external conflicts
Battles beyond oneself
External conflicts are struggles between a character and outside forces—other people, society, nature, or fate.
The term belongs to literary analysis, where it contrasts with internal conflicts (a character's inner turmoil).
A hero battling a villain, a community resisting oppression, a survivor fighting the elements—all are external conflicts.
The novel's external conflicts drive the plot while internal ones deepen character.
- discordLack of agreement
- strifeAngry, prolonged conflict
- tumultNoisy, chaotic disturbance
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
- warfareArmed conflict between groups
wars · trade wars · cold war · clash · turf wars · protests · civil unrest · struggle · combat · discrimination · schism · bullying · rivalries · confrontations · social movements · border disputes · disunity · betrayals
external conflictsinternal conflicts
Opposing forces within oneself
inner conflicts · inner turmoil · internal strife · internal struggle · inner struggle
external conflictsinternal conflicts
Opposing forces within oneself
introspection · self-examination · infighting · family feuds
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