storyline
Tale's unfolding path
A storyline is the main sequence of events in a narrative—the plot of a novel, film, television series, or video game.
The term often implies a through-line that connects episodes or installments: The show's romantic storyline dragged on for three seasons.
In soap operas and serialized fiction, multiple storylines may run simultaneously.
Storyline or land parcel
- outlineSummary of key elements
- frameworkUnderlying support system
- sequenceOrdered succession of elements
- synopsisCondensed version of content
blueprint · skeleton · arc · narrative · structure · scenario · roadmap · layout
Highest or final point
- peakUtmost height attained
- turning pointDecisive moment of change
- resolutionFormal decision or determination
- finaleConcluding part of performance
denouement · showdown · crisis · payoff · revelation · confrontation · apex · conclusion
Central recurring concept
- settingContext of events
- charactersPersons in a narrative
- protagonistStory's central figure
- antagonistOne who opposes another
narrator · backstory · worldbuilding · prologue · epilogue · exposition · motif · tone
Overused, unoriginal expression
- archetypeOriginal model for copies
- tropeRecurring narrative device
- conventionAgreed standard of behavior
- formulaFixed method or notation
stock · motif · pattern · stereotype · familiar · recurring · predictable · overused
Unexpected event causing astonishment
- revelationSurprising disclosed truth
- plot twistSudden narrative redirection
- misdirectionIntentional focus manipulation
- red herringIntentional misleading distraction
subversion · shock · irony · foreshadowing · unexpected · deception · curveball · reversal
Progress toward maturity
- advancementForward movement or promotion
- evolutionSpecies changing over generations
- growthIncrease in size
- escalationProgressive increase in intensity
buildup · momentum · unfolding · flow · transition · continuation · deepening · elaboration
Stretched or strained state
- struggleLabored effort against resistance
- obstacleSomething blocking the way
- dilemmaForced choice between undesirables
- rivalryOngoing contest between opponents
confrontation · crisis · stakes · challenge · adversary · discord · friction · dispute
plot
Storyline or land parcel
- outlineSummary of key elements
- frameworkUnderlying support system
- sequenceOrdered succession of elements
synopsis · blueprint · skeleton · arc · narrative · structure · scenario · roadmap · layout · design
culmination
Highest or final point
- peakUtmost height attained
- turning pointDecisive moment of change
- resolutionFormal decision or determination
finale · denouement · showdown · crisis · payoff · revelation · confrontation · apex · conclusion · catharsis
theme
Central recurring concept
- settingContext of events
- charactersPersons in a narrative
- protagonistStory's central figure
antagonist · narrator · backstory · worldbuilding · prologue · epilogue · exposition · motif · tone · genre
cliché
Overused, unoriginal expression
- archetypeOriginal model for copies
- tropeRecurring narrative device
- conventionAgreed standard of behavior
formula · stock · motif · pattern · stereotype · familiar · recurring · predictable · overused · genre conventions
surprise
Unexpected event causing astonishment
- revelationSurprising disclosed truth
- plot twistSudden narrative redirection
- misdirectionIntentional focus manipulation
red herring · subversion · shock · irony · foreshadowing · unexpected · deception · curveball · reversal · betrayal
development
Progress toward maturity
- advancementForward movement or promotion
- evolutionSpecies changing over generations
- growthIncrease in size
escalation · buildup · momentum · unfolding · flow · transition · continuation · deepening · elaboration · emergence
tension
Stretched or strained state
- struggleLabored effort against resistance
- obstacleSomething blocking the way
- dilemmaForced choice between undesirables
rivalry · confrontation · crisis · stakes · challenge · adversary · discord · friction · dispute · jeopardy
conversation
Exchange of spoken ideas
- exchangeMutual giving and receiving
- banterPlayful, teasing exchange
- monologueUninterrupted solo address
soliloquy · voiceover · narration · exposition · subtext · repartee · quip · catchphrase · one-liner · aside
- TV dramaepisode, series, season, TV drama, drama series
- plotplot, subplot, climax, narrative, plot twist
- comicscomic books, comic book, comic strip, comic art, comic panel
- showbizHollywood, Bollywood, Tinseltown, backstage, behind the scenes
- linesstraight line, line, dotted line, dashed line, solid line
- Pro Wrestlingheel, WrestleMania, face turn, Royal Rumble, kayfabe
storylineplotlessness
Lack of narrative structure
randomness · formlessness · chaos · incoherence · non-narrative
storylinesetting
Context of events
theme · backdrop · characterization · atmosphere · mood