Which term describes a struggle or obstacle faced by characters in a story?

Which term describes a struggle or obstacle faced by characters in a story?

• A. Plot
• B. Myth
• C. Conflict
• D. Genre

Answer: (C)

In literature, the struggle or obstacle that characters face is called conflict. This is what creates tension and drives the story, motivating characters to act and grow. Conflicts can be internal, like a grapple with guilt or a difficult decision, or external, like a confrontation with another person, with a group or society, with nature, or with fate. This tension keeps the plot moving as characters respond to and try to resolve the challenges. The other terms don’t fit as precisely. Plot refers to the sequence of events in the story, not the specific struggle itself. Myth means a traditional story often involving gods or heroes and explaining beliefs or natural phenomena. Genre is the broad category of literature, like mystery or fantasy. So conflict is the best fit because it directly names the central challenge the characters face.

In literature, the struggle or obstacle that characters face is called conflict. This is what creates tension and drives the story, motivating characters to act and grow. Conflicts can be internal, like a grapple with guilt or a difficult decision, or external, like a confrontation with another person, with a group or society, with nature, or with fate. This tension keeps the plot moving as characters respond to and try to resolve the challenges.

The other terms don’t fit as precisely. Plot refers to the sequence of events in the story, not the specific struggle itself. Myth means a traditional story often involving gods or heroes and explaining beliefs or natural phenomena. Genre is the broad category of literature, like mystery or fantasy. So conflict is the best fit because it directly names the central challenge the characters face.