Definition of External Vs. Internal Conflict
Internal and external conflict are the two types of conflict that drive a plot forward. Both types of conflict are usually necessary to make a story interesting to readers, and although they are different, internal and external conflict are related.
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Internal Conflict
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Internal conflict is complication that happens within a character; it may be a moral dilemma the character is facing, or it may take the shape of a choice or a desire. As author Kurt Vonnegut said, "Every character should want something, even if it is only a glass of water."
Significance
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Internal conflict creates individuality for a character; it sets her apart from the rest of the story and gives a motivation for choosing certain actions. It can also be directly related to external conflict.
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External Conflict
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External conflict occurs between two or more characters or a character and his environment; external conflict is interaction with the setting and other characters of the story. Wars, fights, love affairs, trying to get a taxi and all other situations in which characters clash create external conflict.
Significance
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External conflict sets the overall tone for many stories. Multiple characters can be motivated by external conflict, and it creates situations in which characters are forced to interact.
Relationship
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Internal and external conflict play off one another. For example, a man struggling with a decision about whether to quit his job may snap at another character, which causes the two of them to fight. In situations like this, internal and external conflict have a direct link.
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