What is a protagonist? What makes a story truly memorable? Often, it's the protagonist—the driving force who takes us on an unforgettable journey. Many refer to it as the leading character in a story. But is the protagonist something more? Or something less? To understand the definition fully, we need to look at how different types of protagonists are used in screenwriting. This will help us understand, what is a protagonist, and which type works best for our scripts.Continue reading What is a Protagonist — Definition & Examples for Screenwriters
Symbolism can create an indelible impression on an audience. Symbolism runs through literature, poetry, and screenwriting. But what is symbolism? In this article, we’ll define symbolism and show how symbols change over time. We’ll explore symbols by looking at common examples in literature and film.Continue reading What is Symbolism? Definition & Examples
Have you ever watched a movie with a plot twist that left you stunned—only to rewatch it and realize the subtle clues were there all along? This storytelling technique is called foreshadowing. But what is foreshadowing exactly? Is it merely dropping hints, or is it something more powerful? This article explores foreshadowing in literature and film, defining its types, analyzing famous foreshadowing examples, and revealing how master storytellers from William Shakespeare to Christopher Nolan use this device to craft unforgettable stories.Continue reading What is Foreshadowing — Definition, Examples in Film and Lit.
Plot is the backbone of any great story. But what is a plot exactly? In this guide, we’ll explore the plot definition, how it differs from a story, and the essential elements of a plot that make a narrative compelling. Whether you’re writing a novel, screenplay, or short story, understanding plot meaning and different plot types—from linear plots to nonlinear storytelling—is key to crafting unforgettable stories.Continue reading What Is a Plot? Types of Plot, Definitions, and Examples
What is subtext? The age-old adage says that subtext is what’s inferred by reading between the lines, but how do we know what to look for? In this article, we’re going to define what subtext is, then look at some strong examples from screenplays. By the end, you’ll be ready to apply subtext into your own scripts.Continue reading What is Subtext — How to Use Subtext in Screenwriting
What does deus ex machina mean? Writers work hard to put their characters into terrible situations to find new and creative ways to get them out. It’s entertaining and it’s a sign of a great, organic story. Conflict needs to live and breathe. But conflict also demands resolution. Catharsis. But for some writers, that catharsis comes cheap. This post explores the deus ex machina meaning in film with a few examples. Let’s jump in. Continue reading Deus ex Machina — Meaning, Definition & Examples
What is an antagonist? The simplest explanation is that an antagonist represents the opposite of the protagonist. But there’s much more to the term than that. They are the source of conflict in a story — and if you know anything about storytelling, you know that conflict is necessary. So, by understanding how antagonists are used in storytelling, we’re better equipped to handle story conflict in our own writing. In this post, we’ll cover all the different antagonistic forces a writer can choose from, how they work, and how to decide which one works best for your next story. Continue…
Syntax is something we use everyday, whether we are writers or not. In everyday speech and across all languages, the way we order words in a sentence dictates how the sentence will be understood by others. How does this affect your writing? Keep reading to find out. Continue reading What is Syntax — Definition, Examples & Why It Matters
In any story, drawing comparisons helps the audience connect new ideas to familiar concepts. One of the best tools for this is the simile. But what is a simile, and why is it so effective? Writers and filmmakers use similes to enrich dialogue, deepen character understanding, and add texture to themes, making storytelling more immersive. Understanding what is a simile, its meaning, and its role in writing is essential for any storyteller. Before diving into examples, let’s first define simile and understand its purpose in language and storytelling.Continue reading What is a Simile? Definition & Examples
Dramatic irony is one of the three main types of irony. Like verbal and situational irony, dramatic irony is an integral element of storytelling. The power a writer or director can yield with a firm grasp of dramatic irony is huge. But what is dramatic irony and how does it work? In this article, we’re going to define dramatic irony. We will also discuss the stages of dramatic irony and a subtype called tragic irony. By the end, you'll know how to implement dramatic irony in your own works. Continue reading What is Dramatic Irony? Definition and Examples
