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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.