50 External Conflict Examples To Revolutionize Your Writing
Have you ever found yourself staring at a blank page, wondering how to inject life into your story? The secret ingredient you're missing might be the right conflict.
From the raw intensity of nature's wrath to the complex dynamics of society's demands, external conflict is the crucible in which characters are forged, and plots are propelled forward.
Whether it's the societal shackles in "The Handmaid's Tale," the brutal survival games of "The Hunger Games," or Winston's fight against Big Brother in George Orwell's masterpiece, these struggles aren't just hurdles.
They're opportunities for characters to grow, for stories to unfold, and for writers, storytellers, and filmmakers to push their narratives into uncharted territories.
This blog explores 50 external conflict examples that promise to revolutionize your writing. It offers a treasure trove of inspiration to add depth, tension, and momentum to your story.
From nature conflict to societal norms and technology conflicts, prepare to explore the rich tapestry of internal and external, forces that can turn a good story into an unforgettable journey.
A long list of external conflict examples
1. A young farmer's crops are threatened by an unprecedented drought, pushing the farmer to seek mystical solutions to save his ancestral land.
2. An astronaut stranded on a foreign planet battles against time and alien nature to signal Earth for rescue before her oxygen runs out.
3. In a future society where emotions are regulated by the government, a woman starts experiencing forbidden feelings, leading her to resist the societal norms.
4. A deep-sea explorer is trapped in an underwater cave system, with only hours of oxygen left and no immediate hope for rescue.
5. A medieval knight is tasked with slaying a dragon that has been terrorizing neighboring villages, only to discover the dragon is the last of its kind.
6. Two rival treasure hunters race to find a lost city of gold in the Amazon jungle, battling to overcome both the elements and each other.
7. A whistleblower in a corrupt corporation must evade assassins while trying to expose the truth to the public.
8. A group of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world faces a new threat when a gang of marauders targets their community.
9. An artist living under an oppressive regime paints revolutionary works in secret, risking her life for the chance to inspire change.
10. A professional mountaineer leads a team to conquer an unclimbed peak, facing deadly weather and internal dissent.
11. In a world where reading is forbidden, a librarian guards a secret underground library, teaching others to read at great personal risk.
12. A family on a sailing trip discovers an uncharted island, only to find it inhabited by a civilization untouched by modern man and not welcoming to outsiders.
13. A scientist develops a cure for a deadly virus, but must navigate a maze of government and pharmaceutical company intrigue to bring it to the public.
14. A time traveler attempts to prevent a historical atrocity, finding himself entangled in the complexities and ethical dilemmas of changing history.
15. A detective investigates a series of crimes in a neighborhood where the residents are under the control of a powerful crime lord.
16. A journalist ventures into a war zone to uncover the truth behind a conflict, dodging both physical dangers and censorship.
17. An amateur climber is caught in a race against time to rescue her partner stranded on a ledge halfway up a mountain after a sudden storm.
18. In a dystopian future where water is more valuable than gold, a young rebel fights to protect her community's last water source from a powerful corporation.
19. A lone survivor in a zombie apocalypse holds the key to a cure but must navigate through hordes of the undead to deliver it to a safe haven.
20. A teenager discovers her new home is haunted by a vengeful spirit and must uncover the ghost's story to put it to rest.
21. A software engineer discovers a conspiracy within her tech company, aiming to manipulate elections through social media.
22. A retired spy is drawn back into the world of espionage when an old adversary resurfaces with a dangerous new weapon.
23. An environmental activist takes on a mining company planning to destroy a sacred forest, sparking a battle that tests her resolve and tactics.
24. A pilot stranded on an alien planet with hostile creatures must repair her spacecraft before the planet's rotation takes her to its uninhabitable side.
25. A couple's dream sailing around the world is shattered when they are caught in a massive storm, testing their survival skills and their relationship.
26. A peacekeeper in a newly discovered world must navigate the politics between human colonists and the native species to prevent a war.
27. A child with the ability to see into the future must convince adults of an impending natural disaster to save his town.
28. A pair of rival magicians vie for the title of the greatest performer, engaging in increasingly dangerous acts of magic.
29. In a race against a deadly pandemic, a team of scientists ventures into the heart of the jungle to find the source of the virus.
30. An immigrant family struggles to keep their farm alive during the Dust Bowl, facing both natural disasters and prejudice from their community.
31. A lone hacker finds themselves against a shadowy government agency after uncovering a massive surveillance program, sparking a digital war for privacy.
32. A group of teenagers discovers an ancient artifact that grants them powers, but they must learn to use these powers together to fend off a malevolent entity seeking to reclaim the artifact.
33. In a futuristic city where humans and robots coexist, a detective teams up with an android to solve a series of crimes that threatens the fragile peace between species.
34. A young girl in a drought-stricken village embarks on a quest to find a mythical well guarded by spirits, hoping to bring water back to her people.
35. An elite soldier is stranded in enemy territory after a mission gone wrong and must navigate through hostile lands to return home, while uncovering a conspiracy within their own ranks.
36. A pair of scientists on an arctic expedition discover an ancient virus released by melting ice caps and race against time to contain it before it triggers a global pandemic.
37. A small coastal town faces the wrath of a suddenly awakened sea monster, forcing the townspeople to band together to save their home.
38. In a future where dreams can be recorded and watched, a detective uses the technology to solve crimes but becomes embroiled in a conspiracy when a dream reveals a sinister plot.
39. A family moving to a new country for a fresh start must navigate the challenges of assimilation while fighting to preserve their cultural identity.
40. A group of rebel fighters undertakes a dangerous mission to destroy a tyrannical government's superweapon, facing overwhelming odds and moral dilemmas.
41. A world-renowned chef battles against the clock and his rivals to create a revolutionary dish for a prestigious competition, risking his reputation and career.
42. An old lighthouse keeper on a remote island discovers a washed-up artifact that hints at an ancient civilization, leading to a confrontation with treasure hunters.
43. A young athlete faces discrimination and bureaucratic obstacles in her quest to compete in the Olympics, challenging societal norms and her own limits.
44. In a fantasy realm, a group of adventurers is hired to escort a caravan through a perilous forest, known to be haunted by spirits and bandits.
45. A ghostwriter working on the memoirs of a famous adventurer uncovers secrets that put her life in danger, forcing her to investigate the truth behind the stories.
46. A colony on Mars is destroyed by a massive sandstorm, prompting a desperate plan to evacuate the colonists back to Earth.
47. In a city where magic is real but illegal, a young mage must hide her abilities while solving the mystery behind her parents' disappearance.
48. A journalist infiltrates a cult to expose its manipulative leader, only to find herself drawn into its web of secrets and facing a moral quandary.
49. A former pirate captain, now living a peaceful life, is forced back into the life of piracy when an old rival threatens his family and home.
50. A band of survivors in a frozen post-apocalyptic world must journey to a rumored haven, facing not only the elements but also the remnants of humanity turned savage.
Conclusion
Whether you're an aspiring writer or an experienced storyteller, mastering the art of external conflict is key to crafting compelling narratives.
By blending external conflicts and challenges with internal struggles, you create multidimensional characters and engaging stories that resonate with audiences.
Remember, a good story thrives on conflict; the fuel keeps readers hooked until the end.
Frequently Asked Questions About External Conflict Examples (FAQs)
What is External Conflict?
External conflict occurs when a character faces obstacles or challenges from forces outside themselves, such as other characters, society, or the natural world. The driving external force propels the story forward and adds depth to the plot and character development.
What Are Some Types of External Conflict?
Character vs. Character: This is the most classic form of conflict, where two characters have opposing desires or goals. An example is the rivalry between Katniss and the other tributes in "The Hunger Games."
Character vs. Society: Here, the main character stands against societal norms or rules. "The Handmaid's Tale" illustrates this well, with characters challenging oppressive societal structures.
Character vs. Nature: This type involves a character struggling against natural forces, like surviving a natural disaster or adapting to the Alaskan wilderness.
Character vs. Technology: This conflict arises when a character battles against technological forces or advancements, highlighting struggles with artificial intelligence or dystopian tech scenarios.
How Does External Conflict Work with Internal Conflict?
While external conflict drives the plot, internal conflict adds depth to characters, making them more complex and relatable.
A well-crafted story weaves external and internal conflicts together, enriching the character arc and engaging the audience.
For instance, Winston's own internal struggle with fears and doubts intensify his struggle against the oppressive government in George Orwell's 1984.
How Can I Add External Conflict to My Story?
Identify Your Main Character's Goals: Understanding what your protagonist wants allows you to craft external obstacles that challenge their pursuit.
Use Nature as a Foil: Use your character against nature's fury, like an uninhabited island or extreme weather, to test their survival instincts.
Introduce a Nemesis: A school bully, a corporate rival, or any antagonist provides ample opportunity for conflict.
Challenge Societal Norms: Position your character in opposition to the world's accepted social norms or laws.
Incorporate Technology: Explore conflicts arising from technology, whether it's a source of control or rebellion.
Why is External Conflict Important?
External conflict is crucial because it:
Moves the Story Forward: It ensures the plot progresses and engages the audience.
Develops Characters: Characters are shaped and tested through their responses to conflict.
Creates Tension: Conflict introduces stakes, creating tension and encouraging readers to invest emotionally in the outcome.
Reflects Real Life: It mirrors the external struggles we face in our lives, making stories more relatable and compelling.
What Are Some Examples of External Conflict?
In "The Hunger Games," the external conflict of surviving the games pushes Katniss to confront internal doubts about trust and morality.
"1984" by George Orwell showcases a societal conflict where Winston fights against Big Brother's oppressive regime, illustrating the struggle for individual freedom.
A love triangle introduces character vs. character conflict, creating tension and driving the plot forward as characters vie for affection.
