What refers to the main struggles or conflicts faced by the characters in a story?

The term that refers to the main struggles or conflicts faced by the characters in a story is conflict. Conflict is a critical element of storytelling, as it drives the plot and character development. It can take various forms, including internal conflicts (struggles within a character) and external conflicts (struggles between characters or between a character and external forces).

Understanding conflict helps readers grasp the challenges characters face and the actions they take in response. It creates tension and engages the audience, as they become invested in how these conflicts will be resolved throughout the narrative. In literature, conflict is essential for building a compelling story, as it often leads to growth and change in characters, enhancing themes and overall storytelling.

In contrast, theme refers to the underlying message or central idea explored throughout the story, while setting pertains to the time and place in which the story occurs. Narrative describes the way a story is told, including its structure and style. While these elements are crucial to literature, they do not directly encompass the struggles faced by characters like conflict does.