Internal conflict refers to...

• A. A struggle within a character such as self-image or guilt
• B. A struggle between opposing forces; a character struggles against another character, nature, supernatural, technology, or society
• C. A struggle with nature
• D. A struggle with the environment

Answer: (A)

Internal conflict is a struggle inside a character, where the tension comes from thoughts, feelings, or values rather than from an outside force. It shows up when a person grapples with self-image, guilt, a moral dilemma, or conflicting desires, and must decide what to do or who to be. This explains why the option describing a struggle within the character is the best fit: the conflict originates in the person’s mind and heart, not in something happening outside of them. By contrast, conflicts that involve fighting an outside force—such as an opponent, nature, or society—are external conflicts. Those involve battles or obstacles that come from outside the character, not from within. For example, choosing between honesty and loyalty often embodies internal conflict, because the struggle lies in the character’s own beliefs and emotions rather than in an external adversary.