1. Conflict Backbone of the Plot Jennifer A. Bennett Sanderson HS Raleigh, NC

2. Conflict • A struggle between two opposing forces over • something important at stake • that forms the center (or backbone) of the plot • All plot revolves around conflict!

3. Plot Development Diagram(Janet Burroway) Climax Narrative Hook ConflictResolution Conflict Development ConflictIntroduction

4. Internal Conflict • when the protagonist struggles against conflicting values, goals, ideas, principles, etc. within his or her own conscience • Person v. Self • Generate examples!

5. External Conflicts • When the protagonist struggles against some force outside of him- or herself • Person v. person • Person v. society • Person v. nature • Person v. machine/technology • Person v. fate • Person v. supernatural

6. Person v. Person • When the protagonist struggles against another person to win the stakes • Generate examples!

7. Person v. Society • When the protagonist struggles against an element of society: a government, a social organization, social mores, values, expectations, prevailing attitudes, prejudices, etc. • Generate examples!

8. Person v. Nature • When the protagonist struggles against some element of nature • Generate examples!

9. Person v. Technology • When the protagonist struggles against some machine or aspect of technology that threatens his or her way of life • Examples:

10. Person v. Fate • When the protagonist struggles against fate; the idea that one’s fortune or destiny is determined, beyond the character’s influence or control • Generate examples!

11. Person v. Supernatural • When the protagonist struggles against some element of the spiritual realm • Generate examples!