Internal conflict is the heartbeat of every great story. It is the unseen force that shapes characters, drives plots, and keeps readers or viewers emotionally invested.

This guide dives deeply into internal conflict, exploring its definition, importance, and manifestations across literature, movies, and television. To help us achieve this, we’ll look at lots of great internal conflict examples, so that by the end, you’ll understand how to wield this narrative tool effectively so you can enrich your stories and captivate your audience.

ContentsThe Definition Of Internal ConflictWhy Is Internal Conflict Important?The Best Internal Conflict ExamplesInternal Conflict Examples In LiteratureInternal Conflicts In MoviesExamples Of Internal Conflict In TV ShowsThe Relationship With External ConflictThe Definition Of Internal Conflict

Internal conflict, also known as “man versus self,” is the psychological struggle that occurs within a character. It arises when a character faces opposing emotions, desires, beliefs, or values, leading to inner turmoil. Unlike external conflicts—such as battles against antagonists or nature—internal conflicts are introspective, showcasing the complex workings of the human mind.

For instance, a character may be torn between ambition and morality. Do they seize a career-making opportunity, even if it means betraying a close friend? Such inner battles make characters relatable, showing that even the strongest heroes grapple with doubts, fears, and contradictions.

At its core, internal conflict answers two questions:

What does the character desire most?What obstacles—internal or external—prevent them from achieving it?

These questions set the stage for compelling narratives, as characters confront their fears, flaws, and dilemmas in pursuit of their goals.

Why Is Internal Conflict Important?

Internal conflict is the cornerstone of great storytelling for several reasons:

1. It Humanizes Characters

No one is perfect, and neither should your characters be. Internal conflict reveals vulnerabilities, making even the most fantastical protagonists feel grounded and real. When readers see a character struggling with fear, guilt, or self-doubt, they empathize, forming a deeper emotional connection.

2. It Drives the Plot

While external events often push the story forward, internal conflicts determine how characters respond. A knight facing a dragon may also battle their fear of failure, influencing whether they fight bravely or flee. These internal dilemmas add complexity, making the narrative and the plot richer and more engaging.

3. It Adds Emotional Depth

Stories without internal conflict can feel shallow or one-dimensional. By contrast, narratives with well-crafted internal struggles evoke powerful emotions—sadness, joy, anger, relief—ensuring the story lingers in the audience’s mind long after they’ve finished. This ties in with my own approach to plot, called character plotting, which focuses on this emotional journey.

4. It Encourages Character Growth And Development

Internal conflict is the crucible in which characters transform. A fearful protagonist may learn courage; a selfish one, empathy. These arcs of growth and development resonate with readers, reflecting their own struggles and triumphs.

The Best Internal Conflict Examples

Internal conflicts can manifest in countless ways. Let’s take a look at some more general examples of internal conflict:

1. Desire vs. Duty

A character’s personal ambitions clash with their responsibilities.
Example: A soldier must choose between following orders and saving innocent civilians.

2. Fear vs. Courage

A character must overcome deep-seated fears to achieve their goals.
Example: A reclusive artist struggles to share their work with the world, fearing rejection.

3. Love vs. Loyalty

Romantic feelings conflict with existing allegiances or values.
Example: A spy falls in love with someone from an enemy nation, torn between their mission and their heart.

4. Self-Identity vs. Society

A character grapples with who they are versus who society expects them to be.
Example: A young woman from a conservative family dreams of becoming a pilot in a male-dominated field.

These examples illustrate the universality of internal conflict, showcasing its ability to transcend genres and resonate across cultures. Let’s take a look at some other internal conflict examples from different types of creative works, starting with literature and books.

Internal Conflict Examples In Literature

Literature is a treasure trove of internal conflict, with many iconic stories built around characters’ inner struggles. Here are some noteworthy examples:

Hamlet by William Shakespeare

The titular character is a prime example of internal conflict. Hamlet is torn between his desire to avenge his father’s murder and his moral hesitation. This inner turmoil drives the play’s tragic events, culminating in a reflection on life, death, and duty.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Holden Caulfield’s internal conflict revolves around his disdain for societal “phoniness” and his struggle to find authenticity in a world he finds alienating. His battle with depression and his search for identity are deeply relatable.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Elizabeth Bennet must confront her prejudices against Mr. Darcy, as well as her own pride. This internal journey shapes her romantic arc, transforming her perspective on love and relationships.

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Raskolnikov wrestles with guilt and justification after committing murder. His psychological torment drives the novel’s tension, illustrating the devastating effects of moral conflict.

Internal Conflicts In Movies

Movies often bring internal conflicts to life through visuals, dialogue, and performances. Here are some standout examples:

The Godfather (1972)

Michael Corleone’s internal conflict is at the heart of this classic. Initially, Michael aspires to live a lawful life, but loyalty to his family gradually pulls him into the world of organized crime. His transformation is as tragic as it is compelling.

Black Swan (2010)

Nina Sayers’ quest for perfection leads to a psychological breakdown. Her internal conflict between ambition and self-acceptance is portrayed with haunting intensity, making her journey unforgettable.

A Beautiful Mind (2001)

John Nash’s internal conflict lies in his battle with schizophrenia. The film explores how he learns to manage his condition while maintaining his career and personal relationships, offering a poignant look at resilience.

Examples Of Internal Conflict In TV Shows

Television, with its extended storytelling format, allows for nuanced exploration of internal conflict. Here are some examples:

Breaking Bad

Walter White’s transformation from a mild-mannered chemistry teacher to a ruthless drug lord is fueled by internal conflict. His desire to provide for his family clashes with his growing pride and moral decay.

Mad Men

Don Draper’s internal conflict stems from his hidden past and his struggle with identity. As he navigates the glamorous yet hollow world of advertising, his personal battles shape the show’s emotional core.

The Sopranos

Tony Soprano grapples with the pressures of leading a crime family while seeking therapy for his mental health. His internal conflict between vulnerability and machismo is both raw and captivating.

The Relationship With External Conflict

Internal and external conflicts are deeply intertwined, often feeding into and intensifying each other. Their interplay creates richer, more layered storytelling, where the challenges faced by characters feel both realistic and emotionally charged.

External conflict frequently exacerbates internal struggles. When characters are placed in hostile environments or confronted with difficult external challenges, their inner turmoil often deepens. For instance, a soldier in a warzone might already wrestle with fear and guilt, but the chaos and danger around them amplify these emotions, pushing them to their psychological limits.

On the other hand, a character’s internal state significantly shapes how they respond to external challenges. A protagonist grappling with self-doubt or feelings of inadequacy might hesitate to confront an antagonist or avoid making critical decisions. This hesitation not only complicates the external conflict but also provides insight into the character’s psyche, adding emotional weight to the story.

In many narratives, the resolution of one type of conflict often leads to the resolution of the other. When a character overcomes their internal struggles—whether it’s fear, guilt, or self-doubt—they often find the clarity and strength needed to tackle external challenges. Similarly, achieving an external victory can bring about the catharsis or understanding required to address lingering inner conflicts. This symbiotic relationship between the two types of conflict enhances character development and creates a satisfying narrative arc.

Ultimately, the seamless interplay between internal and external conflicts enriches storytelling, making it dynamic, relatable, and immersive for audiences. This layered approach keeps readers and viewers emotionally engaged, as they witness characters navigate both their external battles and the intricate landscapes of their inner worlds.

Hopefully these internal conflict examples have helped. It really is the soul of great storytelling, offering unparalleled depth and relatability. Whether it’s Hamlet’s indecision, Michael Corleone’s transformation, or Nina Sayers’ descent into madness, these inner battles captivate us by reflecting the human condition.

As a writer, mastering internal conflict allows you to create characters and narratives that resonate deeply with your audience. To discover more writing tips, just click here or browse through some of the guides below:

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