linear plot
Story without flashbacks
A linear plot unfolds chronologically, with events following one another in time sequence from beginning to end.
This is the most traditional narrative structure—The novel's linear plot traces three generations of the family.
Contrast with nonlinear plots that use flashbacks, flash-forwards, or fragmented timelines.
- straightforwardClear and uncomplicated
- narrativeAccount of events
- chronologicalOrdered by time
- in orderArranged as intended
- sequenceOrdered succession of elements
storyline · beginning · middle · end · trajectory · story arc · arc · timeline · sequential · progression · forward · simple · direct · easy to follow · uncomplicated · traditional · classic · structure
- plotstoryline, subplot, climax, narrative, rising action
- plot elementsprotagonist, antagonist, subplot, conflict, climax
- narrationfirst person, second person, third person, voice-over, narrator
- realismrealism, representational, figurative, naturalism, realist art
linear plotnonlinear plot
Story with rearranged timeline
fragmented narrative · reverse chronology · in medias res · non-linear narrative · time jumps
linear, plot, line, lines, lined, lining, liner, lineage, lineal