What is the difference between internal and external conflicts? internal conflict is a struggle within a character’s self, including his or her thoughts and choices; external conflict is a struggle between the character and an outside force, like nature or another human. internal conflict is a struggle between the character and an outside force, like nature or another human; external conflict is a struggle within a character’s self, including his or her thoughts and choices. internal conflict happens only when there are two or more characters in an argument. external conflict occurs only within a character when he or she is dealing with a personal problem.