There are two types of conflict in every story: internal and external. Both are necessary to make a good and relatable story, but usually a book will focus on one type of conflict over the others. Below is an explanation of each and examples for practical application. I know it was easier for me to understand the differences when I had stories to pair with each one.

Internal Conflict

Internal conflict is often also referred to as Man vs Self. It’s the type of conflict that comes from two opposing sides of a character. It could be conflicting beliefs, fears, or desires. The character has to find a way to reconcile these issues within his own mind, and it’s usually a journey of self-discovery.

Examples Of Man Vs Self:

1. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Rodion Raskolnikov murders a woman and spends the book contemplating the act. He argues with himself about murdering her, then about justifying the act and using the stolen money for charity, then about whether he should confess to the crime. The book is full of self-examination.

2. Emma by Jane Austen

Emma’s main problem in this book is herself. She gives bad relationship advice which backfires on her, she denies her affection for Knightley, and she struggles with the unrealistic high regard she holds for herself. Her story is one of self-discovery and growth.

3. Hamlet by William Shakespeare

The whole play is about Hamlet’s belief of being a good Christian conflicting with keeping his oath to kill his uncle and avenge his father’s death. The famous “to be, or not to be”  soliloquy is the epitome of Man vs Self.

External Conflict

External conflict is when outside forces create conflict for the character. It’s something out of the character’s control, and he has to learn how to deal with it. External conflict is divided into three categories: Man vs Man, Man vs Society, and Man vs Nature. 

Man Vs Man

This is when two people have opposing views and goals, and they work against one another throughout the story. If it’s done well, the reader will understand and even sympathize with both sides.

Examples Of Man Vs Man:

1. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

At the beginning of the book, Edmond is betrayed, and he spends the rest of the book seeking revenge on those who wronged him. Edmond’s goals conflict with the betrayers’ goals and form the main conflict of the story.

2. Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

The main conflict in this book is Peter’s rivalry with Hook.

3. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

This whole series is about how Voldemort’s ambitions contrast with Harry’s, and how they battle against each other to reach their own goals.

Man Vs Society

Although one person can be used to symbolize society as a whole, this is generally when the character struggles against the collective. It could be the government, popular opinion, social norms, or any group that can make a character feel oppressed.

Examples Of Man Vs Society:

1. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Hester Prynne is publicly shamed for committing adultery and shunned by the community as a whole. You can’t get more Man vs Society than that.

2. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Guy Montag lives in a society where he burns books for a living. When Guy breaks that status quo and starts to read the books instead, he is oppressed yet fights back.

3. Red Rising by Pierce Brown

Darrow takes on the governing body of his world. While his people are oppressed, others live well. Darrow, in disguise, infiltrates the higher classes and puts a plan in motion to topple the government.

Man Vs Nature

The primary point of conflict is a force of nature. It can be a natural disaster, wild animals, or a disease. Like internal conflict, there is a lot of internal analyses since nature cannot argue with the character. Often, the character will contemplate things like mortality and regrets.

Examples Of Man Vs Nature:

1. Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss

The family is marooned on an island due to a storm, and they struggle to survive in a wild and hostile environment. 

2. Moby Dick by Herman Melville

The book is about hunting a giant white whale who is characterized as a monster that plagues the crews of many ships.

3. The Martian by Andy Weir

Mark is abandoned on Mars. He is in one of the most hostile environments possible and is all alone. The story is literally one man verses nature.

Final Thoughts

Books can have more than one form of conflict, but most focus on one above the rest. Look at your bookshelf and see if you can assign each of these types of conflicts to a book. It’s good practice for recognizing what your main conflict is in your own story. Once you know that, it’ll be easier to write it clearly and resolve it in the end.

Thanks for reading!

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