Which term refers to the struggle within a character?

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

Answer: (C)

Internal conflict is the struggle inside a character as they wrestle with opposing desires, beliefs, or duties. This inner tension shows up in thoughts, doubts, and choices rather than through a fight with someone or something outside the character. For example, a person might know telling the truth could hurt a friend, but lying would betray their principles; the inner debate and the eventual decision reveal internal conflict.

External conflict, by contrast, is the outside fight with another person, a group, nature, or society. Rising action is the part of the plot where events build toward the climax, and the climax is the moment of greatest tension. Since the question asks for the term that refers to the struggle within a character, internal conflict is the best fit.