Internal Conflict

by David Batten-Hill
14th March 2012

Here's a thought. We all know that conflict is what hooks readers, don't we? But can this be the conflict in one character? I'm thinking, the character wants/needs to do something bad but his conscience argues with him throughout the plot.

What do you think?

Replies

Hmm, interesting comments thank you.

I think tapping into the internal monologue we all have could be a fascinating exercise. I did this in parts of my existing novel and it worked pretty well. So it's time to start sketching out the plot, while thinking about lots of italics!

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David
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David Batten-Hill
14/03/2012

It sounds viable. If he's wanting to do something he knows is 'bad', there will be outward manifestations of conflict at the outset, because there is a status quo he wants to change, the solution being the 'bad' thing. If the something bad is simply gratuitious and unjustifiable, even to himself, it will create new situations of external conflict in consequence.

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14/03/2012

I agree with Christopher, it's probably not a new idea, but it's definitely a tried and tested one that works! And with good reason. If you haven't already, read Victoria's manuscript that she's posted. The internal conflict that she writes about is really quite gripping. There's nothing to say a non-demonic character could also have that dimension to them. :)

Hope that helps!

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Danielle Redding
14/03/2012