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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Narrative and Plot?

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The difference between narrative and plot lies in their definitions and roles within a story. Here is a breakdown of their key differences:

  • Plot: A plot is the sequence of events that make up a story. It serves as the structure that holds the narrative together and guides the audience through the journey of the characters. The plot tells us what happens in the story.
  • Narrative: The narrative is how the story is told or demonstrated. It is the overarching idea of the story and includes the interpretation of the events, the relationships between characters, their emotions, and the themes explored in the story. The narrative tells us how to interpret the events and the causal links between them.

In summary, the plot is the sequence of events, while the narrative is the interpretation and presentation of those events. A story is a combination of both plot and narrative, as well as characters, themes, and emotions.

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  • What is the Difference Between Narrative and Plot?
  • Comparative Table: Narrative vs Plot

    • Comparative Table: Narrative vs Plot

    Here is a table highlighting the differences between narrative and plot:

    Feature Narrative Plot
    Definition The architecture of the whole story, presenting how the events are shown and how the story is told. A series of events related and connected in some way.
    Purpose Organizes and presents the story, creating a structure for the plot to unfold. Provides the structure for the narrative, connecting events in a meaningful way.
    Focus The way events are presented and connected, building readers' expectations. The causal relationships between events, revealing character motivations and development.
    Examples - Innovative narrative structures that build readers' expectations. - Connecting events with phrases like "for that reason" and "which led to".

    Remember, while narrative and plot are related, they serve different purposes in storytelling. The narrative is responsible for presenting the story and organizing its events, while the plot provides the structure for those events to unfold in a meaningful and connected way.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.