In a short story, the problem that moves the action of the story ford is known as the
"conflict" or "central conflict."
The problem that moves the action of a short story forward is known as the conflict. Conflict refers to the struggle or clash between opposing forces or characters in a story. It creates tension, drives the plot, and keeps readers engaged. There are typically four main types of conflict in literature:
1. Man vs. Self: The protagonist faces an internal conflict, often involving their own emotions, doubts, or moral dilemmas.
2. Man vs. Man: The protagonist is in conflict with another character, such as a rival, enemy, or antagonist.
3. Man vs. Nature: The protagonist struggles against the forces of nature, be it physical elements like a storm or wild animal, or natural phenomena like disease or disaster.
4. Man vs. Society: The protagonist battles against the established norms, beliefs, or systems of a society.
The specific conflict in a short story will depend on the plot and the characters involved. It is the primary driving force behind the story's events and resolution.