What is the term used to describe a problem or struggle in a story?

The term used to describe a problem or struggle in a story is "conflict." Conflict is a central element in narrative structure, as it creates tension and drives the plot forward. It represents the challenges that characters face, whether they are internal struggles within a character or external challenges that involve other characters or forces.

In literature, conflict can take various forms, such as man versus man, man versus nature, man versus society, or man versus self, each providing different opportunities for character development and thematic exploration. By establishing a conflict, the storyteller engages the reader and sets the stage for subsequent events, including the climax and resolution, ultimately leading to character growth and story development.