Everyone faces tough decisions at some point. Maybe you want to speak up but fear what others will say. Or you know what’s right but still feel tempted to do the opposite. That’s called internal conflict — a mental or emotional struggle inside a person.
In this article, we’ll answer:
What is internal conflict?
What’s the definition of internal conflict?
What are some internal conflict examples?
How is internal conflict different from external conflict?
What causes internal pressure in families?
What are examples from stories like “Two Kinds” and “Initiation”?
Internal Conflict Definition
So, what is internal conflict? It happens when a character (or a real person) struggles with thoughts, feelings, or choices. These struggles occur inside the mind or heart. No outside force creates this tension — it comes from within.
Definition: Internal conflict is a psychological or emotional struggle within a person. It often involves a decision, a belief, or a personal value. This kind of conflict shapes how people act and how stories unfold. It adds depth to characters and helps readers or viewers understand their motivations.
What Is an Internal Conflict?
You may hear someone ask, “What is an internal conflict?” This refers to an inner battle between thoughts, emotions, or desires.
This conflict might include:
Doubting your ability or choices
Feeling guilty about something
Wanting two different things at once
Struggling to make the right decision
Internal conflict often involves fear, shame, hope, love, or loyalty. It pushes people to reflect and make difficult choices. In stories, it shows the reader how complex and real the character is.
Internal Conflict Examples
Here are some real-life and fictional examples of internal conflict:
Real-Life Examples:
A student wants to cheat on a test but knows it’s wrong. They feel pressure to succeed but value honesty.
A person loves their job but feels burnt out. They feel trapped between comfort and the need for change.
A teenager wants to be accepted by their peers but feels uncomfortable with their actions.
Fictional Examples:
In Hamlet, the main character wants revenge but also fears what it means to kill.
In The Giver, Jonas struggles between comfort and truth. He must choose whether to stay safe or face difficult knowledge.
In Inside Out, Riley feels joy and sadness at once. She doesn’t know how to handle growing up and change.
These examples show how internal conflict shapes decisions and emotions.
Which Situation Is an Example of Internal Conflict?
Here’s a common classroom question: Which situation is an example of internal conflict?
Answer: When someone struggles with their own thoughts or feelings.
Example: A character must choose between loyalty to a friend and telling the truth. They feel torn and anxious. That tension comes from inside, not from an outside person.
Which Is an Example of Internal Conflict?
You might also hear: Which is an example of internal conflict?
Example: Anna is excited about moving away for college but scared to leave her family. Her mixed emotions create conflict inside her. This is an internal conflict because no one else causes it. She must resolve the tension in her own mind.
Internal vs. External Conflict
Let’s compare these two types of conflict.
Internal conflict = a person struggles with themselves
External conflict = a person struggles with someone or something else (like people, society, or nature)
Examples:
Internal: A person hides their true self to avoid judgment.
External: A person argues with their boss about unfair treatment.
Internal conflict adds emotional depth. External conflict adds tension and action. Most good stories have both.
Internal and External Conflict in Stories
Many powerful stories include both types of conflict. This balance helps readers stay engaged and understand the characters better.
Example: The Hunger Games
External conflict: Katniss must fight in a deadly arena.
Internal conflict: She feels guilt, fear, and confusion about survival and rebellion.
Example: Frozen
External conflict: Elsa’s powers put others in danger.
Internal conflict: She fears being rejected and hides her true self.
These layers make stories more meaningful.
Internal Conflict in “Two Kinds” by Amy Tan
In Two Kinds, the narrator, Jing-mei, struggles with her mother’s high expectations.
Two examples of internal conflict are:
Jing-mei feels pressure to be a prodigy but doubts herself.
She wants to please her mother but also wants to make her own choices.
She is not just reacting to her mother. She is struggling inside about identity and worth. This emotional conflict drives the story.
Internal Conflict in “Initiation” by Sylvia Plath
In Initiation, Millicent must decide whether to join a popular club or stay true to herself.
Her internal conflict comes from the question: Is popularity worth losing her independence?
This inner struggle reveals how important personal values are. Millicent’s decision helps her grow and feel more confident.
What Internal Pressure Can Cause Family Conflict?
Internal conflict often shows up in families. When someone hides their feelings or needs, tension builds.
Common internal pressures include:
Guilt
Shame
Fear of rejection
Feeling like you must meet expectations
Example: A parent feels guilty for working long hours. A teen feels pressure to succeed to make their parents proud.
These pressures can lead to silence, frustration, and misunderstandings.
Internal Conflict in Psychology
In psychology, internal conflict happens when two or more thoughts, desires, or beliefs clash inside a person.
It can appear as:
Cognitive dissonance (when actions and beliefs don’t match)
Anxiety or guilt from hidden feelings
Struggles between what a person wants and what they believe is right
Therapists help people understand these conflicts. Working through them can lead to better mental health and clearer decisions.
Why Internal Conflict Matters
Internal conflict teaches us about ourselves. It shows what we care about, fear, or want to become.
In stories, it helps us connect with characters. In life, it helps us grow.
Understanding internal conflict can:
Improve emotional awareness
Build stronger relationships
Help us make thoughtful decisions
Final Thoughts
Let’s review:
Internal conflict is a struggle within a person.
It can involve emotions, choices, values, or beliefs.
We see it in real life, families, and literature.
Facing it helps us grow and understand ourselves.
Whether you’re reading a story or thinking about your own life, recognizing internal conflict is a key step toward clarity and self-awareness.
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