plot line
Tale's through thread
A plot line is the sequence of events that forms a story's narrative structure—what happens and in what order.
The term emphasizes story as a connected thread: The main plot line follows the detective, while a subplot tracks the killer.
Complex narratives may weave multiple plot lines together.
Curved line segment
- narrative arcStory's overall shape
- story arcNarrative's overall shape
- subplotSubordinate narrative strand
- narrative threadContinuous plot element
framework · exposition · rising action · falling action · resolution · denouement · beginning · middle
Anxious uncertainty about outcomes
- anticipationState of awaiting something
- conflictOpposition between parties
- stakesPosts or wagers
- cliffhangerSuspenseful unresolved ending
twist · complication · obstacle · red herring · foreshadowing · dramatic irony · uncertainty · buildup
Decisive moment of change
- culminationHighest or final point
- peakUtmost height attained
- showdownDecisive final confrontation
- finaleConcluding part of performance
high point · crisis · confrontation · pivotal moment · breaking point · moment of truth · apex · watershed
arc
Curved line segment
- narrative arcStory's overall shape
- story arcNarrative's overall shape
- subplotSubordinate narrative strand
narrative thread · framework · exposition · rising action · falling action · resolution · denouement · beginning · middle · end
suspense
Anxious uncertainty about outcomes
- anticipationState of awaiting something
- conflictOpposition between parties
- stakesPosts or wagers
cliffhanger · twist · complication · obstacle · red herring · foreshadowing · dramatic irony · uncertainty · buildup · mystery
turning point
Decisive moment of change
- culminationHighest or final point
- peakUtmost height attained
- showdownDecisive final confrontation
finale · high point · crisis · confrontation · pivotal moment · breaking point · moment of truth · apex · watershed · flashpoint
plot linecharacter development
Protagonist's psychological growth
characterization · character study · character arc · setting · atmosphere
plot lineplotlessness
Lack of narrative structure
incoherence · formlessness · randomness · aimlessness · meandering
plot linereal life
Existence beyond imagination
reality · lived experience · documentary · nonfiction · history