Bathos refers to an attempt to create a serious or grand effect that ends up being overly sentimental, trivial, or humorous, often because it falls short of its intended impact. It occurs when something is presented with great seriousness or emotion, but the result is unexpectedly comical or unremarkable. For example, if a poem starts with grand, dramatic imagery but ends with an ordinary, mundane detail, the sudden shift can be amusing and diminish the poem’s intended depth or significance.

What is "bathos"?

bathos

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A climax is the most intense or crucial moment in a story, play, or film where the central conflict reaches its peak. It is the point of highest tension and drama, often leading to a turning point or major change in the narrative. The climax is crucial for resolving the main conflict and setting up the subsequent events that lead to the resolution of the story.

What is a "climax"?

climax

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Chekhov's gun is a principle in storytelling that states if a writer includes an element, such as an object or detail, early in the story, it should be relevant later on. The idea is that every part of a story should serve a purpose and contribute to the plot or theme. For example, if a character mentions a mysterious key early in a story, that key should eventually play a significant role in the narrative. This concept ensures that all elements in a story are meaningful and not merely included for decoration.

What is "Chekhov's gun"?

Chekhov's gun

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Comic relief is a literary device used to provide a temporary break from the tension or seriousness of a story through humor. This technique introduces humorous characters, scenes, or dialogue to lighten the mood and offer the audience a chance to relax before returning to the main, often more intense, narrative. For instance, in a dramatic play, a clumsy servant or a witty sidekick might provide comic relief by making jokes or getting into amusing situations. This helps balance the overall tone of the work and can enhance the impact of the more serious elements.

What is "comic relief"?

comic relief

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A contrivance is a literary device or plot element that is artificially created or engineered to advance the plot or resolve a conflict. It often refers to a plot twist, solution, or situation that feels overly convenient, forced, or unrealistic. For instance, if a character suddenly discovers a hidden letter that provides crucial information to solve a mystery, and this letter just happens to be in the exact place needed, it might be considered a contrivance. The term is generally used to describe plot devices that seem forced or implausible, rather than arising naturally from the story.

What is "contrivance"?

contrivance

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A dénouement is the final part of a story where the complexities of the plot are resolved, and the narrative reaches its conclusion. It follows the climax and provides closure by tying up loose ends and addressing any remaining conflicts or questions. In this phase, the consequences of the characters' actions are revealed, and the story's final outcomes are explained. For example, in a mystery novel, the dénouement might reveal the identity of the culprit and explain how the crime was committed.

What is a "dénouement"?

denouement

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Deus ex machina is a literary device where an unexpected and seemingly improbable solution is introduced to resolve a difficult or complex situation in a story. This term, which means "god from the machine" in Latin, originally referred to the practice in ancient Greek theater where a god was lowered onto the stage to resolve a plot's issues. In modern storytelling, it describes any sudden or overly convenient resolution that seems too out of place. For example, in a novel, if a character is trapped in a dire situation and suddenly finds a hidden escape route with no prior hint, this would be considered a deus ex machina.

What is "deus ex machina"?

deus ex machina

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Embellishment is the addition of extra details or features to something in order to make it more attractive, interesting, or impressive. It often involves exaggerating or enhancing aspects of a story, description, or object. For example, if a person describes a simple event with dramatic and elaborate details to make it sound more exciting, they are using embellishment. In writing, embellishments can add flair but might also stretch the truth or distort the original facts.

What is "embellishment"?

embellishment

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An ending is the final part of a story, play, film, or other narrative work where the main conflicts are resolved, and the conclusion of the plot is reached. It ties up loose ends, provides closure to the characters' journeys, and often delivers the final message or theme of the work. The ending is essential for giving the audience a sense of completion and resolution.

What is an "ending"?

ending

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An eponym is a person after whom a place, object, invention, or concept is named. In literature, it often refers to a character whose name is used to represent a particular trait or idea associated with them. For example, if a character named "Mr. Fortune" is known for their wealth, the name "Fortune" serves as an eponym that reflects their wealth.

What is an "eponym"?

eponym

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A dangler is a plot element or character that is introduced in a story but never fully explained or resolved. It creates unanswered questions or loose ends, leaving the audience curious or confused about its significance. For instance, if a novel mentions a mysterious letter but never addresses its contents or importance, that letter acts as a dangler.

What is a "dangler"?

dangler

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The setting is the time and location where the events of a story occur. It includes details about the physical environment, such as the place and surroundings, as well as the time period in which the story unfolds. The setting helps to create the context for the narrative and influences the atmosphere, mood, and overall experience of the story.

What is the "setting"?

setting

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A cliffhanger is a storytelling technique used to create suspense or excitement by ending a scene, chapter, or episode at a crucial moment of tension or uncertainty. This unresolved ending leaves the audience eager to find out what happens next. For example, if a character is about to face a dangerous situation and the story ends abruptly, it is a cliffhanger. This technique keeps readers or viewers engaged and motivated to continue with the story to discover the outcome.

What is a "cliffhanger"?

cliffhanger

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A premise is the core idea or concept that forms the foundation of a story. It includes the central conflict, main characters, setting, and the general tone or genre of the narrative. Essentially, it is the basic outline that guides the development of the story and helps shape how it unfolds. For example, if a story's premise is about a detective solving a mysterious crime in a futuristic city, this basic idea establishes the framework and direction for the plot. It provides the foundation from which the entire narrative develops.

What is a "premise"?

premise

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A theme in a literary or artistic piece is the main idea or underlying message that the creator wants to convey. It is the central topic or subject that brings the work together and gives it deeper meaning. Themes can explore a wide range of concepts, such as love, conflict, freedom, or human nature, and they help to provide insight and provoke thought in the audience.

What is a "theme"?

theme

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Poetic license is the freedom that writers and poets use to bend or break traditional rules of language, grammar, or logic in order to enhance their expression or achieve a particular effect in their writing. This might include altering usual word meanings, inventing new phrases, or stretching reality to create a specific mood, image, or meaning. For instance, a poet might use unusual word choices or structures to convey deeper emotions or create vivid images.

What is "poetic license"?

poetic license

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A sequel is a work of fiction, such as a film, book, or TV show, that continues the story from an earlier work. It starts where the previous story ended, following the same characters and exploring new events or developments. Sequels aim to build on the original narrative, often expanding the plot, deepening character relationships, and providing new challenges or adventures.

What is a "sequel"?

sequel

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A spoiler is a piece of information that reveals key plot details or outcomes of a book, film, TV show, or other media work, which can ruin the experience for someone who has not yet seen or read it. Spoilers often include significant plot twists, character fates, or crucial moments that are meant to be discovered during the course of the story. They are typically avoided by people who wish to keep the suspense and surprise intact for others.

What is a "spoiler"?

spoiler

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An arc, in the context of storytelling, refers to the main theme or the continuous development of a narrative from beginning to end. It describes how the story evolves and changes over time, often following a central storyline or emotional journey. For example, a character's personal growth or the progression of a central conflict throughout the story can be seen as an arc. This concept helps to structure the narrative and guide the audience through the various stages of the plot.

What is an "arc"?

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A storyline is the sequence of events and actions that form the main plot of a story. It outlines how the narrative progresses, including the key incidents, conflicts, and resolutions that drive the story forward. The storyline provides the structure for the narrative, guiding the development of the plot and maintaining the audience's interest by revealing what happens next.

What is a "storyline"?

storyline

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Stream of consciousness is a narrative technique that captures a character’s continuous flow of thoughts, feelings, and perceptions as they occur. Instead of presenting thoughts in a structured or logical order, this method reflects the character’s inner experience in a more spontaneous and unfiltered manner. It often includes random associations, fragmented ideas, and shifts in focus, mimicking the natural flow of human thought. This technique allows readers to experience the character’s inner world more intimately.

What is "stream of consciousness"?

stream of consciousness

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A subplot is a secondary storyline within a main story in a book, film, or play. It involves its own set of characters and events that complement or contrast with the main plot. Subplots often add depth to the narrative by exploring additional themes or character relationships, and they can provide further insight into the main story or enhance the overall complexity of the work.

What is a "subplot"?

subplot

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Swashbuckling is a genre of literature, film, or entertainment characterized by thrilling adventures involving daring swordfights, romance, and high-energy action. It often takes place in historical or imaginative settings and focuses on heroic and charismatic characters who embark on exciting quests and engage in dramatic conflicts. This genre emphasizes bold, adventurous activities and vivid, extraordinary scenarios.

What is "swashbuckling"?

swashbuckling

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A synopsis is a brief summary that outlines the main points or key elements of a story, book, film, or other work. It provides an overview of the plot, including the central conflict, main characters, and major events, without going into detailed descriptions. The purpose of a synopsis is to give a clear and concise view of the content, helping readers or viewers understand the essence of the work quickly.

What is a "synopsis"?

synopsis

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A trope is a common or recurring theme, motif, or concept used in storytelling. It refers to a familiar idea or pattern that appears frequently across different works, such as certain character types, plot devices, or themes. Tropes help to establish expectations and can be used to convey ideas or create connections with the audience. While they can be effective, they are sometimes used in predictable or clichéd ways.

What is a "trope"?

trope

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A vignette is a short, descriptive scene or segment in a story that captures a particular moment, character, or setting. Unlike a full-length narrative, a vignette focuses on a single, clear impression or detail, often highlighting a specific element or mood. It provides a glimpse into a broader context or theme, creating a strong, memorable image or feeling without developing a complete plot.

What is a "vignette"?

vignette

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Writer's block is a condition where a writer is unable to produce new work or experiences difficulty in generating ideas. This mental barrier can make it hard to start or continue writing, even when there is a desire to do so. Writer's block can stem from various factors, such as stress, lack of inspiration, or self-doubt, and can be a temporary or persistent challenge.

What is "writer's block"?

writer's block

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A filler refers to material in a narrative that does not contribute significantly to the main plot or themes. It is often used to extend the length of a story or fill gaps, but may not add much substance or depth to the overall narrative. Fillers can include additional scenes, dialogue, or details that do not advance the plot or develop the characters in meaningful ways.

What is a "filler"?

filler

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A flashback is a narrative technique used in movies, TV shows, and written works to show events that happened before the current storyline. It involves briefly interrupting the present action to revisit past events, providing background information or context that helps explain characters' motivations, plot developments, or important backstory. Flashbacks are often used to reveal crucial details, enhance understanding, or add depth to the narrative, allowing the audience to see how past experiences have shaped the present situation.

What is a "flashback"?

flashback

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A frame story is a narrative technique where a main story is presented within the context of another, often separate, story. The primary story serves as a framework for including one or more additional stories or episodes. This method provides a structure for storytelling, often allowing different perspectives or tales to be interwoven. For example, a book might feature a character recounting various stories to others, with the recounting serving as the frame for each individual tale.

What is a "frame story"?

frame story

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An interior monologue is a narrative technique that presents a character’s inner thoughts and feelings directly to the reader. It reveals the character’s personal reflections, emotions, and mental processes as they occur, often without the filter of external dialogue. This technique helps to provide insight into the character’s psyche and can convey their internal struggles, desires, and perceptions in a more intimate and detailed way.

What is an "interior monologue"?

interior monologue

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to kill off

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A linear narrative is a storytelling structure where events are presented in a straightforward, chronological order. The story unfolds from beginning to end, following a clear sequence of events without jumping back and forth in time. This approach helps to create a clear and direct path for the audience to follow, making it easier to understand the progression of the plot and character development.

What is a "linear narrative"?

linear narrative

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A nonlinear narrative is a storytelling structure where events are presented out of chronological order. Instead of following a straight sequence from beginning to end, the story may jump between different times, places, or perspectives. This approach can create complexity, highlight themes, or reveal information in a more dynamic way, allowing the audience to piece together the plot as they progress.

What is a "nonlinear narrative"?

nonlinear narrative

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An interactive narrative is a storytelling format where the audience or participants can influence the direction and outcome of the story through their choices or actions. This type of narrative often appears in video games, interactive fiction, or choose-your-own-adventure books, where users make decisions that affect the plot, character development, and overall experience. The interaction creates a more personalized and engaging storytelling experience, as the narrative adapts based on the participant's input.

What is an "interactive narrative"?

interactive narrative

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Longueur refers to a section of a work of literature or other artistic piece that is tedious or dull, often due to a lack of action, tension, or engaging content. This part of the work can feel overly lengthy or monotonous, causing a loss of interest for the audience. Longueur interrupts the flow and can make the overall experience less enjoyable. In literature and writing, identifying and addressing longueur helps to maintain the reader's interest and keep the narrative engaging.

What is "longueur"?

longueur

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A love triangle is a situation in a story where three characters are involved in a romantic relationship, creating a complex dynamic. Typically, two characters compete for the affection of the third, leading to emotional tension and conflict. This setup can explore themes of desire, jealousy, and choice, and often drives the plot by creating dramatic or relational complications among the characters.

What is a "love triangle"?

love triangle

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A MacGuffin is an object, event, or character in a story that serves as the driving force for the plot but is not inherently important to the story itself. Its main role is to motivate the characters and advance the narrative. The MacGuffin often holds significance for the characters but is not essential to the overall story, acting mainly as a plot device to propel the action and create tension.

What is a "MacGuffin"?

MacGuffin

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to mythologize

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to narrate

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Narration is the process and method of telling a story or describing events within a work of literature, film, or other media. It involves the presentation of the plot, characters, and setting through a particular voice or perspective. The narrator, who can be a character within the story or an external figure, guides the audience through the narrative, providing context, details, and insight into the unfolding events. Narration shapes how the story is understood and can influence the audience's perception of the plot and characters.

What is "narration"?

narration

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A narrative is a structured account of a series of events or experiences, either real or fictional, that are connected to form a cohesive story. It includes the plot, characters, setting, and the sequence in which events unfold.  Narratives can be found in literature, film, theater, and other forms of media, and they may follow a chronological order or use various techniques, such as flashbacks, to develop the storyline. A narrative helps to organize the content and guide the audience through the progression of the plot.

What is a "narrative"?

narrative

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A narrative thread is a continuous storyline or key element that ties together different parts of a larger narrative. It connects events, characters, and themes, providing a sense of unity and cohesion throughout the story. This thread helps guide the audience, ensuring that various parts of the narrative relate to one another and contribute to the overall progression of the plot.

What is a "narrative thread"?

narrative thread

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Pace refers to the speed at which a story unfolds or progresses. It determines how quickly or slowly events, actions, and scenes occur within the narrative. A fast pace can create excitement and tension, while a slower pace allows for more detailed exploration of characters, themes, or settings. Controlling the pace helps to maintain the audience's interest and balance action with moments of reflection or development.

What is "pace"?

pace

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to personify

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A plot is the sequence of events and actions that make up the main storyline of a book, film, play, or other narrative work. It outlines the key events and conflicts that drive the story forward and includes the development of characters and their interactions. The plot typically involves an introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, which together create a coherent and engaging narrative.

What is a "plot"?

plot

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Plot drift occurs when a story's narrative starts to deviate from its main plot or central focus. This can lead to the introduction of unnecessary subplots, characters, or events that do not contribute meaningfully to the overall story. Plot drift can cause the narrative to lose direction and coherence, making it harder for the audience to stay engaged and follow the primary storyline. Maintaining a clear and focused plot helps to prevent drift and ensures that the story remains compelling and cohesive.

What is "plot drift"?

plot drift

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A plot hole is a gap or inconsistency in a story's plot that creates confusion or undermines the narrative's logic. It often involves missing information or contradictions that disrupt the flow of the story and make certain elements or events seem implausible or unresolved. Plot holes can affect the believability of the narrative and can detract from the overall coherence and effectiveness of the story.

What is a "plot hole"?

plot hole

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A plot twist is a sudden and unexpected change in the direction of a story's plot. It surprises the audience by revealing new information or altering the course of events in a way that was not anticipated. Plot twists can add intrigue, create dramatic tension, or shift the narrative in a surprising way, often leading to a reevaluation of previous events or characters.

What is a "plot twist"?

plot twist

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A plot device is an element or technique used in a story to advance the plot or achieve specific effects. It can be an object, character, event, or concept that helps to develop the storyline, create conflict, or resolve issues within the narrative. Plot devices are tools that authors use to shape the direction of the story and guide the audience through the plot.

What is a "plot device"?

plot device

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In fiction, a quibble is a plot device where characters take advantage of the precise wording of an agreement or condition to avoid its intended meaning or to escape a commitment. This often involves focusing on minor or literal interpretations to achieve a different outcome than what was originally intended. Quibbles are commonly used in legal agreements or magical conditions, such as prophecies, to create conflict or unexpected twists in the narrative. For instance, characters might use a quibble to fulfill a contract's exact terms while sidestepping its broader intent, creating an opportunity for conflict or deception within the story.

What is a "quibble"?

quibble

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The idiom "red herring" originates from a technique used in training hunting dogs. A red herring is a smoked and strongly scented fish, and it was used to distract or divert the hounds from the scent of the actual prey during training. In a figurative sense, this expression is used to refer to something that is misleading or a distraction, diverting attention away from the real issue or problem at hand.

What is the origin of the idiom "red herring" and when to use it?

red herring

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A eucatastrophe is a term coined by J.R.R. Tolkien to describe a sudden and favorable turn of events in a story that brings about a positive resolution to a seemingly hopeless situation. It is a moment of unexpected and joyful relief, where the narrative shifts dramatically for the better, often providing a satisfying and uplifting conclusion. This device is used to create a sense of rescue or redemption in a story, offering hope and a happy ending after periods of intense struggle or despair.

What is an "eucatastrophe"?

eucatastrophe

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Here you will learn some English words related to narratology such as "climax", "cliffhanger", and "sequel".

English Words for "Narratology"