Some people will use these words interchangeably. But no two words in english mean exactly the same thing. It is in these differences that craft exists.
Dilemma: This is when an internal belief or conflict prevent the character from taking action. This action could be obvious and the solution to everything. Which makes the dilemma a tragedy.
Obstacle: This is physical or something external to the character preventing action.
The beauty in the difference:
Overcoming an obstacle is a sense of victory. A triumph.
A dilemma means betraying your values. Turning their back on a belief or a person they care about.
Both must be defeated for the story to move on. Know which one to use is the craft.
Personally I am a fan of the dilemma.
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it must be added that the obstacle must be created by the antagonist, whose goal is directly opposite to the goal of the hero.
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A dilemma can also be simply having to make a decision between two equally constructive or destructive alternatives, and the best decision isn't immediately obvious.
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Great topic, Craig D Griffiths.
Example of dilemma: A poor bank robber gets away with $52,000. He needs to pay a dangerous crime boss, but he also needs to pay a dirty cop who is threatening to frame him (dilemma).
Example of obstacle: A S.W.A.T. team needs to get in a building to save a person, but all the entrances are rigged with traps (obstacle).
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This a great topic for conversion and such an important nuance for writers to understand and work with. Thanks, Craig!
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Great point Craig D Griffiths. Thanks for bringing this up.
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I agree with both of your definitions of dilemma, Craig D Griffiths and Larry Guzman.
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Arthur Charpentier I have used the idea or a dilemma as a way of growing a smaller elements into an important issue. A bit like eave a small cut until it gets infected. In my script AMY there was a cop that she could have called. He had been pressuring her to be an informant. But her pride and thinking she could deal her way out of trouble ended up killing her. Ironically he kills her.
Larry Guzman some of the best dilemmas are torturous. I like the type that has the audience screaming “stop being proud can open the door”.
@Maurice, great examples. I am going to steal them for sure.
@Sam, thank you.
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Thanks, Craig D Griffiths. You don't have to steal them. You can have 'em. :)