What literary element describes the struggle that drives the plot, which can be external or internal?

• A. Conflict
• B. Theme
• C. Plot
• D. Setting

Answer: (A)

Conflict is the element that describes the struggle driving the story, and it can be external or internal. External conflict involves a character clashing with another person, with nature, or with society. Internal conflict happens inside a character, such as choosing between two desires, coping with fear, or dealing with guilt. This tension creates the events, challenges, and decisions that push the plot forward toward its resolution. By contrast, theme is the message about life or human nature, plot is the sequence of events, and setting is the time and place of the story. So the struggle at the heart of the narrative is best described as conflict.