Types of Conflicts

                 Conflicts are essential to development of a story, whether it be internal or external. There can be many conflicts in one film but there's usually a main one in which the story builds on. In dramas there are many different types of conflicts so understanding why they matter and how to introduce them in our genre will help us in many aspects of our story development. In my earlier post I discussed how character development is crucial in drama films. Moreover, in movies there's usually a conflict taking place at the same time. While characters begin to grow or unfold it is usually while they're trying to deal with the conflict. In order to build a connection, the audience has to see the character(s) go through different conflicts, for example:


Man vs. Himself (Internal): in the mind, decisions, emotions, feelings.


Man vs. Man, Man vs. Nature, Man vs. Society, etc. (External): opposing ideas, other people, surroundings, outside force.


             Listed above there’s examples of the broad categories of conflicts. There’s two types internal and external. Internal is the struggle that takes place in a character's mind, usually in movies with internal conflicts they are more focused on one character. This makes it easier to manifest the emotions taking place in the character’s head. External conflict is when the the conflict is between character(s) and outside forces.Both of these conflicts are very useful and can be critical to have a strong plot because they create tension, stakes, and (drum roll please) character development. The tension makes the audience grip their seat and wonder what is gonna unfold in front of their eyes in the next hour or two.The stakes will help create the best-scenario and worst-scenario that could occur. And I already discussed character development.


            So, what am I going to do with this information? I will be further clarifying with my partener what is it that we want our character to deal with. We have to start asking ourselves questions such as how do we want him to be introduced to our audience. We also have to try and say more about our character through their clothes, accessories, surroundings. Everything must have a purpose.






https://www.nownovel.com/blog/difference-external-internal-conflict-writing/