the tension in a situation between characters, or the actual opposition of characters. [...] There may also be internal conflict, [or it may] occur between a character and society or environment. (Cuddon, 1999, p. 175) By extension, a clash between [any] two opposing forces. Drama is based on conflict. (Burgoyne & Downey, 2012) The conflict is between the protagonist and the (sometimes internal) obstacles in their way. External conflict is created during the inciting incident and resolved during the climax. (FILMTERM) Also see protagonist, antagonist, inciting incident, climax
