Screenwriting Glossary

I. What is Character Development in Screenwriting? Character development in screenwriting refers to the process of creating and evolving characters throughout a screenplay. It involves giving characters depth, complexity, and growth as the story progresses. This includes exploring their motivations, desires, flaws, and relationships with other characters. Character development is essential for creating engaging and … Read more

I. What is a Narrative? A narrative is a story or account of events, experiences, or the like, whether true or fictitious. It is a way of organizing and presenting a sequence of events in a coherent and meaningful manner. Narratives can take many forms, including novels, short stories, plays, films, and even personal anecdotes. … Read more

What is a B-story in screenwriting? In screenwriting, a B-story refers to a secondary plotline that runs parallel to the main plot of a screenplay. This subplot typically involves supporting characters and may explore different themes or conflicts than the main storyline. The B-story is often used to provide depth and complexity to the overall … Read more

What is a Second Act in a screenplay? In screenwriting, the Second Act refers to the middle portion of a three-act structure screenplay. It typically follows the setup of the First Act and precedes the resolution of the Third Act. The Second Act is where the main character faces obstacles, conflicts, and challenges that drive … Read more

I. What is a Theme in Screenwriting? In screenwriting, a theme refers to the central idea or message that the story conveys to the audience. It is the underlying meaning or concept that drives the narrative and gives the story depth and resonance. Themes can be universal and timeless, touching on fundamental aspects of the … Read more

I. What is Dialogue in Screenwriting? Dialogue in screenwriting refers to the spoken words exchanged between characters in a film or television script. It is a crucial element of storytelling that helps to develop characters, advance the plot, and engage the audience. Good dialogue should sound natural and authentic, revealing the personalities, relationships, and conflicts … Read more

I. What is a Sequence in Screenwriting? In screenwriting, a sequence is a series of scenes that are connected by a common theme, location, or character arc. Sequences are larger than individual scenes but smaller than acts in a screenplay. They typically consist of multiple scenes that work together to advance the plot and develop … Read more

I. What is Cross-Cutting? Cross-cutting, also known as parallel editing, is a film editing technique that involves alternating between two or more different scenes that are happening simultaneously. This technique is used to create tension, build suspense, or show the connection between different storylines or characters. By cutting back and forth between scenes, the audience … Read more

What is a Tagline? A tagline is a short, catchy phrase or slogan that is used to convey the essence or theme of a product, brand, or piece of content. In the context of screenwriting, a tagline is often used to summarize the central idea or premise of a film in a memorable and impactful … Read more

What is a Character Arc? A character arc refers to the transformation or personal growth that a character undergoes throughout a story. It is the journey that a character takes from their initial state to a changed state by the end of the narrative. Character arcs are essential in storytelling as they add depth and … Read more