Hi everyone! I hope you’re all well. Today, let’s explore some more about conflict.

Internal Vs. External Conflict (And Why You Need Both)

Conflict cannot be talked about enough when it comes to fiction. It is the steam that powers every story forward. Without it, there are no stakes—nothing to compel readers to keep reading.

They come in two primary flavours: internal and external, and understanding the difference between the two—and how to balance them—is essential for writing stories that feel deep, dynamic, and emotionally satisfying.

Let’s break down these two types of conflict.

What is Internal Conflict?

Internal conflict is introspective, shaping a character’s identity, forcing them to confront their beliefs, and ultimately pushing them towards growth. Look at it as the emotional glue of your story.

Examples Of What Internal Conflict Can Look Like

• Hamlet’s Hesitance

Shakespeare’s Hamlet is a fantastic example of internal conflict; he struggles with avenging the death of his father, the king, and the outcome will be if he does. His indecision is agonising and messy, but it makes him human.

• Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice

Elizabeth’s prejudices about Mr Darcy cloud her judgments, while Darcy’s own pride stops him from opening up. This tug-of-war within themselves is what makes their eventual love story feel so earned.

Internal conflict shows us who a character truly is when no one’s watching. It’s raw, relatable, and deeply compelling.

What is External Conflict?

External conflict is an outside force which acts on the characters. This could be another person, such as your antagonist, societal norms, nature’s fury, or even fantastical elements like dragons or demons.

Examples Of What External Conflict Can Look Like

• Katniss in The Hunger Games

Katniss must survive a brutal, televised death match. The fight for survival is an overarching external conflict that underpins every decision she makes.

• The Titanic’s Sinking

A dramatic external conflict (the sinking ship) forces characters to confront their mortality, relationships, and choices within chaotic circumstances.

External conflict adds stakes, tension, and urgency to your story—it’s often what the reader “sees” on a surface level, but there’s always more happening underneath.

Why You Need Both

Here’s the secret ingredient that makes stories unforgettable: balancing internal and external conflict. Neither can shine without the other.

External conflict forces characters to act, while internal conflict makes those actions meaningful. Together, they create an emotional and narrative depth that resonates with audiences.

• External Conflict Reveals Character

The way your character faces external challenges (or doesn’t) is a window into their inner world. Imagine Frodo in The Lord of the Rings: the external conflict is his arduous quest to destroy the “One Ring”, but it’s his internal battle against the ring’s corrupting influence that makes us root for him.

• Internal Conflict Drives External Action

A character’s values, fears, or struggles often dictate how they approach external battles. Batman’s refusal to kill his enemies (internal conflict based on past trauma and his moral code) fuels his ongoing war with Gotham’s villains (external conflict).

• Resolution Feels more Satisfying

When internal growth and external resolution coincide, it’s magic. Imagine a rom-com where two characters resolve their external conflict (miscommunication, rival love interests) while simultaneously overcoming their insecurities (fear of commitment, unworthiness). That’s the kind of moment that prompts happy tears from the audience.

Tips for integrating both conflicts

• Build Complementary Conflicts: Ensure the external conflict exacerbates the internal struggle. If a character’s fear of failure is their internal conflict, throw them into an external situation where failure seems inevitable.
• Use External Stakes to Reveal Internal Struggles: How your character reacts to a crisis can speak volumes about their inner turmoil. For example, a character who is terrified of rejection might lash out or overcompensate when facing a breakup or a failed project.
• Develop Layered Antagonists: The best “villains” don’t just oppose the protagonist. They challenge their worldview and force them to confront their own flaws or fears.
• Show Growth Through Resolution: Your protagonist’s decisions during external challenges should reflect changes brought about by grappling with their internal struggles. Think of it as the “aha” moment where character and plot collide.

Overall, mastering both internal and external conflict means creating stories that are not only exciting but also emotionally compelling. When your characters face challenges on the outside and the inside, your readers experience a richer, more immersive journey.

So, as you set about planning or revising your story, ask yourself:

What external challenges will my character face?

What internal battles will they have to win?

The answers will set you on the path to a story that resonates long after the last page.

Anyway, that’s enough outta me for today! Thank you, as ever, for stopping by!

Until next time,

George

© 2025 GLT

Categories: conflict, Writing Tips

Tags: advice, conflict, external, internal, tips, writing, writing advice, Writing Tips