External conflict is a common element of literature, particularly in works that focus on characters. It refers to any struggle between two or more opposing forces outside the protagonist's control. The most commonly seen external conflicts are those between individuals and society, nature, fate, or another individual. These types of conflicts can be found throughout all genres of literature, from classic novels to modern films and plays.
In many stories, an external conflict arises when one character faces off against their society's values or laws. This type of situation is often used as a way for authors to explore social issues such as racism and classism without having to directly address them within the narrative itself. An example would be Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, which follows Atticus Finch as he defends Tom Robinson—a black man accused of rape—in 1930s Alabama despite facing harsh criticism from his community for doing so due to its racist views at the time. Here, we see how Atticus has become embroiled in an external conflict with his entire town over something he believes in strongly enough that it puts him at odds with everyone else around him; this serves not only as a source of tension but also allows us insight into both the societal context during this period and the moral code held by our protagonist regardless of what others think about it.
The second form of external conflict deals with nature versus humans (or other animals). In these scenarios, there may be a battle between humanity's desire to conquer natural elements such as extreme weather conditions or treacherous terrain while still managing survival needs like food and shelter. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein tells just such a story where Victor Frankenstein attempts to bring life back through science only for it to turn out disastrously when his creation turns against him, largely because he does not take responsibility for teaching "it" right from wrong. This sets up an inevitable clash between the creator-creation dynamics played out across various environments: rural village settings, remote mountain tops, and even icy arctic wastelands, providing ample opportunities for intense physical confrontations along with some underlying philosophical themes. Making use of natural landscapes helps tell a cautionary tale regarding hubris versus humility.
Finally, there are instances where someone might find themselves battling fate itself, whether they believe in destiny being predetermined by God(s) or they feel that determined events unfold simply by chance alone. Either way, situations arise beyond anyone's immediate control, and the protagonists are left with no choice but to accept whatever comes their way. For instance, consider Homer's Odyssey, wherein Odysseus must brave numerous trials, including sailing past the Sirens' enchanting songs, escaping Cyclops' cave, and surviving Poseidon's wrath, before finally reuniting with his family after 20 years of absence. This demonstrates the hero's journey theme prevalent in many epic tales, highlighting how a person must overcome obstacles placed in front of them in order to achieve personal goals. These clashes come in different forms, each presenting a unique set of challenges that require courage and strength to face head-on. By overcoming these challenges, they become a stronger version before resolution arrives.
Overall, external conflicts play a major role in storytelling, helping to create suspense, drive plots forward, and provide deeper insights into characters' motivations, allowing readers to better understand the circumstances surrounding the actions. They bring literary pieces greater depth, meaning they allow the audience to relate to the author's intent, creating a richer reading experience overall.