Conflict: What Is Your Problem?
There is more emphasis placed on conflict in a short story than on character development because the stories are so brief. In a novel, which is much longer than a short story, characters have time to be developed by the writer, and the reader can learn more about them, inside and out. A short story usually contains one main conflict. This conflict involves characters, keeps the story moving, and makes the story interesting.
Conflict can be internal or external.
Internal conflict occurs when an individual struggles within himself.
External conflict occurs when an individual struggles against another person or force.
We have all experienced conflicts. You may have had an internal conflict when you really wanted to do something but you knew you shouldn’t do it. You may have had an external conflict when you got into an argument with your parents.
Examine the conflicts in “The Enemy” by Pearl S. Buck. Write down internal and external conflicts.
Internal conflict External conflict
Will Sado medically assist the American or will he let him die? Will the American escape unseen to the shore or will he get caught?