Introduction

Internal conflict, when the feel goods aren’t so feel good. Or maybe they feel too good? But really, internal conflict is the obstacles a character faces internally. These are often portrayed as emotions, but can be shown through personality and belief systems. Internal conflict is key to leaving your readers fully satisfied with a story. Without the ability to relate to the characters through the normal struggles everyone goes through, though the scales may vary, your readers may remember the plot but not find a reason to come back to the story.

Understanding Internal Conflict

There are three aspects of internal conflict that you can use to develop the tension in your story. Not each one will be used in the same scene, nor will it be used throughout the entire scene. The three aspects are conflicts of emotions, desires, and beliefs. By understanding each aspect of internal conflict, you’ll find you can write characters who readers will remember well after they’ve closed the novel.

Conflicting Emotions

Conflicting emotions can be a powerful tool in the hands of a skilled writer. When you introduce conflicting emotions into your story, you create a dynamic tension that engages your readers in the story. This can be achieved by portraying a character torn between two opposing desires or facing a moral dilemma. By exploring the depths of these conflicting emotions, you allow your readers to empathize with the complexity of the human experience.

Whether it’s the joy and sorrow of a bittersweet reunion, the love and hate intertwining in a complicated relationship, or the excitement and fear of pursuing a lifelong dream, these conflicting emotions provide a rich tapestry for your story to unfold upon. So embrace the tools of conflicting emotions to connect with your readers and leave a lasting impact.

Conflicting Desires

Conflicting Desires is a compelling exploration of the complex web of emotions and choices that drive human behavior. It delves into the contradictory longings and aspirations of characters, revealing the universal nature of desires. Incorporating Conflicting Desires in storytelling invites readers to reflect on their own complexities and connect with characters on a deeper level. Through this exploration, the true essence of humanity is revealed in the struggle between desires. Embrace the challenge of crafting characters with conflicting desires and create narratives that resonate with readers.

Conflicting Beliefs

Conflicting beliefs can be a powerful tool in writing as they engage and resonate with readers. By exploring contrasting ideas, writers create relatability and authenticity, inviting reflection and deeper discussions. However, it’s important to approach this topic sensitively, avoiding harmful ideologies. Integrating conflicting beliefs captivates readers, sparks meaningful conversations, and leaves a lasting impact.

Impact of internal conflict on character development

Internal conflict is crucial in storytelling as it engages readers and adds depth to characters. This conflict can encompass a range of emotions, moral dilemmas, and personal struggles. By exploring characters’ inner struggles, readers can connect with them on a deeper level. Internal conflict drives character development, allowing for growth and transformation. Integrating internal conflicts in writing enhances the quality of storytelling, fostering engagement and exploring themes and emotions. Embrace the power of characters’ inner struggles to bring your story to life.

WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD!

Example from Literature: Darrow in Red Rising

Red Rising is a novel I waited far too long to read, because I loved everything from the setting and societal structure to the Gold’s Militaristic school and Darrow’s deception. Here’s a quick synopsis for those who haven’t read the book, but are determined to read this entire post.

In the dystopian science fiction novel “Red Rising” by Pierce Brown, the story follows a young miner named Darrow who lives in a society where classes are divided by colors, with the Reds being the lowest and the ruling Golds at the top. Darrow, a Red, discovers that the surface of Mars, where humans have been living for generations, is actually habitable and populated by other colors. After a personal tragedy, Darrow joins a rebel group called the Sons of Ares and undergoes a grueling transformation to infiltrate the Golds and bring down their oppressive regime from within. As he navigates the treacherous world of the elite, Darrow must confront his own identity, loyalty, and the sacrifices he is willing to make for a brighter future. “Red Rising” is a thrilling and action-packed tale that explores themes of social hierarchy, power, and the fight for justice in a harsh and stratified world.

Darrow’s Internal Conflict

I think one reason that Darrow is such a strong character is because he’s put in impossible situations with his goals, causing the internal conflict with the actions he must complete to reach them. Let’s look at a few aspects. P.S. This is where the spoilers begin.

Darrow’s rage and desire for revenge. Darrow is fueled by his anger at the Golds for killing his wife, Eo. He wants revenge, but he also knows that he needs to be careful not to let his rage consume him. This internal conflict shows an awareness that isn’t always easy to maintain. Giving your characters situations and personalities that will naturally conflict with their goals is a great way to add depth to your character while keeping your readers engaged.

His identity as a Red and his new identity as a Gold. Being raised as a Red, Darrow struggles to maintain his dual identity of a Gold on the outside, and a Red inside. The struggle with identity is a strong internal conflict within this book because identity is key to the culture and social structure. (Sound familiar?) But when you’re faking something, how long does it take you to become that? Or how long until you realize you aren’t so different as you thought?

His love for Eo and his love for Mustang. Love is a powerful internal conflict, and this has been proved well before Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet took the stage. While this also touches on forbidden love, the idea of the past love, how long it’s appropriate to wait and love again, and can it ever be the same love are just some ways Pierce Brown added internal conflict to Red Rising.

There are many other aspects that you could study in Darrow’s character, so don’t be afraid to crack open Red Rising again, and make some notes.

Conclusion

Internal conflict is a powerful tool that brings characters and stories to life. By exploring conflicting emotions, desires, and beliefs, writers create an authentic struggle that deeply resonates with readers. The tensions and growth that arise from internal turmoil allow readers to connect and empathize.

As proved in Red Rising, impossible situations for the protagonist pave the way for compelling inner conflicts. Darrow’s rage, identity crisis, and clashing loves created a multilayered character driven by his internal struggles. By harnessing the energy of internal conflicts, writers can craft memorable stories that stay with readers long after the book is finished.

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