Conflicts G7

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Understanding

Story Conflicts
LT: I can identify and explain the main problem in
the story or aspects of the main problem.

Pg 93-94
“Conflict is the essential
element that drives every
compelling story forward and
engages.”
-Unknown Author
Types of Conflicts

Internal:
An internal problem is a conflict or challenge that primarily
exists within a character's mind, emotions, or conscience. It is
often related to their inner struggles, personal growth, or
psychological state.
Internal problems are not directly caused by external factors
but are usually influenced by the character's past experiences,
beliefs, values, desires, fears, or personal dilemmas.

External:
An external problem, on the other hand, is a tangible and
visible challenge that exists outside of a character and directly
impacts their external circumstances or the plot of the story.
These problems are caused by events or forces beyond the
character's control and often involve interaction with other
characters, the environment, or external threats.
Exploring Various

Types of Conflicts
Character vs. Character Conflict
The protagonist is in opposition to another Character vs. Society Conflict
character, often creating tension or competition.
This conflict can be emotional, physical, or This reflects struggles against social norms

intellectual. and values. The protagonist is at odds with

Examples: societal norms, laws, or institutions, often

• Harry Potter versus Voldemort in Harry facing oppression, injustice, or discrimination.

Potter. Examples:

• Simba and Scar battling for control of the • Katniss Everdeen challenging the totalitarian

Pride Lands in The Lion King.. regime in The Hunger Games.


• Atticus Finch defending a black man in To Kill
a Mockingbird, confronting racism.
Character vs. Nature
The protagonist must overcome natural forces such as animals, weather, or
disasters. This conflict often emphasizes human fragility. Exploring
Examples:
• The struggle for survival in Jack London’s To Build a Fire, where a man
battles freezing temperatures.
Various types
• The characters in The Perfect Storm trying to survive a massive storm at
sea. of Story
Character vs. Supernatural
The protagonist faces forces beyond human understanding, such as ghosts,
Conflicts
gods, or mythical creatures.
Examples:
• Dr. Frankenstein grappling with the monster he creates in Mary Shelley’s
Frankenstein.
• The Losers' Club confronting the demonic clown Pennywise in IT by Stephen
King.
Character vs. Technology
The protagonist struggles against technological advancements or artificial Exploring
intelligence that pose threats.
Examples:
• In The Terminator, humans battle machines trying to exterminate
Various types
of Story
humanity.
• Black Mirror episodes, where characters deal with the consequences of
advanced technologies in dystopian settings.

Character vs. Self (Internal Conflict) Conflicts


Definition: The protagonist experiences a psychological or emotional struggle
within themselves, often dealing with doubt, fear, or a moral dilemma.
Examples:
• A character debating whether to follow their dreams or stay in a stable but
unfulfilling job.
• Hamlet in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, as he wrestles with indecision and guilt
over avenging his father.
Identifying the type of conflict and Resolution: Purl
● External Conflict (Character vs. Society): Purl's conflict stems from societal expectations, particularly in the
corporate world where she encounters gendered and cultural barriers. Purl, a ball of yarn, struggles to fit into a
male-dominated corporate environment where she feels out of place. She faces pressure to conform to the
toxic office culture in order to be accepted by her colleagues. This includes changing her behavior, personality,
and appearance to align with the norm of the workplace. When Purl first enters the office, she is greeted with
indifference. The environment is full of male, suit-wearing coworkers who ignore her efforts to engage. Her
contributions to work meetings are dismissed or met with silence, reinforcing the idea that the office culture
values conformity over diversity. The moment Purl decides to mimic the behavior of her colleagues—dressing
like them and participating in their inappropriate jokes—she is finally accepted by the group, highlighting the
pressure to conform.

● Internal Conflict( Character v/s self): There’s also an internal struggle within Purl as she wrestles with the
decision to change herself to be accepted or stay true to her unique identity. After initially being rejected, Purl
contemplates how to change herself to gain acceptance. This internal struggle is evident when she physically
transforms her appearance, swapping her bright yarn for a suit. Later, Purl’s internal conflict resurfaces when
she encounters another new, non-conforming employee (a ball of yellow yarn). Purl must decide whether to
perpetuate the toxic culture or help the newcomer feel included. In the end, Purl chooses to embrace her true
self and extend kindness to the new hire, signaling her resolution of this internal struggle.
Have a go: Identify the type of Conflict for each of these excerpts and
give reasons for your response (Pair-share)

1. In The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, Holden Caulfield grapples with his own identity and
emotions as he tries to find his place in a world he sees as “phony.”
2. In The Dark Knight, Batman faces the Joker, who challenges his moral beliefs and pushes him
to his limits.
3. In the film Cast Away, Chuck Noland must survive on a deserted island, finding food, shelter,
and facing the natural elements alone.
4. In The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, Offred fights against a dystopian society that
restricts women’s rights.
5. In The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty, characters battle a demon possessing a young girl,
exploring themes of faith and fear.
6. I, Robot by Isaac Asimov explores a future where robots, bound by the “Three Laws of
Robotics,” begin to develop complex motivations that threaten human lives.
Application task: Consider these critical thinking questions for
the book you are reading and Identify the Conflict and the
Type of Conflict the character is encountering. Write about the
Resolution as well.

How do the What are the


What is the central What challenges or
characters respond consequences of the
event or conflict that obstacles do the
to the difficulties characters' actions or
arises in the story? characters face?
they encounter? decisions?

How does the What lesson or


What emotions do Is the problem
problem impact the message do you think
the characters resolved by the end
relationships the author is trying to
experience because of the story? If yes,
between the convey through the
of the problem? how is it resolved?
characters? problem in the story?

Small Group Task (To be done simultaneously)


Instructions given on the next slide.
Application Task for Small Group: Identify the Conflict and the Type of Conflict the
character is encountering. Write about the resolution as well. (Small group work)
A Winning Smile
Gina walked slowly toward the school building. Her stomach fluttered with butterflies. Today she was starting school in a
new town. Hopefully, she would make some new friends, too. She turned around and waved to her parents, and they gave
her a thumbs up; if they only knew how nervous she was.

At her old school, Gina had many friends whom she had known since kindergarten. When Gina got braces, it was no big
deal. Her friends never made fun of her. But that was the past. The future was here-inside the new school.

The students in Gina’s class were friendly, but Gina didn’t smile much. She didn’t want anyone to see her braces. Finally, it
was time for gym class. Luckily for Gina, they were playing baseball-her favorite sport.

“Gina,” the coach announced, “play shortstop today, okay?”

“Sure thing!” Gina said as she put on a glove and trotted out to her place between second and third base. She scanned the
field and glanced over to second base, where a tall boy stood.

Suddenly, the batter slugged the ball in her direction. The ball bounced several times before Gina caught it. As the runner
headed toward second base, Gina threw the ball to the tall boy. The runner was out!

“Good throw!” the tall boy said with a smile. His smile was bright, metallic, and shiny, just like hers. She smiled back,
allowing her braces to show. They both laughed, and Gina knew her future was going to be just fine.
Small Group Application Task : A Winning Smile

The type of conflict in this story is internal conflict (character vs. self) .This story focuses on
Gina's inner struggle to overcome her insecurity and anxiety about fitting in, making it a classic
example of character vs. self conflict. From the start, Gina feels anxious about starting at a new
school and worries about making friends. She tries to hide her true emotions, as shown when
she waves to her parents but thinks, "If they only knew how nervous she was.“
Insecurity about her braces: Gina feels self-conscious and avoids smiling because she doesn't
want others to see her braces. Her inner fear stems from uncertainty about how the new
students will react, especially since her old friends never made fun of her braces.
Resolution of her inner conflict: When the tall boy smiles and shows his own braces, Gina gains
confidence. In that moment, she lets go of her fear and smiles back, realizing that her worries
were unnecessary and she can be herself.

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