CONFLICT in Literature
Objective: Students will be able to identify conflict and character in literature
Ms. Hoffman
English I
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Do you know what conflict means?
Can you think of any synonyms for conflict?
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Definitions
Conflict
Drama between two opposing forces in a piece of literature.
There are four types of conflict:
Person vs. Self
Person vs. Person
Person vs. Society
Person vs. Nature
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Conflict’s Purpose
Conflict adds excitement and suspense to a story. As the story unfolds, the reader starts to wonder what will happen and how will the characters handle or resolve the situation. Once the reader identifies conflict, he/she can begin to predict the outcome.
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Person vs. Self
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Person vs. Person
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Person vs. Society
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Person vs. Nature
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Identify
Q: In To Build a Fire, what was the conflict?
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External and Internal Conflict
There are two (2) categories of conflict: External and Internal .
External Conflict is a struggle between the protagonist and an outside force. The outside force is trying to stop the hero from doing something.
Internal Conflict is a struggle that takes place inside a character’s mind.
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External Conflict
Internal Conflict
Person vs. Person
Person vs. Nature
Person vs. Society
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Person vs. Self
Based on what you’ve learned so far about characters and conflict, answer these questions in your notebook:
1) In your opinion, which character is easier to spot normally, the protagonist or the antagonist? Explain using an example if possible.
1) In your opinion, which type of conflict is easier to identify normally, external or internal conflict? Explain using and example if possible.
STOP … THINK … WRITE
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