Literary Conflict and Point of View

Practice flashcards covering types of internal and external conflict as well as different narrative points of view.

What defines a Character vs. Nature conflict?

This type of conflict counters a character against some force of nature, such as an animal or the weather.

Why is Character vs. Fate considered an ambiguous conflict type?

Because accepting fate can be seen as an inner personal struggle (character vs. self), while character vs. God can be framed as person against religion (character vs. supernatural).

What is the focus of a Character vs. Society conflict?

The story sets a character against a tradition, an institution, a law, or some other societal construct.

Under what condition does a Character vs. Technology conflict develop?

Conflict develops when science moves beyond human control.

What examples of phenomena provide Character vs. Supernatural conflicts?

Vampires, werewolves, aliens, ghosts and any typically unbelievable or inexplicable phenomena.

How is Point of View generally identified in a story?

It refers to the angle or perspective from which the story is told and can be identified by the pronoun that the narrator uses.

What characterizes a First Person POV?

The story is told by the protagonist or a close character using the pronouns "I", "me", and "we"; the readers only know what this person knows and feels.

What is the defining feature of Second Person POV?

The narrator addresses the reader using the pronouns "you", "your", and "yours".

Which pronouns are used by a Third Person POV narrator?

The pronouns "he", "she", "it", "they", "his", "hers", "its", and "theirs".

What is the difference between Third Person Limited and Third Person Omniscient POV?

In Limited, the narrator describes events through the eyes of a single character; in Omniscient, the narrator can move from one character's mind to another and knows everything.