6 Basic Character Conflicts

1. Character vs. Self 2. Character vs. Character 3. Character vs. Nature 4. Character vs. Fate/Luck 5. Character vs. Society 6. Character vs. Technology

Character vs. Self

This is

internal conflict

The character may need to convince him/herself that he/she can achieve a dream, or maybe the character just needs to build self-confidence.

Character vs. Self

EXAMPLE:

Aladdin is very poor and wishes for more.

He becomes Prince Ali because he doesn’t think he is good enough for Jasmine.

Can you give another example from a movie or literature?

Character vs. Character

• This is an

external conflict

between two characters.

• The hero's conflict with the villain plays a large role in the plot and contributes to changes in the characters.

Character vs. Character

EXAMPLE:

The queen is so jealous of Snow White that she disguises herself as an old woman and offers a poisoned apple.

Protagonist vs. Antagonist

Protagonist-

• the main character toward whom the audience is supposed to feel more empathetic (concerned) • not always a “good” person

Antagonist

• opposition to the protagonist

In simple terms, it’s the Hero vs. Villain, but characters are more interesting if they are not simply good vs. evil.

Character vs. Nature

• The character is placed against natural forces. • Disaster films and stories about struggling for survival in isolated locations have this theme.

Is it an internal or external conflict?

Can you give an example?

Character vs. Nature

EXAMPLE: In Eight Below, the characters battle the natural environment of Antarctica.

Character vs. Fate

• The character has to deal with luck, chance, destiny, or God’s will.

Character vs. Fate •

EXAMPLE:

Harry has no control over the family legacy he’s been given.

Character vs. Technology

• The protagonist has little understanding of and absolutely no control over his/her opponent.

• Usually science fiction: computers, robots, etc

Character vs. Technology EXAMPLE: Carmen and Juni find themselves inside a virtual reality video game.

Character vs. Society

• The protagonist has to deal with and sometimes breaks laws, rules, or expectations that prevent the character’s growth or progress.

• These rules may or may not be correct.

Character vs. Society

EXAMPLE:

Mulan goes against Chinese tradition and disguises herself as a man in order to be a warrior.

Let’s view a few examples:

• Raise your hand. • What conflict do you think is represented?