Story Development

Learn how to create a compelling antagonist that challenges your hero and drives your story forward. Explore tips, traits, and examples.

What is external conflict? Learn the definition, see key examples from film, and discover how to use it to create compelling tension in your screenplay.

Have you ever noticed how certain story elements seem to pop up again and again in movies? The quirky side-kick. The final face-off between hero and villain. The climactic race …

If you’re an aspiring screenwriter trying to break into the industry, you’ve likely heard the term “script coverage” before. But what exactly is script coverage and why does it matter? …

A short history of the stock character and how writers can still use them today to help develop their stories.

To quote Robert McKee, “When the protagonist steps out of the Inciting Incident, he enters a world governed by the Law of Conflict. To wit: Nothing moves forward in a …

What is the Iceberg Theory? Learn how Hemingway’s storytelling technique shapes powerful, subtext-driven narratives.

Confused about story vs. plot? Learn the difference, why both matter in screenwriting, and how to use them together to craft powerful scripts.

What makes a story tick? Uncover the significance of story beats, see them in action, and get tips on weaving them into your own tales

Unlock endless storytelling potential with 999 unique short story ideas from Celtx, AND how to use them. Let’s get those creative juices flowing!