As a literature and psychology enthusiast, I find the exploration of internal conflicts to be one of the most fascinating aspects of character development.
Internal conflict is a struggle that takes place within the mind of a character. It is often a battle between a character's desires, needs, values, or beliefs. This type of conflict can be just as compelling as an external conflict, which is the struggle between a character and an outside force or another character. Let's delve into an example of an internal conflict with a detailed analysis.

Example of an Internal Conflict:

Consider the character of Michael Corleone from "The Godfather" series. Michael, initially a war hero and a family man, is thrust into the world of organized crime after the attempted assassination of his father, Vito Corleone. Michael's internal conflict is profound and multifaceted. He is torn between his moral compass and the responsibility he feels towards his family.


1. Moral Dilemma: Michael struggles with the immorality of the criminal activities he is forced to engage in. He is a man of principle who has a strong sense of right and wrong, yet he finds himself making decisions that compromise his integrity for the sake of his family's survival.


2. Family Loyalty: His loyalty to his family is unwavering. He is faced with the difficult choice of upholding his personal values or protecting his family, which he ultimately chooses to do, leading to a deep internal struggle.


3. Transformation: Over the course of the series, Michael's transformation from a reluctant participant to the ruthless head of the family is a testament to his internal conflict. He wrestles with the person he is becoming and the person he once was.


4. Isolation: As Michael becomes more entrenched in the criminal underworld, he experiences a growing sense of isolation. His internal conflict is exacerbated by the fact that he feels increasingly alone in his decisions and their consequences.


5. Guilt and Redemption: Michael's internal conflict is further complicated by the guilt he carries for the actions he has taken. He seeks redemption, but the path he has chosen makes it difficult for him to find peace.


6. Power and Corruption: The power that Michael wields as the head of the Corleone family is a double-edged sword. It both protects and endangers his loved ones. His internal conflict is a constant tug-of-war between the corrupting influence of power and his desire to do what he believes is necessary for his family's sake.

7.
Legacy: Towards the end of the series, Michael's internal conflict revolves around the legacy he will leave behind. He is haunted by the question of whether his actions have been worth the cost to his soul and the lives of those around him.

In conclusion, Michael Corleone's internal conflict is a rich and complex tapestry of moral, emotional, and psychological struggles. It serves as a powerful narrative device that adds depth to his character and drives the plot of "The Godfather" series. His journey is a poignant reminder of the human capacity for change and the often tragic consequences of the choices we make.

read more >>

In fiction, 'internal conflict' refers to a character's internal struggle. A character might struggle with an emotional problem such as fear of intimacy or abandonment, for example. ... External conflict, on the other hand, refers to the conflicts between a character and external forces.read more >>