Final answer:
The term for a struggle between a character and his internal feelings or conscience is called internal conflict. It is essential for character development and plot progression in literature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term used to describe a struggle between a character and his feelings, conscience, or fear is known as internal conflict. This type of conflict occurs entirely within a character's mind and is a clash of opposing feelings, beliefs, or choices. For example, a character may be torn between doing what is morally right and what will benefit them personally, creating a poignant sense of internal struggle. Internal conflict is different from external conflict, which involves a struggle with outside forces such as another character, society, or nature. Literary works often use internal conflict to deepen the complexity of characters and to drive the narrative forward. Character vs. self is one of the four main types of conflict, with the others being character vs. character, character vs. society, and character vs. nature or the supernatural. Internal conflict is at the heart of character development, revealing the multifaceted nature of human psychology and the decision-making processes. It's essential for creating tension and driving the plot in literature, and is frequently utilized in both short stories and novels to engage the reader emotionally.