External Conflict is defined as?

• A. A psychological struggle within a character.
• B. A struggle between a character and outside forces.
• C. Verbal irony.
• D. A contrast between expectation and reality.

Answer: (B)

External conflict is when a character faces challenges from forces outside themselves—another person, nature, society, or fate. This kind of struggle drives action and creates tension as the character grapples with an outside force.

In contrast, the first option describes an inner, personal struggle within the character. Verbal irony is a rhetorical device where what is said is opposite of what is meant, not a type of conflict. The last option points to irony or a mismatch between expectation and reality, which again isn’t about conflict between a character and an outside force.