what a character, usually the protagonist, stands to gain or lose as a result of his actions. Issues at stake provide motivation for the characters and may be of a psychological and/or unconscious nature. The intensity of the stake largely determines the degree of identification [and suspense] with which the spectator follows the protagonist's story. (Lavandier, 2005)
that which is placed at hazard; esp. a sum of money or other valuable commodity deposited or guaranteed, to be taken by the winner of a game, race, contest, etc., mängu pandud summa
stake 1 . Filmikunsti terminibaas Filmterm. Eesti Keele Instituut, Sõnaveeb 2026. https://sonaveeb.ee/search/unif//fkm/stake/1/eng (19.06.2026)