Reading Time: 3 minutesRHETORIC DEFINITION & MEANING Rhetoric is the art of persuasive communication—spoken or written—designed to influence, inform, or motivate. It appeals to logic (logos), emotion (pathos), and credibility (ethos). Originally developed in ancient Greece, rhetoric is still used in politics, advertising, law, media, and everyday conversation to shape opinion and move people to act. Where rhetoric… Continue reading What is Rhetoric? Definition, Types & Why It Shapes Every Argument
Screenwriting
Tips for screenwriters by screenwriters.
What is a Showrunner? Definition, Responsibilities & How They Shape a Series
Reading Time: 2 minutesSHOWRUNNER DEFINITION & MEANING A showrunner is the person with ultimate creative authority and managerial oversight on a television series. They typically come from the writers’ room and are responsible for story arcs, tone, staffing, budgets, schedules, and communication with the network or studio. The showrunner literally runs the show—balancing vision with execution. What does… Continue reading What is a Showrunner? Definition, Responsibilities & How They Shape a Series
Character Roles in Film & Literature: A Complete Guide.
Reading Time: 3 minutesStories are built around characters, each playing a unique role in shaping the narrative. While terms like protagonist, deuteragonist, and tritagonist describe a character’s importance, some stories categorize characters based on their function rather than their hierarchy. Understanding key character roles, from main characters to background figures, helps us appreciate how narratives are structured. Below… Continue reading Character Roles in Film & Literature: A Complete Guide.
Free Screenwriting Course
Reading Time: < 1 minuteWelcome to the FilmDaft Free Scriptwriting Course. In this course, you can learn the basics of screenplay writing. The course is divided into two sections: how to format your screenplay and writing tips (including analysis of examples from famous movies). After each lesson, you’ll be given a few questions as a fun test. Among things… Continue reading Free Screenwriting Course
What Is a Plot Twist? Definition, Types & Movie Examples
Reading Time: 4 minutesplot twist Definition & Meaning A plot twist is a plot device where an unexpected turn of events in a story challenges our assumptions and shifts the narrative in a new direction. It surprises us, subverts expectations, and often reframes the meaning of earlier events. A good plot twist doesn’t feel random—it’s carefully set up… Continue reading What Is a Plot Twist? Definition, Types & Movie Examples
What is a Plot Device? Definition & Examples
Reading Time: 3 minutesPlot Device Definition & Meaning A plot device is any element in a story—an object, character, event, or concept—that moves the plot forward. It’s like a tool you can use to get the story from point A to point B. Some plot devices are subtle and natural and blend seamlessly into the narrative, while others… Continue reading What is a Plot Device? Definition & Examples
What is a Plot Hole? Definition & Examples from Film
Reading Time: 6 minutesplot hole Definition & Meaning A plot hole is an inconsistency or gap in a storyline that contradicts a narrative’s established internal logic, rules, or characterization without explanation. The Three Types of Plot Holes Plot holes can occur in three ways: logical contradictions, character violations, and narrative inconsistencies in the plot. Below, you see some… Continue reading What is a Plot Hole? Definition & Examples from Film
What is Suspense in Film? Definition, Elements & Examples
Reading Time: 6 minutesSuspense Definition & Meaning Suspense is a literary or cinematic device that creates tension and uncertainty, keeping the audience anxious and eager to know what will happen next. Think of it as going up the hill on a roller coaster – the taller the hill, the bigger the build-up of the expected thrill of the… Continue reading What is Suspense in Film? Definition, Elements & Examples
How To Become A Screenwriter For TV
Reading Time: 13 minutesThere are many different avenues to becoming a television screenwriter. Still, the most straightforward are the following three methods: So, if you’re considering television writing as a career path, keep reading. It doesn’t matter if you’ve gone to film school or are a self-taught screenwriter. We’ll cover everything in more detail below. You might also… Continue reading How To Become A Screenwriter For TV
What is Verisimilitude in Film? Definition, Types & Examples.
Reading Time: 4 minutesVerisimilitude Definition & Meaning Verisimilitude (“similar to truth”) is the semblance and believability of reality within a fictional work. It is the quality that makes a narrative, whether in literature or film, appear true to life, believable, and convincing to the audience, even within fictional or fantastical contexts. Achieving verisimilitude involves consistent internal logic, relatable… Continue reading What is Verisimilitude in Film? Definition, Types & Examples.