What type of conflict occurs when a character faces struggles within themselves?

The identified answer accurately highlights internal conflict, which involves a character grappling with personal struggles, emotions, beliefs, or choices. Internal conflict can manifest as feelings of doubt, anxiety, or moral dilemmas, leading to significant character development and emotional depth within a narrative.

This type of conflict is critical because it often drives the character's journey, as they must confront and resolve these inner battles to achieve growth or change. For instance, a character might wrestle with guilt over their past actions or face a choice that challenges their values, highlighting their humanity and relatability.

In contrast, external conflict pertains to struggles that arise from outside forces, such as societal pressures or antagonistic characters. Interpersonal conflict focuses on tensions between characters, while social conflict tackles broader societal issues affecting individuals or groups. These forms of conflict differ fundamentally from internal conflict, which is rooted entirely within the character's psyche. Understanding internal conflict enriches both character analysis and thematic exploration in literature.