Glossary of Story, Script & Screenplay Writing
An A–Z reference guide designed for undergraduate media and film studies students.
A
A narrative framework that divides a story into major parts to guide progression and conflict.
Example: The three-act structure used in feature films.
Descriptive text in a script that explains what happens visually on screen.
Example: He pauses, then slowly opens the door.
A character or force that opposes the protagonist’s objective.
Example: Social pressure acting against personal freedom.
The intended viewers or readers of a story, influencing tone and presentation.
Example: Writing differently for children and adults.
The gradual development or transformation of a character or theme.
Example: A fearful person gaining confidence.
The emotional feeling created by setting, tone, and visual elements.
Example: A tense atmosphere in a dark alley scene.
B
Events that occur before the main narrative timeline and shape characters.
Example: Childhood trauma influencing adult behavior.
A small unit of action or emotional shift within a scene.
Example: A silence before an important response.
The opening portion of a story that introduces characters and situation.
Example: Showing everyday life before disruption.
The planned movement of characters within a scene.
Example: Actors crossing the room during dialogue.
A detailed analysis of a script for production planning.
Example: Listing props, costumes, and locations.
The gradual increase of tension leading to a major event.
Example: Rising conflict before the climax.
C
A person or entity through whom the story unfolds.
Example: A student struggling with identity.
The emotional or psychological journey a character undergoes.
Example: From selfishness to responsibility.
The most intense point where the central conflict peaks.
Example: A final confrontation scene.
The struggle between opposing forces that drives the story.
Example: Personal desire versus social duty.
Consistency of story elements across scenes.
Example: Maintaining costume consistency.
A transition from one shot or scene to another.
Example: Cutting from night to morning.
D
Spoken exchanges between characters that reveal intent and emotion.
Example: An argument exposing hidden tension.
When the audience knows more than the characters.
Example: Viewers know the truth behind a lie.
The main question that keeps the audience engaged.
Example: Will the truth be revealed?
Narrative text that explains actions, settings, or mood.
Example: Describing a deserted street.
A version of a script before finalization.
Example: First draft revised after feedback.
The length of time a scene or story occupies.
Example: A five-minute opening sequence.
E
The concluding part where conflicts are resolved or reflected upon.
Example: The character accepts change.
The feelings experienced by characters and conveyed to the audience.
Example: Grief shown through silence.
The increase of conflict intensity as the story progresses.
Example: Minor disagreements becoming serious confrontations.
Information that provides background or context.
Example: Dialogue revealing past events.
An opening shot that sets location and context.
Example: A wide shot of a city skyline.
Audience anticipation shaped by genre and storytelling cues.
Example: Expecting justice in a courtroom drama.
F
A shift to past events used to provide background or emotional context.
Example: Showing a childhood memory to explain present fear.
Subtle hints planted early to suggest future events.
Example: A cracked photograph hinting at broken relationships.
The visual boundary of what the camera captures in a shot.
Example: A character framed alone to suggest isolation.
The standardized layout used in scriptwriting for clarity and professionalism.
Example: Scene headings and dialogue alignment.
The narrative or visual emphasis guiding audience attention.
Example: Shallow focus highlighting a character’s reaction.
The purpose a scene or moment serves within the overall story.
Example: A scene designed to reveal motivation.
G
A category that defines the type of story and audience expectations.
Example: Drama, thriller, or romance.
What a character wants to achieve within the story.
Example: Securing admission to a prestigious college.
The internal change a character experiences over time.
Example: Learning responsibility through failure.
The established logic governing the story world.
Example: Rules defining a realistic or fantasy setting.
A physical movement that conveys emotion or intent.
Example: Avoiding eye contact to show guilt.
The emotional payoff audiences receive from story resolution.
Example: Justice served after prolonged struggle.
H
An opening element designed to immediately capture attention.
Example: A mysterious event in the first scene.
The central character driving the story forward.
Example: A journalist uncovering corruption.
A moment emphasized for narrative or emotional importance.
Example: A revelation changing character perspective.
Struggles rooted in emotions, relationships, or ethics.
Example: Choosing between loyalty and truth.
Balance among story elements such as plot, theme, and character.
Example: Visual style matching narrative tone.
An underlying question tested through narrative progression.
Example: Can honesty overcome fear?
I
The event that disrupts normal life and initiates the main conflict.
Example: Sudden job loss triggering the story.
The emotional strength of a scene or sequence.
Example: Rising tension during a confrontation.
A psychological struggle within a character.
Example: Fear versus ambition.
The meaning audiences derive from narrative elements.
Example: Multiple readings of an open ending.
The lasting emotional or intellectual effect on viewers.
Example: Reflecting on social injustice after viewing.
A moment of realization for a character or audience.
Example: Understanding the true cost of success.
J
The overall path a character follows through the narrative.
Example: From innocence to maturity.
The narrative reasoning behind character actions.
Example: Risk-taking justified by desperation.
Placing contrasting elements together to highlight difference.
Example: Wealth beside poverty in consecutive scenes.
The moral evaluation implied or invited by the story.
Example: Questioning right and wrong choices.
An abrupt transition creating a sense of urgency or dislocation.
Example: Skipping time within the same scene.
A subtle shift that alters audience perception.
Example: Slight tone change signaling danger.
K
A decisive event that significantly alters the direction of the story.
Example: A confession that changes relationships.
The difference between what characters know and what the audience knows.
Example: Viewers aware of a secret unknown to the hero.
The sense of movement and momentum within a scene.
Example: Rapid action driving urgency.
The primary struggle that defines the narrative.
Example: Personal ethics versus social pressure.
The chain reaction caused by a single narrative decision.
Example: One lie leading to multiple consequences.
A moment when crucial information is disclosed.
Example: Discovering the true identity of an ally.
L
Placing multiple meanings or conflicts within a single scene.
Example: Emotional tension beneath casual dialogue.
A story told in chronological order from beginning to end.
Example: Childhood to adulthood progression.
The physical place where a scene occurs.
Example: A classroom setting shaping behavior.
Internal consistency that maintains believability.
Example: Actions matching established character traits.
Something meaningful taken away from a character.
Example: Losing trust after betrayal.
The moment when the protagonist faces maximum defeat.
Example: All hope seems lost.
M
The reason behind a character’s actions.
Example: Desire for recognition.
A central event that shifts the story’s direction.
Example: Realizing the true antagonist.
The emotional atmosphere of the narrative.
Example: Melancholic tone in reflective scenes.
A sequence of short scenes condensed to show progression.
Example: Training shown through quick cuts.
A situation forcing a difficult ethical choice.
Example: Choosing truth over loyalty.
The underlying idea or message conveyed.
Example: Sacrifice as a recurring idea.
N
The structured way a story is told.
Example: Framing events through a diary.
A story told out of chronological order.
Example: Flashbacks interrupting present action.
The deeper requirement a character must fulfill.
Example: Emotional acceptance.
A balanced narrative stance avoiding judgment.
Example: Presenting multiple viewpoints.
The character’s life before disruption.
Example: Everyday routine before conflict.
Subtle detail adding realism and depth.
Example: Mixed emotions during success.
O
A specific goal a character pursues in a scene.
Example: Convincing a parent.
Anything that prevents goal achievement.
Example: Financial limitation.
The first visual establishing tone and theme.
Example: A lonely road at dawn.
Forces resisting the protagonist.
Example: Authority figures enforcing rules.
The result of story events.
Example: Acceptance of consequences.
A character’s acceptance of responsibility.
Example: Admitting a mistake publicly.
P
The speed at which a story unfolds through scenes and sequences.
Example: Quick cuts increasing urgency in an action scene.
The fulfillment of information or tension set up earlier.
Example: A revealed secret resolving long suspense.
The viewpoint from which the story is experienced.
Example: Events seen through a single character’s eyes.
The structured sequence of events driven by cause and effect.
Example: A mistake leading to escalating consequences.
A moment after which the protagonist cannot go back.
Example: Publicly exposing corruption.
The main character whose journey forms the core of the narrative.
Example: A student fighting injustice.
Q
The central question that drives audience curiosity.
Example: Will the truth be revealed?
A pause in action allowing emotional reflection.
Example: Silence after an intense argument.
Reviewing a script for clarity, consistency, and logic.
Example: Fixing plot holes during revision.
A distinctive trait making a character memorable.
Example: Nervous tapping when lying.
Referencing dialogue meaning without exact words.
Example: Summarizing an off-screen conversation.
A narrative driven by a clear mission or goal.
Example: Searching for a lost family member.
R
The part of the story where conflicts are concluded.
Example: Reconciliation after prolonged tension.
A sudden change in direction or expectation.
Example: Ally revealed as antagonist.
The pattern of tension and release in storytelling.
Example: Alternating fast and slow scenes.
The series of events building toward the climax.
Example: Increasing obstacles before the final test.
The disclosure of important information.
Example: Uncovering a hidden relationship.
A character’s response to events or dialogue.
Example: Shock shown through silence.
S
A unit of action occurring in one time and place.
Example: A discussion inside a classroom.
A group of scenes forming a mini-arc.
Example: Preparation leading to competition.
The time and location of the narrative.
Example: A coastal town during monsoon.
The organizational framework of a story.
Example: Beginning, middle, and end.
Underlying meaning beneath spoken dialogue.
Example: Polite words hiding anger.
A feeling of anticipation about future events.
Example: Waiting for an exam result.
T
The central idea or message explored in the story.
Example: The cost of ambition.
The strategic placement of story events.
Example: Delaying a reveal for impact.
The writer’s attitude toward the subject.
Example: Serious tone in a social drama.
The movement from one scene or moment to another.
Example: Fade from night to morning.
A moment that significantly changes story direction.
Example: Choosing truth over safety.
The emotional strain created by conflict.
Example: Anticipation before an announcement.
U
The coherence of all story elements working toward a single purpose.
Example: Every scene reinforcing the central theme.
The pressure created by limited time or high stakes.
Example: A deadline forcing immediate action.
The deeper emotional requirement beneath a character’s goal.
Example: Seeking acceptance rather than success.
A storyteller whose perspective may be biased or inaccurate.
Example: Memory gaps altering the truth.
The final consequence or result of accumulated actions.
Example: Long-term impact of a single choice.
Deliberately minimizing expression for subtle effect.
Example: Calm words after a major loss.
V
A change in what a character prioritizes.
Example: Choosing integrity over fame.
An image representing an abstract idea.
Example: A broken bridge symbolizing separation.
The distinctive style or perspective of the writer.
Example: Simple, poetic narration.
Emotional openness that deepens character connection.
Example: Admitting fear during conflict.
Consistency of visual elements across scenes.
Example: Matching lighting across a sequence.
Personal growth achieved regardless of external outcome.
Example: Self-acceptance despite loss.
W
The conscious objective a character pursues.
Example: Winning a competition.
A limitation that hinders progress.
Example: Fear of confrontation.
Creating the environment and rules of the story world.
Example: Establishing social norms of a city.
Delaying information to increase suspense.
Example: Revealing motives late in the story.
A character who observes key events.
Example: A bystander to a critical decision.
Final moments that settle emotional threads.
Example: Quiet closure after climax.
X
An intangible quality that makes a story compelling.
Example: Unique emotional authenticity.
The temporal progression of events.
Example: Linear passage of days.
Using hospitality or warmth to contrast darker themes.
Example: Kindness amid crisis.
A composition that isolates a subject visually.
Example: Framing through doorways.
An unconventional technique to advance narrative.
Example: Non-traditional chapter breaks.
A scene that reveals a character’s true self.
Example: Honest confession under pressure.
Y
A deep emotional desire driving behavior.
Example: Longing for belonging.
The outcome gained after struggle.
Example: Insight earned through loss.
A binding obligation affecting choices.
Example: Family duty limiting freedom.
The rise and fall of emotional intensity.
Example: Tension peaking at climax.
A viewpoint shaped by inexperience.
Example: Idealism confronting reality.
Pauses that allow meaning to surface.
Example: Quiet after a hard truth.
Z
The highest point of emotional or narrative intensity.
Example: Peak tension before resolution.
The critical moment when action is unavoidable.
Example: Final chance to act.
Shifting focus from broad context to detail.
Example: City-wide issue narrowed to one family.
Alternating progression that heightens tension.
Example: Success followed by setback.
The space where opposing forces collide.
Example: Negotiation room confrontation.
Energy and enthusiasm infused into storytelling.
Example: Lively pacing and dialogue.
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