Here's a breakdown of how this fits into the concept of conflict:
* Internal Conflict: This arises from within the character, often a struggle with their own emotions, beliefs, or desires. Examples include:
* A character battling their fear of public speaking.
* A character wrestling with their own morality.
* External Conflict: This originates outside the character, and involves a struggle against external forces. This is what you're describing:
* Person vs. Person: The character faces an antagonist, another person who actively opposes them.
* Person vs. Nature: The character struggles against the forces of nature like a storm, a wild animal, or a harsh environment.
* Person vs. Society: The character fights against societal norms, expectations, or institutions.
Examples:
* Person vs. Person: In "Star Wars," Luke Skywalker faces Darth Vader, a powerful enemy who represents the dark side of the Force.
* Person vs. Nature: In "The Revenant," Hugh Glass must survive against the harsh wilderness and a bear attack to find his way home.
* Person vs. Society: In "The Hunger Games," Katniss Everdeen rebels against the oppressive government that forces children to fight to the death in a televised spectacle.
Important Note: Many stories feature multiple types of conflict, making them richer and more complex. For example, a character might be struggling with a personal decision (internal conflict) while also facing a dangerous enemy (external conflict).