The Alchemist (Coelho)
What is a external conflict?
With Santiago
With Santiago
One external conflict would Santiago's encounter with the thieves;
"Some thieves see Santiago digging in the sand and think he is hiding something. They search Santiago's clothes and find the piece of gold that the alchemist gave him. Assuming he must have buried more gold in the sand, they force Santiago to continue digging until the next morning. When he doesn't find any riches, the thieves beat him."