She complains that they don’t listen to her and don’t allow her to do anything fun or interesting-they are constantly stepping in to stop her from taking up hobbies they don’t consider ‘princess-like’ (magic, Latin, cooking, etc). Although part of the blame for her situation can be laid on the society she lives in, Cimorene mainly blames her parents for her troubles. She hates being a princess and all the boring lessons and requirements that come with that role. In the beginning of the novel, Cimorene is very unhappy with her life. What follows is a description and explanation of the importance of the three main external conflicts.

Each is more challenging than the last, and each tests her courage, intelligence, and character. Throughout the novel Dealing with Dragons, Cimorene must deal with a series of external conflicts. Note: This article discusses elements from all parts of the novel, and so contains spoilers for those who haven’t read the book. Internal conflicts are subtler than external ones, but are often more powerful and more difficult for the character to work through. Characters might also struggle with negative character traits, like pride, stubbornness, or cowardice, and be forced to find ways to overcome these traits. For example, the main character might be tempted to solve her problem through illegal means, and have to decide whether to take this action or stand true to her moral code.

The character must face this conflict and make some kind of decision, often morally based. They take place solely in the character’s mind, and deal with emotions and beliefs and other such dilemmas. Internal conflicts are those struggles a character has within his or herself. Or an outcast might fight to prove himself to the community who looks down on him as different and worthless.

For example, a student might struggle with her parents, a difficult teacher, or a tough English class. External conflicts can be more realistic, as well. These forces may be villains who must be overthrown, enemies who must be defeated, or a natural phenomenon like an earthquake or disease that must be survived. As this illustrates, a distinction is often drawn between external and internal conflict.Įxternal conflicts are struggles between the main character(s) and forces in the outside world.

Conflicts come in all shapes and sizes from the traditional pitting of ‘bad guy’ versus ‘good guy’ to subtle conflicts the main character faces within herself (should I put myself first, or care more about others?). These are challenges the main character or characters must face and attempt to resolve. Every novel, movie, and type of story in every genre revolves around certain conflicts.

Dealing with dragons