In literature, the term for a character's struggle against an opposing force is called conflict. Conflict is a central element of storytelling that drives the plot and character development. It can take various forms, including internal conflict, where a character grapples with their own emotions or beliefs, and external conflict, which involves struggles against outside forces such as other characters, society, or nature. This tension creates drama and engages readers, making resolution of conflicts a crucial aspect of narrative arcs.