Plot Narratives Flashcards
backstory
story that precedes events in the story being told–past events or background that add meaning to current circumstances
chekov’s gun
a dramatic principle that requires every element in a narrative to be irreplaceable, with anything else removed.
A type of concrete foreshadowing
Cliffhanger
the narrative ends unresolved, to draw the audience back to a future episode for the resolution
flashback
general term for altering term sequences, taking characters back to the beginning of the tale, for instance.
A type of evocative foreshadowing
Flashforward
Refers to a scene that temporarily jumps the narrative forward in time. A flash-forward often represents events expected, projected, or imagined to occur in the future. They may also reveal significant parts of the story that have not yet occurred
Foreshadowing
Implicit yet intentional efforts of an author to suggest events that have yet to take place in the process of narration. Helps intrigue audience by creating dramatic tension or suspense
Frame story
A main story that hatches a linking series of shorter stories
In media res
Beginning the story in the middle of a sequence of events; launching audiences into the story’s events and forms immediate urgency.
A specific form of narrative hook
Plot Twist
Unexpected change (twist) in the direction or expected outcome of the plot
Poetic Justice
Virtue ultimately rewarded, or vice punished, by an ironic twist of fate related to the character’s own conduct
Predestination paradox
time travel paradox where a time traveler is caught in a loop of events that “predestines” them to travel back in time
Red Herring
What type of foreshadowing?
Diverting attention away from an item of significance.
A type of fallacy foreshadowing
Ticking time bomb
Threat of impending disaster–often usd in thrillers where salvation and escape are essential elements
Unreliable narrator
The narrator of the story is not sincere, or introduces a bias in their narration and possibly misleads the reader, hiding or minimizing events, characters, or motivations
love triangle
a scenario in which two people are pursuing or involved in a romantic relationship with one person or in which one person in a romantic relationship with someone is simultaneously pursuing or involved in a romantic relationship with someone else
Deus Ex Machina
a narrative ending in which an improbable event is used to resolve all problematic situations and bring the story to a happy conclusion
distraught
very troubled; distressed
using or containing too many words
verbose
in an on-the-surface manner; not thoroughly
superficially
germane
having to do with the issue at hand; relevant
lucid
clearly expressed; easily understood
contrite
truly sorry for having done wrong; repentant
symmetrical
well proportioned; balanced; the same on both sides
connoisseur
an expert in fine art or in matters of taste
