Embedded Files
Introduction
To introduce the idea and importance of story conflict, try using this little activity:
Explain to students that you are going to tell them a story. This is the story: "I went to the store. I got a candy bar. I ate it."
Ask them if they like the story and want to hear more. They will likely be confused and probably not be super interested in hearing a lot more.
Tell them you have one more story for them:
All I could think about was getting my favorite candy bar so I decided to stop by the store on my way home to get one. Shockingly, there was not a Butterfinger to be found at the store! I asked one of the store workers if they might any more. He told me I could follow him while he checked in the back room. We went through a big set of double doors and I was told to wait just inside. After a few minutes I heard a commotion and a all of the sudden, a young girl was coming towards me saying, "Ma'am, you can't be in here!" Then she started running towards me. I started screaming and ran to the double doors I entered through but they were locked!"
Stop there and now try asking if students would like to hear more...which they surely will!
Explain to them that this is the magic of story conflict. It makes our stories interesting and exciting!
Types of Conflict: External
Character vs Character
Character vs Character
You can probably guess what this type of conflict is. That's right! It refers to a conflict a character experiences with someone else.
In this type of conflict scenario, a character may have a disagreement with a friend. Or maybe with their parents. Perhaps they are feeling at odds with a whole group!
This type of conflict is fairly common as it makes for an exciting story! Think of how boring Harry Potter would be if Voldemort wasn't such an incredible villain with whom to have conflict!
Character vs Society
Character vs Society
When a character challenges the status quo or decides to go against the norm, they are experiencing a conflict with society. They may decide to fight against something in order to stand up for what they believe in or do something unexpected when it comes to traditions in their culture.
An example of this type of conflict can be found in the Hunger Games when Katniss chooses to fight against the Capitol and it's cruelty.
Character vs Nature
Character vs Nature
The last conflict we'll talk about today is when a character comes up against something in nature. This could happen when a character gets swept out to sea or they find themselves having to make their way through a jungle with wild animals at every turn!
You can see this type of conflict in Moana as she battles with the ocean. There is so much that is unexpected when a character has a fight with nature!
Types of Conflict: Internal
Character vs Self
Character vs Self
Internal conflict is a situation in which the character has a conflict that is happening within their own heart or mind. They might be trying to decide what the right thing to do in a particular situation is. Or, maybe they are feeling in conflict with their own feelings.
In Tangled, Rapunzel experiences some serious conflict within herself when she leaves the tower and goes against her mother's wishes.
Where Does Conflict Happen
Story conflict is usually introduced during the rising action of our story. This is when you are really laying out your story including introducing characters and setting.
To help students get a deeper understanding of conflict, you can use this handout from Teaching In Room 6. The handout will allow students to write the definitions of each type of conflict in their own words, consider when each type of conflict would be useful and identify a book where that type of conflict exists.
Narrative with Conflict
If your students are able to give the writing process, including conflict, a go, you can use this handout to help guide them. It will allow them to outline their writing, sprinkle in conflict and then write a narrative paragraph. The handout can be edited so you can include or exclude whatever part of it you'd like as well as adjust based on grade level.
Conclusion
Great job, storytellers! Remember, conflict is the secret sauce that makes your stories so amazing! Whether it's a mystery, adventure or friendship tale, adding some conflict will make your story one to remember!
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