Very vague idea of what it is I'm thinking of... but what's the word for when during a story/film there's a twist or something like that, normally in dramas and I think the characters have to overcome it.
I don't think the word is exposition but that's all I can think of.
Sorry, it's late and I'm talking crazy.
It's certainly not exposition, Leevil. End of first act dilemma, perhaps? Aim resolution, possibly? Path to the denouement even?
Good luck!
the inciting incident? Although this usually happens early on.
Quote: Leevil @ February 15 2009, 2:43 AM GMTVery vague idea of what it is I'm thinking of... but what's the word for when during a story/film there's a twist or something like that, normally in dramas and I think the characters have to overcome it.
I don't think the word is exposition but that's all I can think of.
Sorry, it's late and I'm talking crazy.
What character's have to overcome is conflict, which can be inner emotional conflict or outer physical conflict, the canny writer combines the two. What decisions are made therefore define who your characters are and what your story is. This is drama.
denouement?
Quote: jdubya @ February 15 2009, 10:34 AM GMTdenouement?
You're a denouement.
Thanks all. I suppose the word is denouement, although I've never heard of it before. Nice to learn a new word anyway, hope it doesn't push an old one out.
Isn't the denouement the conclusion? From your original post Leevil, this doesn't sound like what you meant.
Denouement
Don't think it's that really Lee
Yer denouement, as far as I always believed, is the culmination of the story / stories. How it/ they pan out in the end etc. etc.
I may of course be wrong but the definition for denouement I have is:
1.
a. The final resolution or clarification of a dramatic or narrative plot.
b. The events following the climax of a drama or novel in which such a resolution or clarification takes place.
2. The outcome of a sequence of events; the end result.
I was happy to accept that word though, as it's been bugging me all night lol 
If you can find the word, then please do but for now, my mind can rest.
Quote: Leevil @ February 15 2009, 1:32 PM GMTI was happy to accept that word though, as it's been bugging me all night lol
I think the word for that is denial.
I think you'll find the denial is in fact a river Nothing to do with writing.
LOL.
Ok, here's why I wanted to know this word. I was having a conversation about writing stories and films and I used Trans-America as an example...
*spoiler warning*
Throughout the film the son character is unaware that the woman he is with, is actually his dad. About 3/4 way through of the film I think, it's revealed, so now the two characters deal with that. I don't think that's a twist (cos the audience already knew) so what is it?
Quote my post, if you can't read that.
Quote: Leevil @ February 15 2009, 2:43 AM GMTVery vague idea of what it is I'm thinking of... but what's the word for when during a story/film there's a twist or something like that, normally in dramas and I think the characters have to overcome it.
I don't think the word is exposition but that's all I can think of.
Sorry, it's late and I'm talking crazy.
What you have to overcome is conflict as I said above, the other word you are probaly looking for is revelation, or reveal, which usually also acts as a reversal.
Obstacle ?