external conflict
Fight against others
External conflict is struggle between a character and an outside force—another person, society, nature, or fate.
The term belongs to literary analysis, where it contrasts with internal conflict (a character's psychological struggles).
Most narratives combine both: The external conflict with his rival masked an internal conflict about his own ambition.
Obstruction preventing passage
- hindranceBarrier to progress
- impedimentThing that obstructs progress
- roadblockObstruction across a road
- hurdleBarrier to leap over
bottleneck · constraint · limitation · restriction · obstruction · setback · complication · interference
Verbal clash over differences
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
- quarrelAngry verbal dispute
- altercationHeated verbal dispute
- feudBitter ongoing rivalry
disagreement · argument · clash · friction · tension · estrangement · rivalry · animosity
Ongoing contest between opponents
- opponentOne who contends against
- contestOrganized competitive event
- raceCompetition of speed
- tournamentMulti-round competitive event
challenger · contender · face-off · showdown · match · duel · competitor · adversary
Unjust exercise of power
- injusticeDenial of fair treatment
- discriminationUnjust differential treatment
- protestPublic expression of disapproval
- revolutionViolent governmental overthrow
uprising · rebellion · civil unrest · dissent · resistance · persecution · inequality · activism
Suffering from difficult circumstances
- crisisDecisive dangerous moment
- disasterSudden ruinous event
- catastropheDevastating, large-scale misfortune
- calamitySevere misfortune or disaster
misfortune · tribulation · ordeal · struggle · setback · tragedy · affliction · turmoil
barrier
Obstruction preventing passage
- hindranceBarrier to progress
- impedimentThing that obstructs progress
- roadblockObstruction across a road
hurdle · bottleneck · constraint · limitation · restriction · obstruction · setback · complication · interference · opposition
dispute
Verbal clash over differences
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
- quarrelAngry verbal dispute
- altercationHeated verbal dispute
feud · disagreement · argument · clash · friction · tension · estrangement · rivalry · animosity · hostility
rivalry
Ongoing contest between opponents
tournament · challenger · contender · face-off · showdown · match · duel · competitor · adversary · underdog
oppression
Unjust exercise of power
- injusticeDenial of fair treatment
- discriminationUnjust differential treatment
- protestPublic expression of disapproval
revolution · uprising · rebellion · civil unrest · dissent · resistance · persecution · inequality · activism · reform
hardship
Suffering from difficult circumstances
- crisisDecisive dangerous moment
- disasterSudden ruinous event
- catastropheDevastating, large-scale misfortune
calamity · misfortune · tribulation · ordeal · struggle · setback · tragedy · affliction · turmoil · upheaval
battle
Armed military engagement
- combatArmed hostile engagement
- warfareArmed conflict between groups
- invasionForcible entry into territory
siege · military · enemy · frontline · casualties · armistice · conquest · offensive · trenches · artillery
- characterizationprotagonist, trait, antagonist, hero, villain
- conflictclash, fight, war, battle, dispute
- dramatic arcexposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution
external conflictinternal conflict
Opposing forces within someone
inner conflict · inner struggle · psychological conflict · internal struggle · inner turmoil
external conflictpeace
Freedom from disturbance
cooperation · accord · alliance · concord · collaboration
external, externally, externalize, externalization, extern, exterior, conflict, conflicts, conflicting