6 Basic Character Conflicts
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Character vs. Self
Character vs. Character
Character vs. Nature
Character vs. Fate/Luck
Character vs. Society
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?