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Literature vocabulary · Plot and Structure

Plot

Meaning in literature, with examples

/plɒt/nounCore term

In literature, plot means: The series of connected events in a story and the way the writer arranges them, especially how one event causes another.

In Turkish: olay örgüsü, kurgu, olaylar dizisi

How it is used

One of the first terms in any analysis. Readers summarize the plot, critics call it simple, complex, gripping or predictable, and reviewers warn about spoilers before revealing it. E. M. Forster famously separated story (events in time order) from plot (events linked by cause).

Example sentences

  1. The plot is quite simple, but the characters are drawn with great depth.

  2. Please don't summarize the whole plot in your essay; focus on two key scenes.

Common collocations

  • summarize the plot
  • plot twist
  • complex plot
  • the plot revolves around
  • main plot
  • subplotA secondary story that runs alongside the main plot, often involving minor characters, and that supports or contrasts with the main story.
  • conflictThe struggle between opposing forces in a story, such as two characters, a character and society, or a character and their own desires, which drives the plot.
  • climaxThe most intense and important moment of a story, when the main conflict reaches its turning point and the outcome is decided.
  • expositionThe opening part of a story or play that introduces the characters, setting and background information the reader needs to follow the plot.
  • rising actionThe part of a plot after the exposition in which complications and tension build up step by step toward the climax.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Plot and Structure

Practise with graded reading

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