The main idea.
alkaline
Synonyms for a situation are circumstance, position, or scenario.
Tragedy
A Dilema or a predicamant
plight
Anecdote is an interesting or amusing story.
Frame story - such as 'Heart of Darkness'.
Autobiography
Avoid the negativity of the word problem with the word situation. As in: there is not a problem to be solved so much as there is a situation that needs to be dealt with.
episode
There are several meanings of the word story. This word can mean a literary work or book. It can also mean a level within a building. Another word for story such as that of a literary work is tale, narrative, or fairy tale. Another word for story meaning level of a building could be floor, level, landing, tier, or section.
Another word for simpler is easier. You could also use a phrase such as 'easier to understand', or just basic.