internal conflict vs. external conflict

internal conflict

[ in-tur-nl kon-flikt ]show ipa

noun

1. psychological struggle within the mind of a literary or dramatic character, the resolution of which creates the plot's suspense: Hamlet's inaction is caused by internal conflict.
2. mental struggle arising from opposing demands or impulses.

external conflict

[ ek-stur-nl kon-flikt ]show ipa

noun

1. struggle between a literary or dramatic character and an outside force such as nature or another character, which drives the dramatic action of the plot: external conflict between Macbeth and Macduff.
2. struggle between a person and an outside force: external conflict between parents and children.