Internal conflict Notes

Internal Conflict

1. (or: when a character is arguing with themselves)

2. Sometimes the most important struggle in a story does not involve another person at all. It happens quietly, inside a character’s thoughts, emotions, and decisions.
3. This struggle is called internal conflict, and it is what makes characters feel complex, realistic, and human.

1. What is internal conflict?

1. It happens when a character:
   1. wants two opposing things
   2. feels torn between choices
   3. struggles with emotions, beliefs, or fears
   4. knows what is right but wants something else
2. In simple terms, internal conflict is when a character thinks:

   1. “I don’t know what to do.”

2. Why internal conflict matters

1. Internal conflict:
   1. reveals what a character truly values
   2. shows how traits and motivation collide
   3. drives key decisions and turning points
   4. helps the audience understand the character’s mindset
2. Often, what a character chooses to do next only makes sense once we understand their internal conflict.

3. Common causes of internal conflict

Internal conflict usually comes from clashing motivations.

Wanting versus fearing

1. A character wants something strongly but is afraid of the consequences.

Values in tension

1. A character believes in two things that cannot both be honoured at the same time.

Emotion versus logic

1. A character’s feelings push them in one direction while reason pulls them in another.

Identity and self-doubt

1. A character struggles with who they are or who they want to become.

4. How writers show internal conflict

1. Writers rarely announce internal conflict directly. Instead, they reveal it through:
   1. Thoughts and inner monologue
      1. Hesitation, self-questioning, or conflicting thoughts
   2. Pauses and silence
      1. Delays before speaking or acting
   3. Contradictory behaviour
      1. Saying one thing but doing another
   4. Repetition
      1. Repeated worries, questions, or phrases
   5. Symbolism
      1. Objects or settings reflecting emotional struggle

5. Internal conflict and character traits

1. Internal conflict becomes more intense because of a character’s traits. For example:
   1. a compassionate character struggles more with causing harm
   2. a proud character struggles more with asking for help
   3. an insecure character struggles more with making decisions
   4. a loyal character struggles more with betrayal
2. Traits explain why the conflict matters so much to the character.

6. Internal conflict and motivation

1. Internal conflict exists because multiple motivations compete.
   1. Ask:
      1. What does the character want most?
      2. What are they afraid of losing?
      3. Which motivation feels stronger, and why?
2. The moment a character chooses one motivation over another often reveals the text’s deeper meaning.

7. Using PEEL to Figure Out What’s Going On in a Character’s Head

You can analyse internal conflict clearly using PEEL.

P: Point

1. Identify the internal struggle.
2. What two ideas, emotions, or motivations are in conflict?

E: Evidence

1. Use:
   1. a thought or inner reaction
   2. a hesitation or pause
   3. a key moment of indecision

E: Explain

1. Explain:
   1. what this reveals about the character’s traits
   2. which motivations are competing

L: Link

1. Link to:
   1. what the choice reveals about the character
   2. the message or idea the writer is exploring

8. Now it's your turn...