In This Excerpt Carlos Is Mostly In Conflict With

In This Excerpt, Carlos Is Mostly in Conflict With… Deconstructing Internal and External Conflicts in Literature

Analyzing character conflict is crucial to understanding the narrative arc of any story. Conflict, the struggle between opposing forces, drives the plot forward and reveals the character's inner world. This article delves into the complexities of character conflict, using a hypothetical excerpt featuring a character named Carlos to illustrate different types of conflict: internal versus external, and how these conflicts intertwine to shape character development and plot progression. We'll explore how to identify the primary conflict and analyze its impact on the narrative. Remember, without knowing the specific excerpt, we'll build a generalized analysis that can be applied to various scenarios.

Understanding the Two Main Types of Conflict

Before diving into a specific example, let's define the two primary categories of conflict:

1. Internal Conflict (Man vs. Self): This type of conflict occurs within a character's mind. It involves a struggle with their own thoughts, feelings, beliefs, or desires. This can manifest as a moral dilemma, a battle with self-doubt, or a struggle to reconcile conflicting values.

2. External Conflict (Man vs. . . .): This involves a struggle between a character and an outside force. This "outside force" can take various forms:

• Man vs. Man: Conflict between two or more characters. This is often a direct confrontation, but it can also be subtle, involving manipulation, competition, or rivalry.

• Man vs. Nature: Conflict between a character and the natural world, such as a storm, a wild animal, or a disease.

• Man vs. Society: Conflict between a character and the social norms, laws, or institutions of their society.

• Man vs. Technology: Conflict between a character and technology, often depicting the dehumanizing or destructive aspects of technological advancement.

• Man vs. Supernatural: Conflict between a character and supernatural forces, such as ghosts, gods, or monsters.

Analyzing Carlos's Conflicts: A Hypothetical Example

Let's imagine an excerpt featuring Carlos. Without the actual text, we'll create a few possible scenarios to illustrate different conflict types and how to identify the dominant conflict:

Scenario 1: Carlos vs. His Family's Expectations

In this scenario, Carlos is a young artist struggling to balance his passion for painting with his family's expectation that he pursue a more stable, lucrative career, like law or medicine. He feels torn between his artistic aspirations and the pressure to meet his family's expectations.

• Primary Conflict: This is primarily an internal conflict (Man vs. Self). Carlos is grappling with his own desires versus the expectations placed upon him. While there is an external conflict (Man vs. Society/Man vs. Man) – the pressure from his family – the central struggle is within Carlos himself. He must reconcile his personal ambitions with the demands of his family and societal pressures.

• Secondary Conflicts: The external conflict with his family fuels the internal conflict. His internal turmoil is manifested through external actions, such as secretly working on his art, leading to potential arguments and strained relationships.

• Identifying the Dominant Conflict: While the external conflict is present, the primary driver of the plot and the focus of character development is Carlos's internal struggle. His actions and decisions are directly influenced by his internal conflict, making it the dominant force in the excerpt.

Scenario 2: Carlos vs. a Rival Artist

Imagine Carlos is a renowned artist competing in a prestigious art exhibition. He faces intense pressure from a rival artist, a highly skilled and ambitious competitor named Javier. Javier uses underhanded tactics, spreading rumors and attempting to sabotage Carlos's work.

• Primary Conflict: This is primarily an external conflict (Man vs. Man). The conflict is directly between Carlos and Javier, driven by competition and rivalry.

• Secondary Conflicts: Carlos might experience internal conflicts – such as self-doubt or the pressure to succeed – but these are secondary to the central external conflict. The main plot points revolve around the rivalry and its consequences.

• Identifying the Dominant Conflict: The external conflict is the driving force. The excerpt likely focuses on the actions and interactions between Carlos and Javier, showcasing the intensity of their rivalry and its impact on the exhibition.

Scenario 3: Carlos vs. a Natural Disaster

Perhaps the excerpt depicts Carlos caught in a sudden natural disaster, like a wildfire or a flood. He must fight for his survival against the overwhelming forces of nature.

• Primary Conflict: This is an external conflict (Man vs. Nature). Carlos's struggle is directly against the elements, testing his resilience and resourcefulness.

• Secondary Conflicts: He might experience internal conflicts such as fear, panic, or self-doubt, but these are reactions to the external threat, not the primary conflict.

• Identifying the Dominant Conflict: The dominant conflict is Carlos's fight for survival against the destructive power of nature. The excerpt focuses on his actions and reactions to the immediate threat, showing his resourcefulness and determination.

How to Identify the Dominant Conflict in ANY Excerpt

To determine the dominant conflict in any excerpt, ask yourself these questions:

1. What is the central struggle in the excerpt? Is it an internal battle within the character or an external conflict with another character, force, or element?
2. What drives the plot forward? Does the plot primarily focus on the character's internal turmoil or on their actions in response to an external force?
3. What is the main source of tension and suspense? Is it the character's internal struggle or the external conflict they face?
4. How does the conflict contribute to character development? Does the conflict reveal the character's inner thoughts, feelings, and motivations, or does it showcase their interaction with the external world?
5. What is the resolution (if any) of the conflict in the excerpt? How is the conflict resolved, or what is the lingering effect?

By carefully examining these aspects, you can accurately identify the dominant conflict and analyze its significance in the narrative.

The Interplay of Internal and External Conflicts

It's important to note that internal and external conflicts often intertwine. A character's internal struggle may be triggered by an external event, or an external conflict might exacerbate an existing internal conflict. This interplay adds depth and complexity to the narrative, making the character more relatable and the story more engaging. The key is to identify which conflict is primary and drives the narrative arc.

Beyond the Binary: Nuances of Conflict

While the internal versus external categorization is helpful, it’s crucial to acknowledge the fluidity and complexity of conflict in literature. Characters rarely face a single, isolated conflict. They often juggle multiple conflicts simultaneously, creating intricate layers of narrative tension. Moreover, the lines between internal and external conflicts can blur. For example, a character's internal struggle with self-doubt might manifest as an avoidance of social interaction (external conflict).

Conclusion: Analyzing Conflict for Deeper Understanding

Analyzing conflict, particularly distinguishing between internal and external struggles, is essential for a thorough understanding of a literary work. By carefully examining the interplay of these forces, we can gain insight into the character's motivations, development, and the overall theme of the narrative. Remembering to apply the questions and strategies outlined above, whether examining Carlos's struggles or any other character’s journey, ensures a more profound and insightful literary analysis. Analyzing conflict allows us to appreciate the richness and complexity of storytelling and its ability to mirror the human experience.