Home » Examples » External Conflict: Two Scenarios Between Character and Society
Imagine a world where your beliefs clash with societal norms. External conflict between a character and society often highlights these intense struggles, revealing the complexities of human experience. Whether it’s standing up against injustice or challenging cultural expectations, these conflicts shape characters in profound ways.
In this article, you’ll explore two compelling scenarios that exemplify this type of external conflict. You’ll see how characters grapple with societal pressures and fight for their identities or values. Are you ready to dive into the stories that showcase the battle between individuality and conformity? By understanding these examples, you’ll gain insight into not just literature but also the real-world dynamics at play in our lives today.
External conflict occurs when a character faces opposition from societal norms or expectations. These conflicts often highlight the struggle between personal values and societal pressures. Here are two scenarios that exemplify this type of conflict:
A teenager challenges school dress codes: A high school student believes in expressing individuality through clothing but faces punishment for violating strict dress regulations. This scenario illustrates the tension between personal expression and institutional rules.
An employee resists corporate policies: An office worker disagrees with unethical practices mandated by their employer, leading to a confrontation with management. This example showcases how societal structures can hinder ethical behavior and personal integrity.
In both cases, characters grapple with external forces that challenge their beliefs and motivations, reflecting broader themes in society.
Scenario One: Social Injustice
Social injustice serves as a powerful example of external conflict between characters and society. This scenario often highlights the struggles individuals face when confronting discriminatory practices or oppressive systems.
Character Struggles Against Discrimination
Characters frequently encounter discrimination based on race, gender, or socioeconomic status. For instance, consider a character who faces racial profiling in their community. They challenge unfair treatment by authorities while striving to assert their rights. Additionally, you might see a woman fighting against workplace sexism, advocating for equal pay and opportunities. These situations illustrate the tension between individual values and societal norms that perpetuate inequality.
Impact on Personal Identity
Experiencing social injustice significantly affects personal identity. Characters grappling with discrimination often undergo profound transformations as they navigate their challenges. You might notice how such conflicts lead them to question their self-worth or cultural identity. Moreover, these experiences can foster resilience and lead to empowerment, prompting characters to become advocates for change within their communities. Ultimately, the struggle against societal injustices shapes not only personal narratives but also broader movements for equality and justice.
Scenario Two: Cultural Clash
Cultural clashes often create significant external conflicts between characters and society. These scenarios exemplify the deep-rooted tensions arising from differing values, beliefs, and practices.
Collision of Values and Beliefs
When individuals face a clash of cultural values, they encounter societal expectations that challenge their identity. For instance, consider a character who practices a minority religion in a predominantly different culture. This character may experience discrimination or hostility due to their beliefs. Such situations highlight how society can impose its norms on individuals striving to maintain their traditions.
Additionally, think about an immigrant navigating life in a new country while adhering to customs from their homeland. They might confront resistance or misunderstanding from local communities unwilling to accept diversity. These experiences underscore the struggle for acceptance amid conflicting societal standards.
Consequences for the Character
The repercussions of cultural clashes can be profound for characters involved. They might feel alienated or marginalized as they attempt to reconcile personal beliefs with societal pressures. For example:
Isolation: A character may withdraw from social interactions due to fear of judgment.
Identity Crisis: Constant conflict might lead them to question their cultural identity and values.
Activism: Some characters channel frustration into activism, advocating for social change.
Such consequences shape not only individual narratives but also broader conversations about inclusivity and understanding within society. Characters facing these challenges often emerge more resilient but changed by their experiences.
Comparing the Scenarios
In both scenarios, characters face significant external conflicts with societal expectations. In the first example, a teenager challenges school dress codes. This situation highlights the struggle between personal freedom and institutional control. The teen wants to express their individuality through clothing but encounters resistance from school authorities enforcing strict rules.
Similarly, in the second scenario, an employee resists unethical corporate policies. Here, the conflict emphasizes the clash between personal values and organizational demands. The employee prioritizes integrity over compliance with harmful practices that compromise ethics.
Let’s break down these two examples further:
Teenager vs. School Dress Codes
Challenges authority figures
Seeks self-expression
Faces potential disciplinary actions
Upholds moral standards
Risks job security
Engages in possible whistleblowing
Both situations reveal how societal norms can impose limitations on individual choices and actions. How do you think these conflicts shape character development? Each scenario not only illustrates external conflict but also raises questions about identity and values within a structured society.
