Engish STAAR ( State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

What does conflict refer to in a narrative?

1. A struggle between two opposing forces

2. The universal message of a story

3. The perspective from which the story is told

4. The character telling the story

The correct answer is: A struggle between two opposing forces

In a narrative, conflict specifically refers to a struggle between two opposing forces. This struggle drives the plot forward and creates tension, which is vital for engaging the reader. Conflicts can manifest in various forms, including character versus character, character versus self, character versus society, or character versus nature. This central element not only propels the action but also is crucial for character development, as the characters' responses to conflict reveal their motivations and values. The other options focus on different aspects of a narrative. The universal message pertains to themes and lessons learned from the story, the perspective describes the narrative voice or point of view, and the character telling the story refers to the narrator. While all these elements are important for understanding a narrative, it is the conflict that fundamentally shapes the storyline and character interactions.