Screenwriting Glossary

The transition point between acts in a screenplay, typically marked by a significant plot point or turning point.

Descriptive text in a screenplay written in present tense that conveys what the audience sees and hears on screen.

The character, force, or obstacle that opposes the protagonist and creates the central conflict of the story.

The smallest unit of dramatic change in a scene, representing a shift in emotion, information, or power dynamics.

A structural outline listing the key story events in sequence, serving as a roadmap for the screenplay.

The internal transformation a character undergoes as a result of the events of the story.

The point of highest dramatic tension where the central conflict reaches its peak and is resolved.

A scene that opens a television episode before the title sequence, designed to immediately hook the audience.

A written evaluation of a screenplay by a reader, typically including a synopsis, comments on strengths and weaknesses, and a recommendation.

The final section of a screenplay after the climax, where remaining plot threads are resolved and the new status quo is established.

The spoken words of characters in a screenplay, formatted beneath the character's name in a centered column.

A version of a screenplay in progress. Scripts typically go through multiple drafts during the writing and development process.

Information the audience needs to understand the story, characters, and world. Effective exposition is woven naturally into scenes rather than delivered as obvious explanation.

The event that disrupts the protagonist's ordinary world and launches the central conflict of the screenplay.

A concise one- or two-sentence summary capturing the protagonist, conflict, and stakes of a screenplay.

A significant turning point in the middle of Act II that raises stakes or shifts the protagonist's strategy.

A series of brief shots or scenes condensing time, showing development, or illustrating a theme through visual juxtaposition.

A brief instruction in parentheses placed between a character name and their dialogue line, indicating tone or action.

A verbal or written presentation of a screenplay idea to producers, executives, or agents with the goal of selling or developing the project.

A significant event that spins the story in a new direction, typically occurring at the end of Act I and Act II in Syd Field's paradigm.

The central character whose pursuit of a goal drives the story forward. The protagonist's choices and actions shape the narrative.

The scene heading formatted as INT. or EXT., followed by the location and time of day, establishing the setting of each scene.

A screenplay written on speculation without a prior sale or commission, used to demonstrate the writer's talent.

The implied or underlying meaning beneath what characters say and do, creating layers of meaning beyond the literal dialogue.

A prose narrative document that tells the story of a screenplay in present tense without dialogue formatting, used for pitching.