noun / verb
plot
PLAHT/plɑːt/
The planned sequence of events in a story.
The story's plot follows a mouse finding a key and freeing a captive companion.
Etymology
From a defined piece of ground, plot developed the sense of a ground plan, then a scheme—probably influenced by complot, “combined plan.” The story sense applies this idea of a plan to its events.
In context
the twists and the turns of the plot, helping us to see that bigger picture
More examples
- A sudden betrayal changes the plot halfway through the movie.
- She plots each chapter before she starts writing.
- We plotted the ending first, then worked backward.
Forms
plot · plots · plotted · plotting
subplot noun — A secondary sequence of events in fiction.
Similar words
- storyline
- Emphasizes the thread of events rather than their arrangement.
- narrative
- Includes how a story is told, not just its events.