Internal Conflict VS External Conflict (Writing Advice)

Summary

In this insightful video, Brandon McNulty explores the essential role of conflict in storytelling, distinguishing between internal and external conflicts. Internal conflict reflects a character's struggles within themselves, influencing their beliefs and decisions, while external conflict encompasses challenges posed by other characters, society, or nature. Through examples from iconic stories like 'Rocky,' 'Dexter,' and 'Star Wars,' McNulty illustrates how both types of conflict are crucial for character development and plot progression. He emphasizes that a balanced narrative, featuring both internal and external struggles, enriches the story and captivates the audience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Conflict is a struggle between two opposing sides, crucial for storytelling.
• 😀 Internal conflict involves a character's struggles with their thoughts, emotions, or beliefs.
• 😀 Examples of internal conflict include grappling with fears, morals, or tough decisions.
• 😀 External conflict occurs outside of the character's mind and includes struggles against other characters, nature, or society.
• 😀 Both internal and external conflicts are necessary for a complete and engaging story.
• 😀 A story focused solely on external conflict may feel shallow and lack depth.
• 😀 Conversely, a story with only internal conflict can seem meaningless without real-world stakes.
• 😀 In *Rocky*, the internal conflict is about self-worth, while the external conflict is the fight against Apollo Creed.
• 😀 In *Dexter*, Dexter's internal conflict involves his urge to kill versus his moral code, while the external conflict is about hunting criminals.
• 😀 *Star Wars* showcases Luke Skywalker's internal struggle with self-belief alongside external challenges from the Empire and Darth Vader.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video?

The main topic discussed is the difference between internal and external conflict in storytelling.

Who is the presenter of the video?

The presenter is Brandon McNulty, author of 'Bad Parts' and 'Entry Wounds.'

How is conflict defined in the context of storytelling?

Conflict is defined as a struggle between two opposing sides, which is essential for creating an engaging story.

What is internal conflict, and why is it important?

Internal conflict involves a character's struggle with their own thoughts, fears, and morals. It's important because it adds emotional stakes and depth to the character's development.

Can you provide examples of internal conflict?

Examples include a character making tough decisions, overcoming fears, or grappling with moral dilemmas.

What is external conflict?

External conflict occurs outside the character's mind and can involve struggles against other characters, society, nature, or supernatural forces.

Why is external conflict significant in a story?

External conflict is significant because it tests the character's abilities and decisions, leading to actions and consequences that propel the plot.

What happens if a story relies solely on internal or external conflict?

A story with only internal conflict may feel meaningless, while one with only external conflict may come off as shallow. A balance of both is needed for a complete story.

What examples from popular media illustrate internal and external conflict?

Examples include 'Rocky,' where internal conflict is about self-worth and external conflict is the fight against Apollo Creed; 'Dexter,' where internal conflict involves moral struggles against killing innocent people and external conflict involves hunting down criminals.

How does the presenter encourage viewers to support the channel?

The presenter encourages viewers to support the channel by purchasing his books, liking the video, subscribing, and sharing it with friends.