* Moral dilemmas: A character might be torn between two choices, each with its own set of consequences. This can lead to feelings of guilt, anxiety, and uncertainty.
* Fear and doubt: A character might be afraid to pursue their dreams or overcome their fears. This can cause them to hesitate, procrastinate, or even sabotage their own efforts.
* Internalized societal pressures: A character might be struggling with societal expectations or pressures that conflict with their own desires. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, shame, or rebellion.
* Trauma and past experiences: A character's past experiences can influence their present-day thoughts and feelings. This can manifest as anxiety, depression, or a fear of intimacy.
* Personal growth: Internal conflict can be a catalyst for personal growth and change. By confronting their internal struggles, characters can gain self-awareness and develop new coping mechanisms.
Examples of Internal Conflict in Literature:
* Hamlet (by William Shakespeare): Hamlet struggles with the desire to avenge his father's death and the fear of committing murder.
* The Catcher in the Rye (by J.D. Salinger): Holden Caulfield battles with feelings of alienation, depression, and a desire to protect innocence.
* To Kill a Mockingbird (by Harper Lee): Scout Finch grapples with the racism and prejudice she witnesses in her community.
In short, internal conflict is the struggle between different aspects of a character's personality, beliefs, or desires. It's a powerful tool that can add depth, complexity, and realism to stories and characters.