Developing Characters through Inner Conflict

We often enjoy putting characters in harm's way. We throw obstacles in their path, send enemies after them...these are the things that drive the plot, increase tension, and make readers worry about whether the protagonist will reach their goal.

External conflict may be flashy and alluring, but it's not what carries a story. It's the protagonist and their personal struggles that truly captivate readers. The turmoil they face within themselves - their decisions, beliefs, and bravery in the face of uncertainty and fear - is what keeps readers up late at night, eagerly turning pages.

What Exactly Is Inner Conflict?

A character's inner conflict is a battle between opposing desires: their hopes and aspirations versus their fears and obligations. Personal convictions and values collide, each vying for importance. A struggle may arise between embracing one's true identity and conforming to societal norms.

For example, our character may have a dream of being a teacher, but because of pressure from their parents, they are attending medical school.

They may yearn for acceptance of their true self, but also fear being rejected because of it. Their powerful beliefs in both loyalty to themselves and finding their own sense of community could come into conflict, leaving them feeling torn over what actions to take.

What Impact Does Inner Conflict Have on Your Story?

When a character is torn between conflicting desires, they experience psychological discomfort. This cognitive dissonance occurs when their thoughts, perceptions, values, or beliefs are at odds with each other.

Initially, the character may choose to ignore this discomfort, but as it grows stronger, they feel an increasing urge to resolve it. This becomes especially important when it challenges their self-image and sense of identity.

There are multiple layers of factors that can contribute to inner conflict, and resolving it requires emotional reasoning. The character must carefully weigh and consider each factor unique to their situation to determine the best course of action.

For example, let's say our character, Susan, dreams of being a teacher but is instead studying medicine to please her parents. Every day she struggles to focus, and her grades suffer. She knows she has the intelligence and ability to be a doctor, but her heart is not in it.

First Layer: The Fundamental Elements that Impact Emotional Decision Making:

As she reflects, she contemplates the possibility of disappointing her parents and pursuing a career in teaching, something she believes will bring her genuine joy and satisfaction. She questions if her parents' love for her would prioritize her happiness over their own desires for her to become a doctor.

The key factors at play are:

·        Her parents' wishes.

·        Her personal fulfillment.

·        Her parents' priorities - having a daughter who is a doctor or one who enjoys her profession.

Second Layer: Complicating Factors:

Yet, life is seldom so straightforward. Perhaps Susan's parents worked tirelessly to ensure her admission into med school, using their connections and resources to get her into the best programs.

Or maybe becoming a doctor is a family tradition, and Susan made a promise to her dying brother that she would carry on the legacy by becoming a doctor herself. If she goes against this promise, what does it say about her character? Will the weight of guilt overshadow any satisfaction she may find in teaching?

Here are some other factors:

·        Parents who sacrificed everything for this opportunity.

·        A last wish from a loved one on their deathbed.

·        The pressure to uphold a family name or tradition.

Third Layer: Higher-Stake Factors:

Perhaps there is a sinister element at play. What if Susan's family of doctors has ties to the Italian mafia, and if she doesn't pursue medical school, it could put her parents in danger? In that case, wouldn't it be better for her to sacrifice her dream and ensure their safety? Other potential factors to consider include:

·        Susan's family being indebted to a dangerous crime syndicate.

·        The safety of her family is being threatened if she doesn't continue the family legacy.

Creating Strong Inner Conflict by Presenting Tough Choices

Balancing these factors and deciding can be a complicated and challenging task for any character. This internal struggle is called conflict for a reason - there will be tough decisions to make, risks to take, and no guarantees. Sorting through conflicting beliefs, responsibilities, emotions, and needs is never easy, which is why characters may try to avoid facing their problems or deciding. While this avoidance may be acceptable for a short time, eventually it can cause the story's pace to slow down and the plot to stagnate.

So how do we force our characters to confront their inner conflict after they have been avoiding it? One strategy is to use an emotion amplifier. These external factors can serve as catalysts, adding additional burdens or stressors that the character cannot ignore.

For example:

·        An injury or illness may force a character out of hiding because they need help.

·        A competitor can push a timid character to confess their feelings to a love interest before it is too late.

·        Withdrawal from substances can bring on painful symptoms that reveal the character's addiction and cannot be hidden anymore.

·        The constant scrutiny, hunger, or pain may finally cause an already stressed character to reach their breaking point.

In Susan's situation, what if she develops a physical health condition like what her brother had before he died? This moment could be decisive for her, as life is too short for unhappiness.

Or perhaps she experiences panic attacks related to the pressure of medical school, and the only way to relieve them is to have a serious conversation with her parents.

In both cases, the emotion amplifier creates an unbearable situation for Susan and forces her to face her inner conflict and decide. These amplifiers are powerful tools for making characters act impulsively or recklessly because of their inability to regulate their emotions. However, they can also create the internal tension for even the most avoidant character to take action and resolve their inner turmoil.