Here's a breakdown:
* The External Conflict: Armand, a wealthy plantation owner, believes he is white. He is deeply concerned with maintaining his social standing and the purity of his family lineage. When his wife Désirée gives birth to a child with dark skin, he immediately assumes it is proof of her mixed-race ancestry, and he rejects her and their child. This rejection is driven by the fear of social ostracization and the ingrained prejudice of the time.
* The Internal Conflict: Désirée, who loves Armand deeply, is devastated by his rejection. She is initially confused and hurt, but ultimately, she is driven to the point of despair and chooses to leave him and their child. She cannot bear the burden of being cast out from the only life she has known.
* The Unfolding Truth: The story culminates in a shocking reveal - Armand discovers a letter from his late mother confirming that he, not Désirée, is the one with mixed ancestry. This twist highlights the hypocrisy of his actions and the destructive nature of his prejudice.
The conflict is resolved, tragically, by Désirée and her baby disappearing into the bayou. The story leaves a powerful message about the destructive nature of prejudice and the importance of recognizing the human element beyond superficial differences.