What Is Internal Conflict?
Internal conflict refers to a psychological struggle occurring within a character's mind. It involves a person grappling with opposing emotions, desires, beliefs, or values, which creates tension and uncertainty. This type of conflict is often about making difficult decisions, facing moral dilemmas, or overcoming personal fears and doubts.
Key Characteristics of Internal Conflict:
- Emotional or mental struggle: The conflict happens inside the character’s mind.
- Opposing desires or beliefs: The character may want two incompatible things or feel torn between right and wrong.
- Decision-making challenge: The character must choose a path, often with no clear or easy answer.
- Character growth: Internal conflicts often lead to personal development or change.
Examples of Internal Conflict:
- A person deciding whether to tell the truth or protect a friend.
- Someone battling feelings of guilt or shame.
- A character struggling with self-doubt or fear of failure.
Internal conflict is a powerful storytelling tool because it adds depth to characters and makes their journeys more relatable and compelling.
