What term describes a struggle between opposing forces in a literary work?

The term that describes a struggle between opposing forces in a literary work is "conflict." In literature, conflict is a fundamental element that drives the plot and develops characters. It can manifest in various forms, such as internal conflict, where a character grapples with their own thoughts and emotions, or external conflict, where characters face opposition from other characters, society, or nature. This struggle is essential for creating suspense and interest, as it reveals the challenges characters must overcome, thereby propelling the story forward.

The other terms present different concepts. "Tension" refers to the emotional strain or suspense maintained throughout a narrative but does not specifically denote the opposing forces. "Contrast" highlights differences between characters or ideas, and while it can be related to conflict, it does not encapsulate the idea of struggle. "Disagreement" pertains more to differences in opinion or perspective rather than the broader and more critical concept of conflict in a literary context.