In a short story the problem that is that moves the action of the story toward is known as the

conflict.

The problem that moves the action of the story forward is known as the "conflict." The conflict is the central struggle or issue that the main characters face, and it drives the plot of the story. There are different types of conflicts, such as internal conflicts (within a character's mind or emotions) and external conflicts (between characters or with the environment). The conflict often creates tension, challenges, and obstacles for the characters, and it propels the story forward as the characters attempt to resolve it.