👉 The term "stepstone" refers to a person or thing that is used as an intermediary between two more significant individuals, events, or objects. In many contexts, it can also refer to a physical structure such as a bridge or a pathway. For example, in literature and film, the stepstone could be a pivotal moment where a character's path changes dramatically, leading to a transformation or climax within the narrative. It could also represent a symbol of transition or change, such as a signpost