internal conflict

[ in-tur-nl kon-flikt ]

noun

1. psychological struggle within the mind of a literary or dramatic character, the resolution of which creates the plot's suspense:

   Hamlet's inaction is caused by internal conflict.

2. mental struggle arising from opposing demands or impulses.

Word History and Origins

Origin of internal conflict¹

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

I felt like the juxtaposition of Megan Thee Stallion going through the most successful point in her career while Megan Pete was struggling, gave it an internal conflict that I think people could really learn a lesson from.

From Salon

“This reminds me of the 1930 to 45 period in which there was an economic crisis followed by democracies becoming dictatorships. Germany, Italy, Spain and Japan had parliamentary systems, and they broke down in terms of internal conflict between the the hard left, the hard right, communism and fascism. We are today seeing modern day versions of some of these things”, he said.

From BBC

It requires close listening to hear the internal conflict of a middle-aged artist who feels his youthful poverty no matter how rich he gets.

From Salon

But it’s not the only internal conflict Dems are experiencing as a result of the Israel-Hamas war.

From Los Angeles Times

Making Josh Shapiro the nominee for vice president would create internal conflict within that coalition, which is exactly what we don’t need.

From Salon