Types of Conflict

ConflictExploring the Types of Conflict in Narratives

What is CONFLICT?

In literature, a conflict is a literary element that involves a struggle between two opposing forces usually a protagonist and an antagonist.

Why is CONFLICT important?

Conflict is important to literature because it provides the basic materials for the construction of the plot.

Without conflict nothing would happen.

Also, the conflict within a piece may be central to the author's view of life or the point he or she is trying to make.

MAN vs. MAN

A character struggles with another character. The classic “good guy” vs. “bad guy situation.

MAN vs. NATURE

A character struggles with a force of nature (natural disaster, desolation, animal, etc.) Usually, the character is struggling to survive.

MAN vs. SOCIETY

A character or a group of characters fight against the society in which they live.

The character fights against social traditions or rules (fight for freedom, rights, for a cause, etc.)

Society becomes a “character” of its own

MAN vs. SOCIETY

MAN vs. SELF

The character’s struggle takes place in his/her own mind.

Usually has something to do with a choice (choosing between right and wrong), or it may have to do with overcoming emotions or mixed feelings.

OTHER TYPES OF CONFLICT

MAN vs. SUPERNATURALA character fights with gods, ghosts, monsters, spirits, aliens, etc.

MAN vs. FATEA character fights against their destiny; fight for a choice.

MAN vs. TECHNOLOGYA character struggles or fights with machines, computers, etc.

Homework Assignment

Identify one of the conflicts present in A Raisin in the Sun and write a 500 word essay

elaborating on the conflict and the significance to the play.

Due midnight Thursday, June 25th

Bibliography

• "7 Types of Narrative Conflict." Daily Writing Tips. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2015.

• "Types of Conflict That Can Be Found in a Narrative." Education. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2015.

• "Selma Movie CLIP - Give Us the Vote (2015) - David Oyelowo, Oprah Winfrey Movie HD." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 21 June 2015.

• "[HD] Hereafter (2010) - Realistic Tsunami Scene." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 21 June 2015.

• The Wolverine - Extended Train Fight Scene." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 21 June 2015.