A central conflict in a narrative is the primary struggle or challenge that the main character faces throughout the story. This conflict is crucial as it drives the plot and develops the characters, revealing their motivations and growth.
There are generally two types of central conflicts: internal and external. An internal conflict occurs within a character, often involving emotional struggles or moral dilemmas, while an external conflict exists between a character and outside forces, such as another character, society, or nature.
For instance, in classic literature like Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet,’ the central conflict revolves around Hamlet’s internal struggle with revenge and morality. In contrast, in ‘The Hunger Games’ by Suzanne Collins, Katniss Everdeen faces external conflicts against the oppressive government and her fellow competitors.
Understanding the central conflict is essential for readers as it lays the foundation for the story’s themes, resolutions, and the overall message the author wants to convey.