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Literary Devices

Literary Element

Conflict

Conflict is the struggle between opposing forces in a story, such as characters, ideas, or emotions. Conflict is a fundamental element of plot, and it drives the narrative forward by creating tension and drama. There are several types of conflict in literature, including internal conflict (a struggle within a character's own mind or emotions), external conflict (a struggle between a character and an outside force), and interpersonal conflict (a struggle between two or more characters). Conflict can be used to explore themes, reveal character, and create a sense of urgency and suspense in a story

Conflict is a meaningful struggle between incompatible aims, pressures, values, or forces. It can occur within a character or between characters and their social, natural, or material circumstances.

Lena wants to confess, but fears losing her closest friend.
Opposing desires create internal conflict.

See it in language

Examples of Conflict

  1. Lena wants to confess, but fears losing her closest friend.

    Instructional example

  2. Two siblings claim the same inherited shop for different futures.

    Instructional example

    Their incompatible aims create interpersonal conflict.

  3. A farming village must choose between evacuation and defending its fields from fire.

    Instructional example

    People confront an external force and a difficult choice.

Show more examples
  1. In "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins, the external conflict between the protagonist Katniss and the oppressive Capitol creates tension and explores themes of power, survival, and rebellion.

    Instructional example

  2. In "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy, the external conflict between the father and son and the harsh post-apocalyptic world they inhabit creates tension and explores themes of love, hope, and survival.

    Instructional example

  3. In "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins, the protagonist Rachel faces internal and external conflicts as she grapples with alcoholism and her obsession with a missing woman.

    Instructional example

  4. In "The Underground Railroad" by Colson Whitehead, the external conflict between the protagonist Cora and slave catchers highlights the brutality and horror of slavery and the power of resistance and liberation.

    Instructional example

  5. In "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini, the external conflict between the protagonist Amir and his past mistakes and regrets creates tension and explores themes of redemption, guilt, and forgiveness.

    Instructional example

Read like an editor

How to recognize it

  1. Define Conflict by its central function, not merely by a nearby feature.
  2. Check the surrounding context before deciding that Conflict applies.
  3. Explain what the classification helps a reader understand about the passage or work.

Questions readers ask

Frequently asked questions

What is the clearest way to recognize Conflict?

Use the defining criteria and confirm them against the surrounding context rather than relying on one isolated word.

Is Conflict a literary device?

No. In this reference architecture it is classified as literary element.