Types of Conflict
The two main types of literary conflict.
Internal and External
A conflict pits the story’s main
character or characters against a natural force such
as a disease epidemic, a flood, or a predatory
animal.
Man vs. Nature
Refusal of the call
This is the stage where the hero’s skills and/or powers are tested and every obstacle that they face helps us gain a deeper insight into their character and ultimately identify with them even more.
Road of Trials
A helper who offers something that the hero lacks
Ally
Man vs. Society
In
this type of conflict,
the creations of man
create opposition to
man.
man vs. machine
Fourth stage of the Hero's Journey
Crossing the Threshold
A dangerous physical test or a deep inner crisis that the Hero must face in order to survive or for the world in which the Hero lives to continue to exist. The Hero must draw upon all of the skills and experiences they've gathered in order to face their most difficult challenge yet.
The Ordeal
The manifestation of the hero's darkest tendencies. Often the main villain/source of conflict (although not always).
The Shadow
A type of external conflict between a person and an inanimate object
man vs. machine
the one type of internal conflict
man vs. himself
Sixth stage of the hero's journey
Approach to the inmost cave
After the hero has accepted the call to action, his guide or magical helper comes to him. This supernatural aid will serve as a mentor figure and provide the hero with the physical or metaphorical tools needed to embark on the journey.
The character brings chaos, humor, and mischief
Trickster
A type of external conflict between man and the unknowable
Man vs. Supernatural
Stage 8 of the Hero's Journey
The hero has had their ordeal and they must change now in order to survive or fulfill their purpose
Resurrection
This character/item/event signals change for the hero
Herald
How many types of external conflict are there?
4
Stage 10 of the Hero's Journey
Road Back/Return
The hero escapes with the reward
Magic Flight
The character who appears one way but is actually another.
Shapeshifter