Character arcs become powerful when aligned with plot. External events should trigger internal responses, creating causality where characters don't just experience the plot—they're shaped by it. This symbiotic relationship between internal and external conflict forges the emotional connection readers seek, transforming mere events into profound, resonant storytelling experiences.
External conflict in fiction writing involves various aspects including terrain, structures, characters, and environmental elements that challenge protagonists. Dominant forms of external conflict include person versus person, person versus nature, and person versus technology. The narrative's tension, world development, and character growth can be enhanced through effective use of external conflict. Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games offers numerous examples highlighting different aspects of external conflict.
Kenneth W. Myers 