Final answer:
The problem of the plot in a short story is called conflict, which includes internal or external struggles faced by the main character and drives the narrative forward.
Step-by-step explanation:
The problem of the plot in a short story is also known as conflict. Conflict is essentially the heart of a short story and is intimately related to the main character. It embodies the struggles within the story, which can be internal, such as a character grappling with emotional or psychological issues, or external, such as a character facing obstacles in their environment or conflicts with other characters. By examining the conflict, we can identify the protagonist, or main character, as well as the antagonist, which is the opposing force or character in the story. The interaction between these elements creates the tension that drives the narrative forward towards the climax, which is the moment of greatest tension or a turning point in the plot.