Internal conflict — the 5 types, and how to use them to drive your plot forward

Every character grapples with their own internal struggles, which shape their actions, decisions, and ultimately, their story. These complex and multi-layered internal conflicts breathe life into your characters and make them relatable to your readers. In this article, we'll explore five types of internal conflicts that can inject tension, intrigue, and emotional depth into your plot.

What is internal conflict?

Internal conflict is a struggle that takes place within a character's mind or heart, involving opposing thoughts, emotions, beliefs, or desires. This conflict can lead the character to experience doubt, make difficult decisions, or undergo significant personal growth as they navigate through these inner battles — all of which contributes to your plot development and character development.

What are the 5 types of internal conflict?

There are five types of internal conflicts – moral, identity, religious/philosophical, self-esteem, and relationship conflict. By integrating these internal struggles into your story, you can create a compelling narrative that resonates with your readers and drives your plot forward. Remember, it's through conflict that characters truly come to life.

1. Moral conflict: A battle between right and wrong

When your character is torn between two opposing moral viewpoints or ethical dilemmas, they are dealing with a moral conflict. This could involve making a choice between two rights, two wrongs, or a right and a wrong where the 'right' choice might lead to undesirable outcomes.

Moral conflict not only tests your character's moral compass but also invites readers to contemplate the dilemma, making your story more engaging.

2. Identity conflict: The struggle for self-understanding

Identity conflict arises when a character struggles with their self-image, such as questioning who they are or who they want to be. This conflict can stem from societal expectations, personal desires, or past experiences.

An identity conflict often drives character development, as the character eventually gains a better understanding of themselves and what they truly want, leading to a meaningful transformation.

3. Religious/philosophical conflict: The challenge of beliefs

Religious or philosophical conflicts revolve around a character's spiritual beliefs or worldview. They might question their faith, grapple with existential questions, or encounter situations that challenge their philosophical outlook on life.

These conflicts offer a profound exploration of belief systems and ideologies, adding depth to your characters and prompting readers to reflect on their own beliefs.

4. Self-esteem conflict: Wrestling with self-worth

When a character battles feelings of worthlessness or self-doubt, they're experiencing a self-esteem conflict. They might perceive themselves as inadequate, unlovable, or incompetent, which affects their actions and decisions.

This conflict elicits empathy from readers as they watch the character grapple with their self-esteem issues and hopefully, overcome them in a journey towards self-love and acceptance.

5. Relationship conflict: Navigating interpersonal dynamics

Relationship conflicts, while often considered external, are deeply rooted in the protagonist's psyche. These conflicts occur when there is discord in the character's relationship with others, whether romantic, familial, or platonic.

Such conflicts reveal the character's interpersonal skills and vulnerabilities while driving the story forward with tension-filled relationship dynamics.

Balancing Multiple Internal Conflicts

Layering conflicts so that they influence each other can create a more realistic character since, in real life, our struggles are often interrelated.

To balance multiple internal conflicts within a single character, focus on the interconnectedness of these conflicts, and how each conflict contributes to the character's overarching journey.

It's crucial to introduce and develop each conflict gradually, rather than presenting them all at once. You don't want to overwhelm the reader. You can do this by using subplots or secondary characters to mirror or contrast the main character's conflicts.

Ensure that each internal conflict serves a purpose in the narrative. Each one should contribute to the character's growth and the story's progression. Try to avoid conflict for conflict's sake.

Examples of Characters with Each Type of Internal Conflict

• Moral Conflict: Harvey Dent/Two-Face in "The Dark Knight" grapples with his transformation from a symbol of justice to an agent of chaos, reflecting his internal battle between right and wrong.
• Identity Conflict: Elizabeth Bennet in "Pride and Prejudice" struggles with societal expectations versus her desires, particularly in matters of marriage and personal worth, showcasing her journey towards self-understanding.
• Religious/Philosophical Conflict: Pi Patel in "Life of Pi" explores his spiritual beliefs and the nature of storytelling and truth, as he survives a shipwreck and seeks to understand his place in the world.
• Self-Esteem Conflict: Neville Longbottom in the "Harry Potter" series begins as a character filled with self-doubt and perceived inadequacy, evolving into a confident hero, illustrating a journey of overcoming self-esteem issues.
• Relationship Conflict: Theodore Twombly in "Her" navigates his complex feelings towards his AI companion, Samantha, reflecting on human connection and the nature of love, highlighting interpersonal dynamics and vulnerabilities.

Strategies for Resolving Internal Conflicts

Avoid quick fixes or deus ex machina endings in favour of having your character face their internal conflicts head-on, making difficult decisions or sacrifices that reflect the development of the character throughout the story. To ensure that the resolution of internal conflicts feels satisfying and authentic, aim for resolutions that are earned through the character's actions and growth.

Here are some tips:

• Integrating foreshadowing and subtle clues early on can make the resolution feel inevitable in retrospect, rather than forced.
• Try to provide moments of reflection where the character acknowledges their growth or changes in perspective in order to solidify the authenticity of the resolution. A great place to do this is towards the end of the hook, middle build, and finale of your novel.
• Additionally, allowing characters to retain some flaws or uncertainties even after resolving major conflicts can add to the realism, suggesting that, like in real life, personal growth is an ongoing process rather than a destination.