Act StructureThe organizational framework of a story, typically divided into three acts: setup, confrontation, and resolution. Screenplays and stage plays rely heavily on act structure for pacing.AntagonistA character or force that opposes the protagonist. Not always a villain; an antagonist can be a societal norm, an internal struggle, or a well-meaning character with conflicting goals.ArcThe transformation a character undergoes over the course of a story. A flat arc means the character remains unchanged; a positive arc shows growth; a negative arc shows decline.BeatThe smallest unit of story structure. A beat is a single moment of change in a scene, where a character's emotional state shifts. In screenwriting, a "beat sheet" outlines every key moment.Character BibleA comprehensive reference document detailing everything about a character: backstory, motivations, speech patterns, physical traits, relationships, and internal contradictions.ContinuityThe consistency of story elements across a manuscript. Includes character details, timeline accuracy, setting descriptions, and factual references remaining consistent chapter to chapter.Developmental EditingHigh-level editing focused on story structure, character arcs, pacing, and thematic coherence rather than line-level grammar. Also called substantive or structural editing.Dialogue TagThe attribution phrase identifying a speaker. "Said" is invisible to most readers; creative dialogue tags ("exclaimed," "muttered") should be used sparingly and intentionally.DraftA complete version of a manuscript at a specific stage. First drafts prioritize getting words on the page; subsequent drafts focus on structure, voice, and polish.E-E-A-TExperience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. Google's framework for evaluating content quality. Strong E-E-A-T signals include author bios, cited sources, and demonstrated expertise.ExpositionBackground information the reader needs to understand the story. Skilled writers weave exposition into action and dialogue rather than dumping it in paragraphs.FountainA plain text markup language for screenwriting. Fountain files (.fountain) can be converted to industry-standard screenplay PDF format while remaining human-readable.Genre ConventionThe expected tropes, structures, and reader promises within a specific genre. Romance readers expect an emotionally satisfying ending; thriller readers expect escalating tension.Ghost WritingWriting on behalf of another person who is credited as the author. Common in memoir, business books, and celebrity publications.Internal MonologueA character's private thoughts presented to the reader. Can be rendered in italics, third person deep POV, or stream of consciousness depending on the narrative style.Literary FictionFiction that prioritizes style, character, and thematic exploration over plot-driven entertainment. Often features ambiguous endings and moral complexity.ManuscriptThe complete text of a book, screenplay, or other written work before publication. Industry standard formatting varies by genre.MemoirA form of autobiography focused on a specific theme, period, or emotional journey rather than a comprehensive life story. Written in the author's authentic voice.PacingThe speed at which a story unfolds. Controlled through sentence length, scene duration, chapter breaks, and the balance between action, dialogue, and reflection.Point of View (POV)The perspective from which a story is told. First person (I), second person (you), third person limited (one character's perspective), or third person omniscient (all-knowing narrator).Prose StyleThe distinctive way an author arranges words, sentences, and paragraphs. Includes vocabulary choices, sentence rhythm, use of figurative language, and overall voice.Query LetterA one-page pitch sent to literary agents or publishers. Includes a hook, brief synopsis, comparable titles, and author bio.SceneA unit of storytelling that takes place in a continuous time and location. Each scene should have a purpose: advance plot, reveal character, or raise stakes.Show, Don't TellThe principle of conveying information through action, dialogue, and sensory detail rather than direct statement. "She was angry" (tell) vs. "She slammed the door" (show).Slug LineIn screenwriting, the header of each scene indicating interior/exterior, location, and time of day. Example: INT. COFFEE SHOP - NIGHTStoryboardA visual sequence of panels depicting key moments in a story. Essential for comics, graphic novels, and children's picture books.SubtextThe meaning beneath the surface of dialogue or action. What characters imply but do not directly say. Strong subtext creates tension and depth.TeleplayA script written for television. Differs from screenplays in structure (act breaks for commercials), pacing, and the assumption of episodic storytelling.VoiceThe distinctive personality and style of a piece of writing. Includes the author's natural tendencies in word choice, rhythm, humor, and perspective.World BuildingThe process of creating a fictional universe with consistent rules, geography, cultures, and histories. Essential for fantasy, science fiction, and speculative fiction.