External conflict
Narratology & storytellingA struggle against another person, a social force or the environment that obstructs a character's goal.
Example
To deliver the medicine, the driver must cross a valley whose bridge has washed away.
External conflict places a character's goal in opposition to someone or something outside them. An opponent, institution, storm or shortage of supplies can create this resistance.
Obstacles gain force when they demand a new response. Repeating the same setback without changing its consequences can stall a story. An external struggle may also expose an internal one, such as the choice between survival and loyalty.
In the workshop
Identify the obstacle and what changes after each attempt.
Put this term to work
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