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

Answer 1

Generally, conflict occurs as one of these:
1. Man against man as the protagonist's needs or wants are thwarted by one or more other people.
2. Man against nature as the protagonist has to fight nature (wild animals or harsh environment) to stay alive.
3. Man against himself 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.