Internal Conflict:

Internal conflict refers to the psychological or emotional struggle that a character experiences within themselves. It involves the clash between different thoughts, desires, beliefs, or emotions within an individual’s mind. This type of conflict often occurs when a character faces difficult decisions, moral dilemmas, or conflicting values, and must resolve these dilemmas or make a choice. Internal conflict is a significant element in literature and storytelling, as it adds depth and complexity to the character development and plot.

Types of Internal Conflict:

• Character vs. Self: This is the most common type of internal conflict where a character battles with their own desires, fears, or conscience. It often involves internal debates, doubts, or struggles to make a decision.
• Character vs. Inner Beliefs: This type of internal conflict occurs when a character’s beliefs or values conflict with each other, causing confusion or moral struggles.
• Character vs. Emotions: When a character experiences conflicting emotions, such as a love-hate relationship or mixed feelings, they are engaged in this type of internal conflict.
• Character vs. Desires: This conflict arises when a character is torn between their aspirations, wishes, or wants, leading to inner turmoil.

Examples of Internal Conflict:

In the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, the protagonist, Scout, experiences internal conflict when she struggles to understand the racist attitudes prevailing in her society while holding onto her own sense of justice and equality.

In Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet,” the title character faces a significant internal conflict as he deliberates over the moral implications of avenging his father’s murder.

In the short story “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe, the narrator grapples with overwhelming guilt and paranoia after committing a murder, resulting in an intense internal conflict.