The struggle between opposing forces in a story can be either internal or external. This is called...

• A. Theme
• B. Symbol
• C. Setting
• D. Conflict

Answer: (D)

The struggle between opposing forces in a story is called conflict. It can be internal, when a character wrestles with thoughts, feelings, or a difficult decision inside themselves, or external, when a character faces a clash with another person, a group, nature, or society. This tension drives the plot and forces characters to make choices, often leading to growth or change.

Think of other terms for contrast: theme is the message or lesson the story conveys, a symbol is something that stands for a bigger idea, and setting is where and when the story takes place. None of those describe the actual clash that pushes the story forward the way conflict does. For example, a character torn between telling the truth and protecting a friend shows internal conflict, while a hero facing a dangerous storm shows external conflict.