In a short story, the problem that moves the story forward is known as the conflict. The conflict is a literary element that creates tension and drives the plot. It introduces obstacles or challenges for the protagonist to overcome or resolve. There are typically two types of conflict: external and internal. External conflict involves a struggle between the protagonist and an external force, such as another character, society, or nature. Internal conflict, on the other hand, is a psychological or emotional struggle within the protagonist's mind. The resolution of the conflict often leads to the resolution of the story.
