Whether you're a passionate bookworm, a movie buff, or an aspiring writer, understanding the concept of external conflict can add depth to your experience. This gripping element of storytelling is what keeps us on the edge of our seats and turns stories into unforgettable journeys. From classic literature to blockbuster films, external conflict has a powerful role. Let's take a closer look at some outstanding external conflict examples and how they can inspire your own writing or deepen your appreciation of your favorite stories.
Before we dive into specific examples, let's make sure we're on the same page about what external conflict is and why it matters so much in storytelling.
External conflict is a type of struggle that occurs between a character and an outside force. This force can be another character, society, or nature itself. It's the driving force that propels the plot forward and gives the characters something to fight against. It's the dragon that needs to be slain, the oppressive regime that needs to be toppled, or the storm that must be weathered.
Without external conflict, stories would lack tension, suspense, and excitement. It's the challenge the main character faces that makes us root for them, that makes us worry about their fate, and ultimately, that gives their triumph meaning. It's the difference between a tale of a quiet stroll in the park and an epic quest to save the world. In other words, the external conflict makes stories matter to us and keeps us turning the pages or glued to our screens. So, when we discuss external conflict examples, we're really discussing the heart and soul of what makes a story captivating.
Now that we've covered the basics, let's explore how external conflict comes to life in literature. It's a fundamental part of almost all stories, from ancient epics to modern novels.
The role of external conflict in literature is to create stakes, drive the plot, and develop characters. It's what forces characters to act, to grow, and to reveal who they truly are. Whether it's a protagonist battling a villain, struggling against societal norms, or fighting to survive in a harsh wilderness, external conflict is what makes their journey matter.
Let's look at a few classic examples of external conflict in literature.
Whether it's wizards, islands, or dystopian societies, each of these external conflict examples illustrates how this element can shape a story and captivate readers.
Moving from the page to the big screen, let's take a look at how external conflict shapes and drives some of our favorite movies. Film, with its unique ability to visually portray conflict, provides some of the most memorable external conflict examples.
In film, external conflict is the fuel that drives the story forward. It’s the obstacle that our hero must overcome, the force that pushes them into action. Whether it’s a physical enemy, a societal expectation, or a natural disaster, external conflict keeps us on the edge of our seats, rooting for our heroes to succeed.
Let's dive into some examples of external conflict in films that have left a mark on audiences worldwide.
These external conflict examples demonstrate how film can bring conflicts to life in a way that captures our hearts and keeps us hooked till the very end.
Now that we've seen some stellar external conflict examples in literature and film, let's talk about how you can create your own compelling conflicts in your writing.
External conflict is a fantastic tool for building tension. Think of it as a rubber band being stretched – the more the conflict pulls your characters in opposite directions, the more tension builds up. And when it finally snaps? That's your climax. Remember, a story without tension is like a joke without a punchline – it leaves your audience feeling unsatisfied.
External conflicts are not just plot devices – they're also character development tools. As your characters face and overcome challenges, they grow, evolve, and reveal their true nature. So, whether it's Harry Potter's battle against Voldemort or Katniss Everdeen's struggle in the Hunger Games, use external conflict to peel back the layers of your characters and show your readers what they're really made of.
Finally, external conflict is the engine that drives your plot forward. It's the reason why your characters do what they do, why they make certain choices, and why they end up where they do. In short, without external conflict, your story would be a car without an engine – it simply wouldn't go anywhere.
So, as you embark (oops, I mean set off) on your writing journey, remember to pack plenty of external conflict in your toolkit. It's the secret ingredient that turns a good story into a great one.
So, you've created some gripping external conflict examples in your story. But how do you know if they're effective? That's where conflict analysis comes in. Let's dive into it.
Firstly, you need to evaluate your external conflict. Is it providing enough tension to keep your readers hooked? Does it help develop your characters and push your plot forward? Is it believable within the context of your story's world? If you can answer 'yes' to all these questions, then you're on the right track!
But evaluation is just the first step. To truly understand the impact of your conflict, you also need to interpret it. What does it mean for your characters and their journey? How does it reflect or comment on wider themes or issues? For example, the external conflict in George Orwell's '1984' isn't just about a man against a dystopian state — it's a commentary on authoritarian regimes and the erosion of individual freedoms.
So, next time you're writing or reading a story, don't just skim over the conflict. Take a moment to analyze it, to dig beneath the surface and understand its true significance. You might be surprised at what you find!
If you've enjoyed exploring external conflict examples in literature and film and want to take your creative work to the international level, don't miss the workshop 'How to Break into International Markets as a Creative' by Sav. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and strategies to help you showcase your talent to a global audience and expand your creative career.
