Which is an example of individual vs. individual external conflict?

• A. A struggle between two characters
• B. A struggle with a natural disaster
• C. A struggle with society's norms
• D. A struggle with technology

Answer: (A)

External conflict is a struggle with something outside the character’s own mind. When that outside force is another person, it becomes individual vs. individual external conflict. So a clash between two characters shows two people actively opposing each other, which fits this type perfectly—the conflict is person against person, driving direct interaction and competition.

A struggle with a natural disaster involves nature, a struggle with society's norms involves social forces, and a struggle with technology involves a tool or system—none of these are a direct opposition between two individuals, even though they are external conflicts.