Which term describes a struggle between a character and an outside force such as nature or machines?

• A. Internal conflict
• B. Rising action
• C. External conflict
• D. Climax

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is identifying the type of struggle in a story. When a character grapples with something outside themselves—like nature or a malfunctioning machine—that's external conflict. The prompt describes an outside force as the source of the struggle, so external conflict is the best fit. Internal conflict would be a struggle within the character’s own mind or emotions, which isn’t described here. Rising action and climax are parts of how a story's plot unfolds, not the kind of conflict. For example, a character battling a raging storm or a sentient robot illustrates external conflict.