{Conflict

Three concepts of conflict onstage

What is opposition?To be oppositeContrastBe on the other sideEntirely different.

Opposition onstage is called Conflict.

Conflict is a necessary part of life.

Conflict onstage MUST be present for a good performance.

Opposition in all things

Conflict between Characters

Conflict within an individualConflict within the plot

3 Ways Conflict Happens Onstage

Conflict can be housed within the feelings of an individual.

These feelings are not discussed with the audience but come across in the way a character behaves; in the subtext he/she uses; and in body language.

Examples:“I am not sure I want to do that.”

“Are you calling me fat?” “Someday maybe I will want to be with him.”

Conflict within an individual

Conflict is often seen best between two or more characters onstage.

Obvious differences in characters are easy to act:clean freak/slob villian/good guy

jock/nerd homeless person/businessman beauty queen/plain jane parent/child

Less obvious differences can be a challenge. Best friend secretly loves the same person.

Conflict can be between characters

Without conflict, a plot is boring. The entire story of a play is based on conflict.

The hero wants something, but something stands in the way.

Good vs. Evil

Right vs. Wrong

Search for something that is hard to find or get.

Conflict within the plot

__________ wants ___________ but _________.

Somebody wants something, but something is in the way.

Example:Dorothy wants to get back to Kansas but she doesn’t know how to get there.

Sven wants to date Gretchen, but he is kind of a nerd and is afraid to ask.

Blank wants Blank but Blank