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  • Word comparison: internal conflict vs. external conflict

internal conflict vs. external conflict

internal conflict

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

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.