Internal vs. External Conflict

This analytical worksheet is designed for Grades 10-12 and helps students clearly distinguish between internal and external conflicts in Crime and Punishment, with a primary focus on Raskolnikov and key supporting characters. Students examine a series of situations from the novel and label each one as Internal (I)-conflicts within a character’s thoughts, conscience, or emotions-or External (E)-conflicts involving other people, society, or circumstances. This structured practice strengthens students’ ability to recognize how different types of conflict drive character behavior and propel the plot.

A concluding reflection prompt asks students to determine which type of conflict has the greatest impact on the novel overall and to justify their reasoning using textual evidence, encouraging synthesis and interpretive thinking.

Learning Goals

• Literary Conflict Identification (Upper Secondary ELA) – Accurately distinguish between internal and external conflicts
• Character Motivation Analysis – Understand how different conflicts shape decisions and actions
• Plot & Theme Understanding – Analyze how conflict contributes to tension and meaning
• Text-Based Reasoning – Support interpretations with evidence from the novel

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Aligned with high school literature and analysis standards
• Clear Skill Focus – Makes abstract conflict concepts concrete and accessible
• Builds Analytical Precision – Helps students avoid oversimplifying complex struggles
• Reflection for Depth – Encourages evaluation of conflict’s role in Dostoevsky’s themes
• Flexible Use – Ideal for close reading, guided practice, review, or formative assessment
• Low Prep – Print-and-use worksheet with clear directions and organized response sections

This internal vs. external conflict worksheet helps students see Crime and Punishment as a novel driven not just by events, but by intense psychological struggle. By classifying conflicts and reflecting on their impact, learners deepen comprehension of character motivation, narrative tension, and Dostoevsky’s exploration of guilt, morality, and human conscience.

This worksheet is part of our Crime and Punishment Worksheets collection.