Question

Can you explain what a conflict is for a book report.

Answer 1

Generally, conflict occurs as one of these:
1. <u>Man against man</u> as the protagonist's needs or wants are thwarted by one or more other people.
2. <u>Man against nature</u> as the protagonist has to fight nature (wild animals or harsh environment) to stay alive.
3. <u>Man against himself</u> as the protagonist fights his own desires or temptations to achieve a favorable ending.

This article explains conflict a little differently.

http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761560384_3/Novel.html

Answer 2

http://englishreview.com/techniques/conflict.htm

There's a really good explanation here -- read the tiny print, and listen to the audio.