Creating Dynamic Characters: The Art of Internal and External Conflict

Welcome to Writer's Edge, your weekly resource for mastering the art and craft of storytelling. Every Tuesday, I'll share insights drawn from my experience as a Fictionary Certified StoryCoach Editor, blending the best elements of Edge Coach, First Edge, and Craft Edge. Whether you're staring at a blank page, wrestling with revisions, or fine-tuning your final draft, you'll find actionable advice, proven techniques, and encouragement tailored to your stage of the writing journey. Let Writer's Edge sharpen your skills, spark your creativity, and guide you toward building stories that captivate readers.

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Characters are the beating heart of any story. While a gripping plot can draw readers in, it’s the characters—flawed, complex, and relatable—that keep them turning pages. Today, we’re exploring how internal and external conflicts shape your characters and make your story unforgettable.

What is Internal Conflict?

Internal conflict is the struggle that takes place within your character. It’s their inner demons, fears, desires, or doubts. This type of conflict drives emotional depth and creates a character readers can connect with on a personal level.

Examples of internal conflict:

• A young woman torn between loyalty to her family and pursuing her dreams.
• A detective haunted by guilt over a past mistake that affects their current case.
• A hero questioning their ability to live up to the expectations of others.

What is External Conflict?

External conflict arises from outside forces that challenge your character. It can be another character, society, nature, or even a ticking clock. External conflict drives the plot and forces your character to act.

Examples of external conflict:

• A group of survivors trying to escape a zombie apocalypse.
• A lawyer fighting a corrupt system to save an innocent client.
• A family stranded in a snowstorm, battling the elements to survive.

The Power of Combining Conflicts

The most memorable stories blend internal and external conflicts seamlessly. When your protagonist’s internal struggle impacts how they handle external challenges, it creates a rich, layered narrative.

For example:

• A firefighter afraid of heights must confront this fear to save someone from a burning building. The external conflict (the rescue) mirrors the internal conflict (overcoming fear), creating a compelling arc.

Practical Steps to Develop Dynamic Characters

1. Start with a Core Conflict: Decide on the primary internal and external conflicts for your protagonist. Ensure they’re interconnected.
2. Explore Their Past: What experiences or traumas shaped your character’s internal struggles? Use these to inform their decisions.
3. Build Tension: Show how external pressures exacerbate internal struggles. Let readers see your character’s growth as they face these challenges.
4. Allow Imperfection: Flaws make characters relatable. Let them make mistakes and learn from them.

Edge Coaching Tip:

When crafting internal conflict, use subtext and subtlety. Show, don’t tell. For example, instead of stating, “John was afraid of failing,” show his hesitation, fidgeting, or avoidance when faced with a challenging task.

Your Challenge This Week:

Write a scene where your protagonist’s internal conflict directly impacts how they respond to an external challenge. Experiment with subtext to reveal their inner turmoil.

Next Tuesday, we’ll delve into how secondary characters can amplify your protagonist’s journey and reinforce the story’s themes.

Happy writing!

– Your StoryCoach

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