Romantic fiction is a genre that is centered around relationships, love, and human emotions. Conflict is an essential element of storytelling, and romantic fiction is no exception. Conflict in romantic fiction can come from internal and external sources, and it is what drives the story forward.
Internal conflict is a type of conflict that occurs within a character’s mind. It can be emotional or psychological and is usually related to the character’s personal struggles, beliefs, or values. In romantic fiction, internal conflict often arises when the characters have to make difficult decisions or confront their fears, doubts, or insecurities.
For example, in Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice, the protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet, experiences internal conflict as she struggles to reconcile her feelings for Mr. Darcy, who initially offends her with his pride and arrogance. Elizabeth’s internal conflict is a result of her prejudices and her pride, which prevent her from seeing Mr. Darcy’s true character.
Internal conflict can also arise when the characters are faced with moral dilemmas or have to make tough choices. In Nicholas Sparks’ novel The Notebook, the protagonist, Noah, experiences internal conflict as he struggles to choose between his love for Allie and his duty to his family. Noah’s internal conflict is a result of his loyalty to his family and his desire to be with Allie.
External conflict, on the other hand, is a type of conflict that arises from external sources. It can be physical or social and is usually related to the characters’ environment, circumstances, or other people. In romantic fiction, external conflict often arises when the characters face obstacles or challenges that threaten their relationship or their happiness.
For example, in Emily Bronte’s novel Wuthering Heights, the protagonists, Catherine and Heathcliff, face external conflict as they struggle to overcome the social and class barriers that separate them. Catherine’s family disapproves of her relationship with Heathcliff, who is a poor orphan boy, and this creates a rift between the two lovers.
External conflict can also arise when the characters face external threats or challenges. In Suzanne Collins’ novel The Hunger Games, the protagonists, Katniss and Peeta, face external conflict as they fight to survive in a brutal game where they must kill other contestants to win. Katniss and Peeta’s external conflict is a result of the oppressive government that forces them to participate in the games.
Internal and external conflict can also intersect in romantic fiction, creating complex and compelling storylines. For example, in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby, the protagonist, Jay Gatsby, experiences both internal and external conflict as he tries to win back his lost love, Daisy. Gatsby’s internal conflict is a result of his past, which he tries to forget and overcome, while his external conflict is a result of the social and economic barriers that separate him from Daisy.
Internal and external conflict can also serve different purposes in romantic fiction. Internal conflict is often used to create character development and to explore the characters’ motivations, beliefs, and values. External conflict, on the other hand, is often used to create tension and to move the plot forward.
In some cases, internal and external conflict can be used to create a sense of irony or tragedy in romantic fiction. For example, in Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, the protagonists face both internal and external conflict as they struggle to be together despite their families’ feud. The irony is that the very thing that brings Romeo and Juliet together – their love – is what ultimately causes their tragic end.
In conclusion, internal and external conflict are essential elements of romantic fiction. Internal conflict often arises from the characters’ personal struggles, values, or beliefs, while external conflict often arises from their environment, circumstances, or other people. The intersection of internal and external conflict can create complex and compelling storylines that explore the characters’ motivations, beliefs, and values while creating tension and moving the plot forward.
As readers, we are drawn to the internal and external conflicts in romantic fiction because they mirror the conflicts that we experience in our own lives. We can relate to the characters’ struggles and empathize with their pain, which makes us invest in their story and root for their happy ending.
Moreover, internal and external conflicts can help to deepen the themes and messages of romantic fiction. They can explore issues such as love, identity, class, race, and gender, and offer insights into the human condition. For example, in Toni Morrison’s novel Beloved, the protagonist, Sethe, experiences internal and external conflict as she confronts the trauma of slavery and the ghosts of her past. Sethe’s conflict speaks to the larger themes of the novel, such as the legacy of slavery, the impact of trauma on the individual and the community, and the power of love to heal and transcend.
In summary, internal and external conflict are essential components of romantic fiction that help to drive the story forward, create tension, and deepen the themes and messages of the genre. By exploring the characters’ internal struggles, personal values, and beliefs, as well as the external obstacles and challenges they face, romantic fiction offers readers a glimpse into the human experience and the power of love to overcome even the toughest challenges.