A safe word is a pre-arranged word, phrase, or signal used to immediately stop an activity, frequently appearing in films as a potent narrative device.
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Storytelling & Screenwriting Terms Starting With S
The storytelling & screenwriting terms that begin with S, in alphabetical order.
1–53 of 53 entries
Definitions of Storytelling & Screenwriting Terms Starting With S
Open any entry for the full definition, where the term comes from and the films that show it best.
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Save the Cat is a beat-driven story model focusing on likable heroes.
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A save-the-cat moment is a scene early in a film where the protagonist performs a small act of kindness to make them likable to the audience.
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A scene is a unit of story that takes place in a specific location and continuous time, built from a series of beats to advance the plot or develop character.
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The scene climax is the turning point of a scene where the conflict reaches its peak and the character's pursuit of their goal results in a definitive success or failure.
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Scene conflict is the obstacle or opposition that prevents a character from easily achieving their scene goal.
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A scene goal is the specific, tangible objective that a character is actively trying to achieve within the confines of a single scene.
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A scene hook is a narrative device used at the beginning of a scene to immediately capture the audience's interest and create a compelling question.
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A scene number is a sequential number assigned to each scene in a screenplay, used to track and organize all elements of a film's production.
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The scene purpose is the fundamental reason a scene exists within a narrative, typically defined by how it advances the plot or reveals character.
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The scene resolution is the brief moment following the scene's climax that shows the immediate consequences of the outcome and sets up the next scene.
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A scene summary is a one- or two-sentence description of the essential action and outcome of a single scene.
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A preliminary version of a screenplay that outlines story structure and dialogue before revisions.
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A revised screenplay version incorporating feedback to refine plot, character arcs, and pacing.
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A secret identity is a narrative device where a character lives a double life, concealing their extraordinary abilities, activities, or true nature behind a mundane public persona.
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A film that continues the narrative or themes of a preceding movie.
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A sequence is a series of interconnected scenes that work together to tell a larger, unified part of the story, culminating in a significant turning point.
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The sequence approach is a screenwriting technique that structures a film as a series of eight distinct, self-contained mini-stories.
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A sequence number identifies a series of related scenes that together form a distinct, continuous narrative unit within a film.
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A Series Bible is a comprehensive reference document used by writers and creators to maintain consistency in a television series or film franchise.
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The concluding episode of a television series that resolves overarching storylines.
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The core narrative engine—promise of premise—that sustains audience interest across seasons.
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The setting is the specific time and place in which a story's events unfold, which provides context and directly influences the plot, characters, and mood.
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A narrative framework where multiple stories coexist within the same fictional world.
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A source of dramatic tension arising from competition or animosity between siblings.
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A Slow Burn Romance is a narrative trope where the development of a romantic relationship between two characters is gradual, filled with tension, and occurs over a long period.
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The Snowflake Method is a progressive outlining technique for expanding story detail.
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A subgenre prioritizing character‑driven narratives and speculative ideas over technical precision.
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Speaking thoughts aloud to the audience breaks diegesis, offering privileged insight.
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The Soulmate Trope is a romantic narrative device where two characters are destined to be together, sharing a profound and often mystical connection that transcends ordinary love.
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A screenplay written on speculation without studio commission to showcase writing talent and originality.
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A new film derived from characters or elements of an existing movie.
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A new series derived from characters or settings of an existing show, expanding its universe.
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A spy film is a genre that focuses on the world of espionage, secret agents, and intelligence agencies, often involving adventure, action, and suspense.
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Stakes are the significant consequences or what is at risk for the characters if they fail to achieve their goals.
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A romantic trope depicting lovers doomed by external forces or fate.
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A genre blending Victorian‑era aesthetics with retro‑futuristic steam‑powered technology.
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A story arc is the complete chronological journey of a story, encompassing the overarching changes in plot, characters, and theme from the beginning to the end.
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The essential moments that structure a narrative arc and maintain pacing.
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A story bible is a comprehensive reference document created by writers to maintain consistency in characters, settings, and plot across a long-form narrative.
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The story engine is the core, repeatable conflict or premise of a narrative that consistently generates new obstacles, scenes, and plot developments.
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The story spine is a narrative template that outlines a complete story arc in simple steps.
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The Story World is the complete and unique fictional reality in which a narrative unfolds, encompassing its physical laws, culture, history, and societal norms.
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A structural beat is the smallest unit of action and reaction in a story, representing a single, distinct moment of change or exchange between characters.
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A subplot is a secondary storyline that coexists with the main plot to deepen characters, explore themes, and add complexity to the narrative.
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Subtext is the unspoken meaning, emotion, or motive that lies beneath the surface of a character's dialogue and actions.
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A subtextual layer is the consistent and underlying stratum of unspoken themes, character motivations, and social commentary that enriches the entire narrative.
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A Sudden Skill Change is a narrative trope where a character unexpectedly acquires or reveals a new, often complex, skill with little to no explanation or training.
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A reality competition franchise where contestants endure challenges in remote locations.
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Film theory concept describing how editing binds viewers into the narrative world.
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The use of symbols to convey deeper meanings beyond the literal level.
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A synopsis is a concise summary of a film’s narrative and key elements.
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Syuzhet is a term from Russian Formalism that refers to the specific, artful arrangement of story events as they are presented to the audience in a narrative—in other words, the plot.
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