolution: Create a sense of resolution and closure to tie up loose ends and provide a satisfying conclusion.

Conclusion

Conflict is a fundamental element in literature that drives the plot forward and creates tension within a story. By understanding the different types of conflict, why it is important, and how to create it in your writing, you can create engaging and compelling stories that captivate your readers. Remember to introduce conflict early, make it personal, create multiple conflicts, and resolve conflict gradually to create a satisfying and meaningful conclusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the purpose of conflict in literature? Conflict in literature serves several purposes, including creating tension, driving the plot forward, testing the protagonist, and resolving the story.
  • What are the different types of conflict? There are several types of conflict, including internal conflict, external conflict, man vs. man, man vs. nature, and man vs. society.
  • How do I create conflict in my writing? To create conflict in your writing, introduce conflict early, make it personal, create multiple conflicts, and resolve conflict gradually.

Further Reading

  • The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White: This classic writing guide provides guidance on writing style, grammar, and syntax.
  • The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers by Christopher Vogler: This book provides guidance on storytelling and the hero's journey.
  • The Art of Fiction by John Gardner: This book provides guidance on writing fiction and creating compelling stories.