Conflict Conflict is the central source of tension and drama in the story. It is often what keeps the protagonist from reaching his or her goal. All stories are built on conflict (even documentaries). It provides the central source of tension and drama that make the story interesting. To figure out the the main conflict in a story, try to state the central problem of the story in one sentence.

Exposition Information about the characters, setting, and dramatic situation which is used to set up the story.

Foreshadowing A storytelling device that gives the audience clues about events that will happen later in the story. Often, these events are not part of the main plot.

Narrative A “story.” Any kind of visual or verbal communication with a 'story line,' or plot-structure.

Plot Goal The plot goal is the main issue that the character(s) are trying to deal with throughout the story. It may be a goal that the main character is trying to reach or how the main character is trying to prevent something bad from happening. The plot goal revolves around some kind of conflict. It is also what motivates the protagonist to do things throughout the story.

Plot Point An import event or point in the story that is crucial to the plot

Plot Point Set Up Important details that set up a plot point.

Protagonist The main character. The one that drives the plot - usually the character who is pursuing, or has a goal.

Resolution How the story ends and how the climax was resolved (or not resolved) - it’s what happens after the climax until the end of the story.

Theme The story’s main ideas. The message that the author intends to get across by telling the story. Themes are often universal truths that are suggested by the specifics of the story.

Turning Point/Black Moment Just before the climax or perhaps even during the climax, something changes--either in the situation or in the protagonist's ideas or personality. The change is a development of something that's been in the story from the beginning. Because of the change, the protagonist gains new understanding and a new approach to the problem. The moment when things change is the story's turning point. Near the end, some stories have a moment of despair when all seems lost. This is sometimes called the black moment.