plot-driven
Story propels everything
Plot-driven describes storytelling where events and action propel the narrative forward, as opposed to character development or thematic exploration.
In a plot-driven novel, what happens matters more than who it happens to: The thriller was pure plot-driven entertainment—one cliffhanger after another.
The term sometimes carries a faint dismissiveness, suggesting shallow characterization sacrificed for momentum.
Sequence of fictional events
- actionProcess of doing
- pacingRate of movement
- suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes
- thrillerSuspense-driven narrative genre
cliffhanger · twists · momentum · page-turner · events · conflict · tension · adventure
Arrangement of interconnected parts
- outlineSummary of key elements
- beatsPulses or defeats
- three-actDivided into trio
- arcCurved line segment
setup · climax · denouement · foreshadowing · reveal · setpiece · MacGuffin · checklist
Paid broadcast promotion
- bestsellerHigh-volume publication
- pulpSoft wet mass
- potboilerWork made for money
- blockbusterEnormously successful entertainment property
entertainment · accessible · mainstream · formula · hooks · serialized · episodic · binge-worthy
storyline
Sequence of fictional events
thriller · cliffhanger · twists · momentum · page-turner · events · conflict · tension · adventure · stakes
structure
Arrangement of interconnected parts
arc · setup · climax · denouement · foreshadowing · reveal · setpiece · MacGuffin · checklist · blueprint
commercial
Paid broadcast promotion
- bestsellerHigh-volume publication
- pulpSoft wet mass
- potboilerWork made for money
blockbuster · entertainment · accessible · mainstream · formula · hooks · serialized · episodic · binge-worthy · compelling
plot-drivencharacter-driven
Led by personalities, not events
character-based · introspective · psychological · dialogue-driven · internal
plot-drivenmeandering
Following a winding course
slow-paced · episodic · languid · plotless · aimless