This glossary accompanies the Storytelling Course and contains terminology appearing within the course materials. Definitions have been standardised using an educational filmmaking framework and organised by subject area.
Character
The central person or subject whose actions, goals and experiences drive the narrative.
Goal
The objective a character seeks to achieve within a story.
Obstacle
Any internal or external challenge that prevents a character from reaching a goal.
Conflict
The tension created by opposing forces, challenges or desires within a narrative.
Change
The transformation in a character, situation or perspective that occurs during a story.
Narrative
A structured presentation of events arranged to create meaning and emotional impact.
Story Structure
The organisational framework used to shape a narrative.
3-Act Structure
A storytelling model consisting of setup, confrontation and resolution.
Act 1 (Setup)
The opening section introducing the world, characters and central goal.
Act 2 (Confrontation)
The middle section where challenges escalate and conflict develops.
Act 3 (Resolution)
The concluding section where conflict reaches its climax and is resolved.
Climax
The moment of highest tension or dramatic intensity in a story.
Resolution
The outcome of the story following the climax.
Hook
An opening element designed to capture audience attention quickly.
Stakes
The consequences or risks associated with success or failure in a story.
Internal Conflict
A psychological or emotional struggle experienced by a character.
Events
Occurrences that take place before being shaped into a narrative.
Framing
The process of selecting and arranging visual elements within the boundaries of a shot.
Wide Shot
A shot that shows a subject within a broad environment or context.
Establishing Shot
A wide shot used to introduce a location and provide context.
Close-Up
A tightly framed shot that emphasises detail or emotion.
Point of View (POV)
A shot that presents the scene from a character's perspective.
High Angle
A camera angle looking down on a subject.
Low Angle
A camera angle looking up at a subject.
Eye Level
A neutral camera position aligned with the subject’s eye line.
Composition
The arrangement of visual elements within a frame.
Rule of Thirds
A compositional guideline that divides the frame into nine equal sections.
Focus
The degree of visual sharpness used to direct audience attention.
Foreground
Elements positioned closest to the camera.
Background
Elements located behind the primary subject.
Movement
Intentional camera motion used to communicate emotion or information.
Pan
Horizontal camera movement from a fixed position.
Tilt
Vertical camera movement from a fixed position.
Tracking Shot
A moving shot that follows a subject through space.
Handheld Shot
A shot captured without camera stabilisation.
Zoom
A change in focal length that alters the apparent size of a subject.
Dolly Zoom
A camera effect combining movement and zoom to distort perspective.
Visual Symbolism
The use of visual elements to represent larger ideas or themes.
Visual Metaphor
An image used to represent an abstract concept or emotion.
Storyboard
A visual planning document showing a sequence of shots.
Shot Planning
The process of designing and organising shots before filming.
Editing
The process of selecting, arranging and refining recorded footage.
Post-Production
All work undertaken after filming has been completed.
Kuleshov Effect
The principle that audiences derive meaning from the relationship between consecutive shots.
Montage
A sequence of shots arranged to create meaning or condense time.
Shot Order
The arrangement of shots within a sequence.
Pacing
The rhythm created through shot duration and editing decisions.
Continuity Editing
An editing approach designed to create a seamless viewing experience.
Contrast Editing
Editing that uses strong visual or emotional differences between shots.
Match Cut
A transition linking two visually similar shots.
Eyeline Match
A continuity technique showing what a character is looking at.
180° Rule
A guideline that maintains consistent screen direction between shots.
Smash Cut
An abrupt transition between contrasting scenes or moments.
Transition
A method used to move from one shot or scene to another.
Sequence
A group of related shots that together communicate a complete action or idea.
Timeline
The workspace where clips are arranged during editing.
Dialogue
Spoken words performed by characters within a scene.
Narration
A spoken commentary that guides the audience through a story.
Voiceover
Recorded speech added over visual content.
Sound Effects (SFX)
Artificially added or enhanced sounds supporting the action.
Foley
Custom-recorded sound effects synchronised with on-screen actions.
Music
Audio used to establish mood, emotion or atmosphere.
Silence
The intentional absence of sound for dramatic effect.
Ambient Sound
Natural environmental sound that contributes realism and atmosphere.
Filming
The process of capturing moving images using a camera.
Screening
The presentation of a completed audio visual work to an audience.
Audience Perspective
The way viewers interpret, understand and emotionally respond to a story.