Types of conflict

Types of Conflict in Narratives

1. Conflict
Exploring the Types of Conflict in Narratives

2. What is CONFLICT?
In literature, a conflict is a literary element that involves a
struggle between two opposing forces usually a protagonist
and an antagonist.

3. Why is CONFLICT important?
Conflict is important to literature because it provides the
basic materials for the construction of the plot.
Without conflict nothing would happen.
Also, the conflict within a piece may be central to the
author's view of life or the point he or she is trying to
make.

4. MAN vs. MAN
A character struggles with another character. The classic “good
guy” vs. “bad guy situation.

5. MAN vs. NATURE
A character struggles with a force of nature (natural disaster,
desolation, animal, etc.) Usually, the character is struggling to
survive.

6. MAN vs. SOCIETY
A character or a group of characters fight against the
society in which they live.
The character fights against social traditions or rules (fight
for freedom, rights, for a cause, etc.)
Society becomes a “character” of its own

7. MAN vs. SOCIETY

8. MAN vs. SELF
The character’s struggle takes place in his/her own mind.
Usually has something to do with a choice (choosing
between right and wrong), or it may have to do with
overcoming emotions or mixed feelings.

9. OTHER TYPES OF CONFLICT
MAN vs. SUPERNATURAL
A character fights with gods, ghosts, monsters, spirits,
aliens, etc.
MAN vs. FATE
A character fights against their destiny; fight for a
choice.
MAN vs. TECHNOLOGY
A character struggles or fights with machines, computers,
etc.

10. Homework Assignment
Identify one of the conflicts present in A Raisin in the
Sun and write a 500 word essay elaborating on the
conflict and the significance to the play.
Due midnight Thursday, June 25
th

11. Bibliography
•"7 Types of Narrative Conflict." Daily Writing Tips. N.p., n.d. Web. 21
June 2015.
•"Types of Conflict That Can Be Found in a Narrative." Education.
N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2015.
•"Selma Movie CLIP - Give Us the Vote (2015) - David Oyelowo,
Oprah Winfrey Movie HD." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 21 June
2015.
•"[HD] Hereafter (2010) - Realistic Tsunami Scene." YouTube.
YouTube, n.d. Web. 21 June 2015.
•The Wolverine - Extended Train Fight Scene." YouTube. YouTube,
n.d. Web. 21 June 2015.