plotline
Sequence of events
A plotline is the sequence of events that forms a story's narrative structure.
Complex works may have multiple plotlines running in parallel—a main plot and several subplots that intersect or remain separate: The novel weaves together three plotlines across different generations.
Also written as two words: plot line.
Systematic explanatory presentation
- rising actionPlot buildup toward climax
- falling actionPost-climax narrative decline
- denouementStory's final unraveling
- prologueIntroductory literary section
epilogue · inciting incident · backstory · foreshadowing · pacing · act · chapter · scene
Story's central figure
- antagonistOne who opposes another
- conflictOpposition between parties
- themeCentral recurring concept
- motifRecurring thematic element
setting · dialogue · narrator · perspective · tone · characterization · motivation · stakes
Utmost height attained
- culminationHighest or final point
- showdownDecisive final confrontation
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
- crisisDecisive dangerous moment
turning point · apex · pinnacle · highpoint · resolution · payoff · moment of truth · breaking point
Stretched or strained state
- cliffhangerSuspenseful unresolved ending
- mysterySomething unexplained or unknown
- intrigueSecret plotting or fascination
- anticipationState of awaiting something
foreboding · dread · uncertainty · peril · jeopardy · ominous · teaser · unpredictable
Surprising disclosed truth
- surpriseUnexpected event causing astonishment
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
- turnaboutComplete change of direction
- misdirectionIntentional focus manipulation
red herring · subversion · curveball · bombshell · swerve · game-changer · unexpected · double-cross
exposition
Systematic explanatory presentation
- rising actionPlot buildup toward climax
- falling actionPost-climax narrative decline
- denouementStory's final unraveling
prologue · epilogue · inciting incident · backstory · foreshadowing · pacing · act · chapter · scene · setup
protagonist
Story's central figure
- antagonistOne who opposes another
- conflictOpposition between parties
- themeCentral recurring concept
motif · setting · dialogue · narrator · perspective · tone · characterization · motivation · stakes · obstacle
peak
Utmost height attained
- culminationHighest or final point
- showdownDecisive final confrontation
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
crisis · turning point · apex · pinnacle · highpoint · resolution · payoff · moment of truth · breaking point · decisive moment
tension
Stretched or strained state
- cliffhangerSuspenseful unresolved ending
- mysterySomething unexplained or unknown
- intrigueSecret plotting or fascination
anticipation · foreboding · dread · uncertainty · peril · jeopardy · ominous · teaser · unpredictable · buildup
revelation
Surprising disclosed truth
- surpriseUnexpected event causing astonishment
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
- turnaboutComplete change of direction
misdirection · red herring · subversion · curveball · bombshell · swerve · game-changer · unexpected · double-cross · unreliable narrator
trajectory
Path of moving object
- progressionSequential forward movement
- journeyTravel from place to place
- evolutionSpecies changing over generations
transformation · path · sequence · unfolding · rise · fall · curve · flow · shift · transition
plotlinesetting
Context of events
backdrop · atmosphere · mood · characterization · character development
plotlinevignette
Brief evocative description
setting · slice of life · backdrop · stream of consciousness · atmosphere
plotlineplotlessness
Lack of narrative structure
incoherence · randomness · formlessness · aimlessness · anti-narrative