Plot is the backbone of any great story. But what is a plot exactly? In this guide, we’ll explore the plot definition, how it differs from a story, and the essential elements of a plot that make a narrative compelling. Whether you’re writing a novel, screenplay, or short story, understanding plot meaning and different plot types—from linear plots to nonlinear storytelling—is key to crafting unforgettable stories.
What is a Plot in Literature?
First, let’s define plot
The origins of plot in literature can be traced back to the Ancient world, in which storytellers connected story threads to build suspense and add nuance to their narratives.
Plot belongs to the school of structuralism, which is a contentious theory of interrelation that seeks to understand how humans make sense of the world; one way through which is stories. In this sense, narrative plot serves as a fundamental tool for organizing and interpreting events in storytelling.
In 335 BCE, Aristotle proposed that plot (mythos) is the "organization of incidents" in a story.
Poetics helped give plot meaning – it existed long before… but Aristotle’s text classified it as a structure of narrative interrelation. Now that we know where this concept of plot came from, let’s outline a plot definition!
PLOT DEFINITION
What is a plot?
A plot is a sequence of story events that are interrelated by cause and effect. Stories that do not have events with identifiable causality are typically regarded as “plotless.”
What is Plot? Key Elements
Let’s examine the elements of a plot
There are lots of different plot structures, but most share the elements outlined in Freytag’s Pyramid. What is Freytag’s Pyramid? Good question. Freytag’s Pyramid is a framework developed by German novelist Gustav Freytag that outlines a five-part structure for dramatic storytelling: which includes exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and dénouement. Let’s break down each plot element.
Freytag’s Pyramid
Exposition
Exposition is the backstory that explains the circumstances surrounding a film’s narrative.
Rising Action
Rising action is the sequence of events that builds interest, tension, and suspense.
Climax
The climax of the story is the point where the action crescendos, which usually results in the conclusion of the main conflict.
Falling Action
Falling action is the sequence of events that deal with the aftermath of the climax.
Dénouement
Dénouement is the resolution that gives final context to the narrative’s events.
The elements of Freytag’s Pyramid are intended only as a guideline. Remember: plot is a structuralist theory, not a law; give any two people a story and they’ll probably disagree on the diagnosis of the same plot lines. Stories that have inconsistencies between plot lines are considered to have plot holes.
While plot structures work in novels, they’re even more critical in screenwriting, where pacing and visual storytelling matter.
Christopher Nolan is known for his masterful use of the nonlinear plot, often structuring his films in a way that challenges traditional storytelling. Let’s break down an example using his film, Inception, with the Three-Act Structure:
- Act 1: Setup – Dom Cobb is introduced as a dream thief struggling with guilt.
- Act 2: Confrontation – He assembles a team for a high-stakes heist in a dream.
- Act 3: Resolution – Cobb faces his inner demons, leading to the famous ambiguous ending.
Understanding plot structure through films and TV can help screenwriters craft compelling narratives that grip audiences from start to finish.
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What is Plot vs Story?
Plot vs story differences explained
What are the differences between plot and story? Many writers use ‘plot’ and ‘story’ interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Understanding plot definition is key to distinguishing the two. The story is simply a sequence of events, while the plot is how those events are structured with cause and effect.
English novelist E.M. Forster explains it best:
- Story: “The king died, and then the queen died.”
- Plot: “The king died, and then the queen died of grief.”
In other words, a story is what happens, while a plot is why it happens. This distinction is crucial in writing because a well-structured plot keeps the audience engaged by building tension and resolution.
Both stories and plots feature sequences of events, but whereas the former need not interrelate, the latter do. A well-structured story plot ensures that events are connected through cause and effect, creating a more engaging and immersive experience for the audience.
More simply: stories can go from scene to scene even if they aren’t linked together, meanwhile, plots must be connected by cause and effect.
All plots are stories. But not all stories have plots.
A compelling plot in literature isn’t just about events—it’s about how those events change the characters and reinforce the story’s themes. Strong plots are intertwined with character arcs and deeper thematic meaning.
For example:
- In The Godfather, Michael Corleone’s arc from reluctant outsider to ruthless crime boss is reflected in the plot’s turning points.
- In Breaking Bad, Walter White’s descent into power mirrors the plot’s escalating conflicts.
Stories can feel flat and aimless without a strong connection between plot, character, and theme. By ensuring these elements work together, writers create narratives that resonate with audiences.
Plot Function & Purpose
Common plot structures
What is plot? A strong plot definition is essential for crafting engaging narratives. Writers have created frameworks for storytelling called plot structures. These frameworks help writers stay on a path of cause and effect that (ideally) resonates with audiences.
Three Act Structure
The most famous plot structure is the three act structure, which includes an easily identifiable beginning, middle, and end. For more on the three act structure, check out our video below.
Plot Examples: Three Act Structure Explained • Subscribe on YouTube
The three act structure has been used as a blueprint for prose, plays, and even poems. In recent history, it’s been repurposed by screenwriters; Syd Field famously cited the structure in his screenwriting book 1978 Screenplay as consisting of setup, confrontation, and resolution.
Save the Cat
Blake Snyder’s Save the Cat is a 2005 book that lays out a 15-step structure for screenwriting. Save the Cat beat sheet starts with the “opening image,” which is an introduction to the world, and ends with the “final image,” which is a snapshot of the world after the story’s events; sandwiched between are plot points that guide writers on a tried and true path of cause and effect.
In our next video, we apply Blake Snyder’s Save the Cat story structure to Interstellar.
Plot Examples: Save the Cat • Subscribe on YouTube
Those hoping to utilize Snyder’s structure can download a Save the Cat beat sheet; of course, the text itself remains one of the best screenwriting books and the primary guide to his teaching.
Pro Tip:
Use “Save the Cat” beats to guide your structure, ensuring pivotal moments land with impact.
The Hero’s Journey / The Story Circle
The Hero’s Journey is a plot structure from Joseph Campbell’s 1949 book The Hero With a Thousand Faces. The structure, which is also known as “the Monomyth,” is a theory of circular narratology that begins with a hero’s call to action and ends with their triumphant return.
Dan Harmon’s Story Circle is a contemporary adaptation of the Monomyth. In this next video, we examine how it works in The Dark Knight!
Plot Examples: Story Circle Explained • Subscribe on YouTube
The Story Circle is just eight steps: “You. Need. Go. Search. Find. Take. Return. Change.” Harmon kept things simple so that writers could master the basics.
Types of Plot: Linear & Nonlinear
What are the types of plot?
Plots are differentiated by genre, mood, and tone; they can be comedic, dramatic, or tragic, and they can be dark, light, or gray. A nonlinear plot, in particular, challenges traditional storytelling by presenting events out of chronological order, often using flashbacks, multiple perspectives, or parallel storylines to create a unique narrative experience.
However, they can also be typified by tropes and cliches: battle-tested structures of interrelated story events.
English author Christopher Booker proposed a classification for different types of plot in his 2004 book The Seven Basic Plots: Why We Tell Stories.
Let’s break down a few!
Overcoming the Monster
The protagonist vies to defeat an evil villain, whether they be a literal or metaphorical monster.
Examples: Beowulf, Jaws, Godzilla
Rags to Riches
The protagonist goes from poor to wealthy, but usually learns life’s not all about money.
Examples: Great Expectations, The Jerk, There Will Be Blood
Voyage and Return
The protagonist travels to a “new world” and goes home changed forever.
Examples: The Hobbit, The Wizard of Oz, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
These are just some types of plot, there are many more!
Don’t forget: a plot is a series of interrelated story events that are linked by cause and effect.
Plot Structure & Types
A step-by-step guide
Great stories don’t just happen—they are carefully crafted. But what is plot, exactly? Whether you’re writing a novel, screenplay, or short story, understanding what a plot is and how to structure it effectively is essential for keeping your audience engaged. Understanding plot vs story is essential when crafting a compelling narrative. A compelling narrative plot isn’t just a series of events; it’s a carefully arranged sequence where each moment builds upon the last, driven by cause and effect.
In this guide, we’ll break down the elements of plot, explore different plot types, and provide a step-by-step approach to crafting a narrative that captivates readers. Whether you’re working with a linear plot, experimenting with a nonlinear plot, or following a classic structure like the Three-Act Structure or Hero’s Journey, these techniques will help you shape a strong, cohesive story.
- Start with a Premise – What is the core conflict of your story?
- Define the Stakes – Why should the audience care?
- Outline Key Events – Use the Three-Act Structure or The Hero’s Journey to organize events logically.
- Ensure Cause and Effect – Every event should influence the next to maintain tension.
- Create a Satisfying Resolution – How does the ending resolve the main conflict?
A well-structured plot is the backbone of any compelling story. Whether you’re writing a novel, screenplay, or short story, understanding the elements of plot and how they connect through cause and effect will help you create narratives that captivate your audience.
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What is a Plot Used For?
How to use plot devices
A plot device is anything that moves the story forward.
One plot device writers employ is the MacGuffin, which is an item or idea that moves the action forward but is otherwise unimportant.
Another popular plot device writers employ is the Red Herring, which is an item or idea that purposely misleads the character and or the audience.
Perhaps the most ironic plot device is the flashback, which turns back the clock in order to move things ahead. If you’re wondering how to write a flashback in a script, ponder no longer. We imported the Moneyball script into StudioBinder’s screenwriting software to break down how it’s done.
Moneyball establishes Billy Beane as an executive who doesn’t trust scouts. Writers Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin juxtapose this premise with a flashback that explains why.
What is a Plot? • Short Examples of Plot Devices in the Moneyball Script PDF
It’s fair to say that Billy doesn’t trust scouts because they wrongly predicted he would be a star; he was a first-round pick out of high school, but never lived up to the hype. This example is an expert example of a flashback that explains why a character is the way they are, which effectively moves the story forward.
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Interactive Writing Exercises
Strengthening your plot skills
Understanding what a plot is and how it functions is one thing—applying that knowledge is another. The best way to master plot structure is through hands-on practice. Whether you’re crafting a linear plot, experimenting with nonlinear storytelling, or refining your story plot, these exercises will help you develop stronger narratives with clear cause and effect.
Try these interactive prompts to sharpen your plotting skills:
1. Rearrange this plot
Take the following scrambled sequence of events and put them in a logical, causally linked order:
- A detective discovers a crucial clue.
- The villain is revealed.
- The detective is assigned to a case.
- A witness goes missing.
- A shocking twist changes everything.
By arranging these events in a way that makes sense, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how plot elements connect to create a compelling narrative.
2. 10-minute plot challenge
Start with these three elements:
- A character (an ambitious journalist).
- A goal (uncovering a corporate scandal).
- A conflict (the journalist’s past being exposed in the process).
In just 10 minutes, outline a basic Three-Act Structure for this story. This challenge helps you practice structuring plots quickly and effectively.
3. Plot twist experiment
Take a well-known story and rewrite the climax to create a surprising but logical twist. For example:
- What if The Lion King ended with Scar convincing Simba that Mufasa’s death was just an accident?
- What if Titanic revealed that Jack was a conman manipulating Rose?
By altering key moments while keeping them believable, you’ll learn how to craft engaging and unexpected plot twists that enhance your story plot, making it more dynamic and compelling.
Final thoughts on writing exercises
Great plots don’t happen by accident—they are carefully designed. Practicing plot development through structured exercises like these will help you internalize narrative plot techniques, making it easier to craft compelling stories. Try these prompts, tweak them for your writing style, and watch your plotting skills grow!
UP NEXT
What is a Plot Twist?
Now that we know what a plot is, let’s answer the question “What is a plot twist?” Follow along as we break down examples from Memento, The Sixth Sense, and more. By the end, you’ll know what a plot twist is, as well as its different types: the classic twist, the mid twist, and the double twist!
