* Inner turmoil: This could be a struggle with their own values, desires, or fears. For example, a character might want to pursue a dream but be afraid of failure.
* Decision-making: Characters may grapple with difficult choices and the potential consequences of each path.
* Self-doubt: Characters might question their abilities, motivations, or the worth of their actions.
* Past trauma: Memories, regrets, or unresolved issues can create internal conflict, affecting their present actions.
Internal conflict can be a powerful tool in storytelling because it allows us to understand a character's motivations and complexities. It can also create suspense and emotional impact, as we witness the character struggle to overcome their inner demons.
Here are some examples of internal conflict:
* Hamlet's "to be or not to be" soliloquy: He struggles with the decision to live or end his own life, driven by his grief, anger, and philosophical questions.
* A character battling addiction: They must confront their desires and choose between giving in to temptation or fighting for recovery.
* A character wrestling with guilt over a past action: They are torn between trying to make amends or hiding their secret.
Internal conflict is often intertwined with external conflict (character vs. character, character vs. nature, etc.), adding layers of complexity and realism to a story.