| A | B |
| internal conflict | a struggle within the main character |
| individual vs. self | a type of internal conflict; the character struggles with him or herself |
| external conflict | a struggle with a force outside of the main character |
| individual vs. individual | one character has a problem with another character(s) |
| individual vs. nature | a character struggles with a force such as a blizzard, a wild animal... |
| individual vs. supernatural | a character struggles with a force such as witchcraft, magic, imaginary creatures... |
| individual vs. society | a character struggles with a force such as the law or a tradition |
| individual vs. fate | a character struggles with a situation that seems beyond his or her control, like sickness or an accident |
| individual vs. technology | a character struggles with a machine or tool |