What is the correct term for the main character's journey or struggle throughout a story?

The main character's journey or struggle throughout a story is best described by the term "conflict." Conflict refers to the central challenge or problem that the character faces, which drives the narrative and shapes their development. It is essential in storytelling because it creates tension and engages the reader, often leading to character growth or resolution by the end of the story.

While "theme" refers to the underlying message or main idea of the narrative and "plot" outlines the sequence of events that make up the story, conflict specifically highlights the obstacles or struggles that the protagonist experiences. "Characterization" involves the techniques used to develop characters and convey their personalities, but it does not encompass the journey or struggles in the same way that conflict does. Thus, conflict is the most accurate term to denote the main character’s journey or struggle in a story.