The main conflict in Island of the Blue Dolphins revolves around the struggle for survival experienced by the protagonist, Karana, after her people are forced to leave their island due to the threat posed by Russian fur traders. This leads to her being left behind when the evacuation happens, which sets the stage for her individual battle against the challenges of nature, loneliness, and the fear of becoming isolated.
As she is cut off from her community, Karana faces internal conflicts as well, grappling with her emotions of fear, sadness, and determination. She must learn to defend herself against wild animals and find food to survive, all while holding onto her cultural heritage and memories of her people. The duality of external and internal conflicts represents her resilience and transformation throughout the story.