Stories feel real when characters face challenges. These challenges often come in two types: internal conflict and external conflict. Understanding the difference helps readers, writers, and students appreciate characters’ journeys more deeply.
In this article, you’ll learn:
What is internal vs external conflict?
How external vs internal conflict appears in stories
The main differences between internal conflict vs external conflict
Real-life and story-based internal vs external conflict examples
Internal conflict is a struggle within the character. It often involves thoughts, emotions, beliefs, or tough decisions. The character battles with themselves. This is also known as character vs. self.
External conflict is a struggle between a character and outside forces. These forces can be other people, society, nature, or technology. This is known as character vs. character, character vs. society, character vs. nature, or character vs. technology.
Understanding both types helps us see what drives a character to act, change, or grow.
Internal conflict shows what’s happening inside the character. It reveals their doubts, fears, and hard choices. This conflict makes characters feel human. It lets the audience connect with their struggles on a deeper level.
A student wants to tell the truth but fears getting in trouble.
A person feels guilty about a decision and can’t move on.
A character wants revenge but also believes in forgiveness.
In each case, the character faces an emotional or moral battle.
External conflict comes from outside the character. It adds tension and action to stories. The character must respond to something they cannot control.
Character vs. Character: Two people fight or disagree.
Character vs. Society: A person stands up against rules, traditions, or expectations.
Character vs. Nature: Someone fights to survive against weather or natural disaster.
Character vs. Technology: A character struggles with machines, artificial intelligence, or modern tools.
A boy argues with his friend over a betrayal.
A girl rebels against unfair school rules.
A family gets stuck during a storm.
A worker struggles to adapt to a new high-tech system.
These conflicts challenge characters from the outside and shape the plot.
Strong stories usually include both internal and external conflict. This balance creates tension and shows how characters change.
External conflict: Katniss fights in the games and battles the Capitol.
Internal conflict: She feels guilt about killing and doubts her ability to lead.
External conflict: Elsa fears hurting others with her powers.
Internal conflict: She battles her fear and shame.
The two types of conflict often connect. A character might face an outside challenge that triggers an emotional one.
Let’s look at a simple comparison:
| Feature | Internal Conflict | External Conflict |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Inside the character | Outside the character |
| Type of Struggle | Thoughts, feelings, values | People, society, nature, tech |
| Conflict Type | Character vs. Self | Character vs. Others/Forces |
| Main Focus | Emotion and decision | Action and resistance |
| Example | A teen feels torn about leaving home | A teen argues with their parents |
Both types are important. Internal conflict shows growth. External conflict moves the plot. Together, they create powerful stories.
Internal: You want to speak up in class but feel nervous.
External: Your teacher calls on you before you’re ready.
Internal: You feel bad for skipping a friend’s party.
External: Your friend confronts you about it.
Internal: In Harry Potter, Harry struggles with his anger and grief.
External: He faces Voldemort and the pressures of being “The Chosen One.”
Internal: In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch wrestles with how to raise his children with values.
External: He defends Tom Robinson against a racist society.
Conflict drives every great story. Without conflict, characters have no reason to change. Readers would lose interest.
Internal conflict shows the emotional and moral struggles that shape personality and values.
External conflict creates action, risk, and movement. It places the character in tough situations.
Good writers use both. Good readers recognize both. Understanding the difference makes you better at writing, reading, and even solving problems in real life.
So, what have we learned about internal conflict vs external conflict?
Internal conflict happens inside the mind. It’s personal, emotional, and moral.
External conflict happens in the world. It’s social, physical, or environmental.
Most characters face both. Both types of conflict help the character grow and move the story forward.
Whether you write stories or read them, knowing the difference helps you understand the heart of every character journey.