How to Write External Conflict (With Examples)?

Conflict is the heart of any compelling story. It propels the plot forward, deepens character development, and keeps readers turning the pages. Among the various forms of conflict, external conflict plays a pivotal role in shaping a character’s journey.

What is External Conflict in a Story?

External conflict refers to the struggle between a character and forces outside themselves. These forces can include other characters, societal expectations, nature, technology, or even the supernatural.

External conflict creates tension and obstacles that the protagonist must overcome to achieve their goals. It often forms the backbone of the plot, giving the story structure and stakes.

At its core, external conflict asks the question: What stands in the way of the character getting what they want, outside of their own mind? It can be a villain plotting their downfall or a natural disaster threatening their home, but external conflict makes the stakes real and tangible.

External Conflict vs Internal Conflict

To truly grasp external conflict, it’s important to understand how it differs from internal conflict:

• External Conflict is outside the character. It involves opposing forces, events, or entities that challenge the protagonist physically, emotionally, or ideologically.

  Example: A detective chasing a cunning criminal, or a family battling societal prejudice.

• Internal Conflict is within the character, it’s the mental or emotional struggle that occurs when a character wrestles with fears, desires, or moral dilemmas.

  Example: A soldier torn between duty and conscience, or a woman deciding whether to leave a toxic relationship.

While internal conflict adds depth and nuance to characters, external conflict is what often drives the plot and builds suspense. The two often work best when intertwined—external pressures intensify inner turmoil, and internal struggles influence how a character confronts external challenges.

What Are the Types of External Conflict?

There are several common types of external conflict that writers use to create tension in stories:

1. Character vs Character

This is the classic protagonist-antagonist setup. One character’s goals or values clash with another’s.

Example: Harry Potter vs Voldemort.

2. Character vs Society

The protagonist is at odds with societal norms, rules, or injustices. This conflict often explores themes of rebellion, change, or resistance.

Example: Katniss Everdeen vs The Capitol in The Hunger Games.

3. Character vs Nature

The character faces survival challenges or disasters in the natural world, such as storms, animals, or harsh environments.

Example: The sailors in The Perfect Storm.

4. Character vs Technology

This type of conflict explores the consequences of innovation or the dangers of machines, AI, or industrialization.

Example: Neo vs The Matrix in The Matrix.

5. Character vs Supernatural

The protagonist confronts forces beyond the natural world: ghosts, demons, fate, or gods.

Example: The characters in Stranger Things battling creatures from the Upside Down.

6. Character vs Fate/Destiny

The character is struggling against a predetermined path or prophecy.

Example: Oedipus in Oedipus Rex, fated to kill his father and marry his mother.

Tips to Write External Conflict in a Story

1. Make the Stakes Personal

Even if the conflict is global (like an alien invasion), make sure the consequences affect your character on a personal level. Readers connect best when they see how the external conflict impacts the protagonist emotionally.

2. Show, Don’t Just Tell

Demonstrate the conflict through action, dialogue, and consequence. Don’t just state that a character is “fighting against society”, show their struggle, the backlash they face, and how they respond.

3. Keep the Conflict Evolving

Avoid static antagonists or one-note obstacles. Let your external conflict escalate or change form. A storm might give way to isolation and starvation. A rival might become an uneasy ally.

4. Blend with Internal Conflict

Use external pressures to expose your character’s internal flaws or fears. For example, a character facing a war might confront their fear of violence or responsibility.

5. Use Symbolism and Themes

External conflict can mirror or contrast with the themes of your story. A man fighting a hurricane might represent humanity’s vulnerability or arrogance toward nature. Blood symbolism can also be quite useful.

6. Make the Opposition Strong

The greater the challenge, the more satisfying the victory (or the more tragic the defeat). Build credible, competent opposition that forces your character to grow.

External Conflict Examples in Literature

• "Moby Dick" by Herman Melville – Captain Ahab vs the whale (Character vs Nature).
• "Les Misérables" by Victor Hugo – Jean Valjean vs Javert (Character vs Character).
• "1984" by George Orwell – Winston vs Big Brother (Character vs Society).
• "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding – Boys vs their primal instincts and each other (Character vs Character/Society).

These examples highlight how external conflict drives narrative momentum and explores deeper ideas.

External Conflict Examples in Movies

• "Jaws" (1975) – The townspeople vs a great white shark (Character vs Nature).
• "Gladiator" (2000) – Maximus vs Commodus and the Roman Empire (Character vs Character/Society).
• "The Terminator" (1984) – Sarah Connor vs a killer cyborg (Character vs Technology).
• "The Revenant" (2015) – Hugh Glass vs nature, betrayal, and survival (Character vs Nature and Character).

Each of these films features powerful external conflicts that put characters to the test and define their arcs.

Writing external conflict effectively is about more than just pitting your protagonist against an obstacle. It’s about crafting meaningful opposition that challenges, reveals, and transforms your characters. By understanding the types of external conflict and how to use them skillfully, you can build stories that grip readers and leave a lasting impact.