The struggle between opposing forces that brings about the action
within a story or drama; can be internal (within a character) or
external (between a character and an outside force).
Types of Conflict
Man versus Man
Conflict that pits one person against another.
Man versus Nature
A run-in with the forces of nature. On the one hand, it expresses
the insignificance of a single human life in the cosmic scheme of
things. On the other hand, it tests the limits of a person’s
strength and will to live.
Man versus Society
The values and customs by which everyone else lives are being
challenged. The character may come to an untimely end as a result
of his or her own convictions. The character may, on the other
hand, bring others around to a sympathetic point of view, or it
may be decided that society was right after all.
Man versus Self
Internal conflict. Not all conflict involves other people.
Sometimes people are their own worst enemies. An internal
conflict is a good test of a character’s values. Does he give in
to temptation or rise above it? Does he demand the most from
himself or settle for something less? Does he even bother to
struggle? The internal conflicts of a character and how they are
resolved are good clues to the character’s inner strength.