Plot vs. Narrative

Greetings, future writers! If you’re wondering how I came up with the idea for this rare topic “Plot vs. Narrative,” let me share the backstory. A few days ago, while working on a blog about “Types of Climaxes,” I had a sudden realization—I should also explore “Types of Plots in Story Writing.” topic too as it’s also fundamental to the beginning of writing, I started researching and eventually Googled “types of plots” to see what other experts had to say. To my surprise, I discovered a wide variety of blogs each offering completely different interpretations of what “types of plots” really mean.

This unexpected discovery got me thinking: How can something as fundamental as the concept of “types of plots” be interpreted so differently? It became clear to me that there’s significant confusion about what plots really are and how they connect to a story’s broader narrative. That’s when I realized the need to address this topic in a way that brings clarity and value to writers like you.

And so, what started as an exploration of “types of plots” evolved into an entirely different discussion about narrative and plotting.

P.S.: I’ve covered a similar topic as this one, “Difference between 3 Structures: Story, Plot & Narrative” There I discussed the difference between story structure, plot structure, and narrative structure. This blog focuses entirely on plots, narratives, and their types. If you’re confused about structures, be sure to check out that blog.

What is Plot in Literature?

I know this is such a common topic to discuss and we already know what is plot and blaa blaa… 🙄 but trust me, this is really important to cover as we going to resolve the puzzle.

“A plot is the sequence of events that make up a story, and how those events are presented to the reader or audience”

Thanks to the definition, we learned that a plot is the sequence of events in which your hero is born, grows, faces issues, figures out how to resolve them, and then actually resolves them. Easy, right?

Now come to the point…

What is the Narrative in a Story?

The definition of narrative says:
“A story narrative is the format or presentation of a story, encompassing or conveying the sequence of events.”
This means the story narrative is how I describe the story. Remember the plot I described earlier? “Your hero is born, grows, faces issues, figures out how to resolve them, and then actually resolves them.” That’s one way to narrate this story plot. What could be other ways?

• I was born like any other, but as I grew, life threw obstacles my way. At first, I didn’t know how to handle them. But slowly, I learned. Through trial and error, I found a way to face each challenge, and in the end, I overcame them all, stronger than before.
• The hero’s life began with innocence and hope. As they grew, the world presented trials that seemed insurmountable. Yet, with determination and insight, they discovered the solutions. In the end, their journey culminated in triumph, as they resolved their struggles and emerged victorious.
• You start as an innocent soul, unaware of the challenges ahead. As you grow, life begins to test you, pushing you to your limits. But with each challenge, you find strength and answers. Ultimately, you conquer the obstacles that once seemed impossible, proving your resilience.

There are 3 different WAYS to describe the same plot I told you above. These descriptions are not parallel or episodic; rather, they are spoken by three different people or characters. The actual issue I’ve found is that most people confuse narrative with plot! They mistakenly describe narrative types as if they were plot types. Yes! Story structure can be defined as narrative structure but as I said their types are entirely different from each other.

But

What Are the Types of Narrative?

Well, if you question exactly how many types of story narratives exist? So, there are many! However, I won’t be diving into story narratives in depth here. You can check out my separate blog on story narratives for more details. This blog is just focused on discussing the types of plots and clarifying how story narrative types are not the same as plot types. But to clarify what people often confuse as plot types, here they are:

Linear Narrative

• Definition: Events are presented in chronological order, following a straight timeline from the beginning to the end of a story.
• Key Features:
  • A clear start, middle, and end.
  • No deviations from the sequence of events.
  • Often used for clarity and simplicity.
• Examples:
  • The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
  • Many biographical films like The Theory of Everything
• Purpose: Maintains a straightforward progression, making it easy for the audience or readers to follow.

Episodic Narrative

• Definition: The story is divided into distinct episodes or self-contained segments that are loosely connected by characters, themes, or an overarching plot.
• Key Features:
  • Each episode often has its own mini-plot just like mini-climaxes.
  • The main plot unfolds gradually across episodes.
  • Common in TV shows, short story collections, or series.
• Examples:
  • The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer
  • Forrest Gump (the protagonist experiences a series of events rather than one central conflict)
• Purpose: Offers flexibility in storytelling, allowing for diverse subplots and character exploration.

Parallel Narrative

• Definition: Two or more storylines run simultaneously, often intersecting or influencing each other at key moments.
• Key Features:
  • Multiple protagonists or perspectives.
  • Storylines may occur in different times, places, or dimensions.
  • Often used to compare and contrast themes or characters.
• Examples:
  • Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
  • The Godfather Part II (parallel stories of Michael Corleone and young Vito Corleone)
• Purpose: Creates depth and complexity by interweaving narratives, offering a richer experience.

Flashback Narrative

• Definition: The story moves back in time to show past events that influence the present.
• Key Features:
  • Breaks the chronological flow to reveal the backstory.
  • Helps explain character motivations, relationships, or events.
  • Can appear as a memory, dream, or narration.
• Examples:
  • To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (Scout narrates her childhood)
  • Slumdog Millionaire (flashbacks reveal how the protagonist knows the quiz answers)
• Purpose: Adds emotional depth, context, or suspense by showing past events that impact the current narrative.

Comparison of 4 Narrative Types:

So, now you know Linear, episodic, parallel, and flashback refer to narrative structures or storytelling techniques, that shape how a story unfolds or is told. These differ from the types of story plots, as they focus on the arrangement and presentation of events rather than the plot itself. Here’s an explanation of each:

Yes! These structures can be mixed and matched in a story. For example, a novel might have a parallel narrative with multiple flashbacks to deepen the characters’ backstories but the Plot/event would be the same.

What are the Different Types of Plots in Stories

Remember that another important point to pay attention to is Plot structure and plot type also 2 different things, so don’t confuse plot types with plot structure.

As Narrative types, plots also have several types we might not count. And I think personally that even though plotting is a form of Literature art you are free to create something unique and new like stories.

Here are the most commonly recognized types of plots in storytelling, based on literary studies and narrative theory. These are broad archetypes that define the central conflict and progression of the story:

The Quest

• Definition: A protagonist embarks on a journey to achieve a goal or obtain something valuable, facing challenges and growing in the process.
• Key Elements: A mission, a hero, obstacles, and personal transformation.
• Examples: The Lord of the Rings, The Odyssey.

2. Overcoming the Monster

• Definition: The protagonist faces and defeats a powerful adversary or evil force threatening their world.
• Key Elements: A monstrous antagonist, the hero’s courage, and a climactic confrontation.
• Examples: Jaws, Beowulf, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

3. Rags to Riches

• Definition: A character rises from a lowly or disadvantaged position to success, wealth, or power.
• Key Elements: Humble beginnings of story, a rise to prominence, and personal growth.
• Examples: Cinderella, Aladdin, The Pursuit of Happyness.

4. Tragedy

• Definition: A story where the protagonist’s flaw or choices lead to their downfall, often evoking pity or fear.
• Key Elements: A tragic hero, a fatal flaw (hamartia), and an inevitable downfall.
• Examples: Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, The Great Gatsby.

5. Comedy

• Definition: A lighthearted story where misunderstandings, mishaps, or conflicts are resolved, often leading to a happy ending.
• Key Elements: Humor, mistaken identities, and a satisfying resolution.
• Examples: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Bridget Jones’s Diary, Crazy Rich Asians.

6. Rebirth

• Definition: The protagonist undergoes a transformation or redemption, often through facing a major crisis.
• Key Elements: A personal or literal “death” and renewal, self-discovery, and growth.
• Examples: A Christmas Carol, Beauty and the Beast, Groundhog Day.

7. Voyage and Return

• Definition: A character journeys to an unfamiliar world, faces challenges, and returns home changed by their experience.
• Key Elements: Departure, exploration, adventure, and reintegration.
• Examples: Alice in Wonderland, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Wizard of Oz.

8. Mystery In Room

• Definition: A story that revolves around solving a puzzle, uncovering secrets, or resolving an enigma.
• Key Elements: Suspense, clues, red herrings, and a final revelation.
• Examples: Sherlock Holmes series, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

9. Adventure

• Definition: A plot driven by exciting events and physical challenges, often with a focus on exploration.
• Key Elements: A daring protagonist, high-stakes action, and external conflict.
• Examples: Indiana Jones series, Treasure Island.

10. Love or Romance

• Definition: A story focused on the relationship between two characters, often overcoming obstacles to achieve emotional fulfillment.
• Key Elements: Romantic tension, challenges to the relationship, and resolution (happy or bittersweet).
• Examples: Pride and Prejudice, The Notebook, La La Land.

11. Chaos to Order

• Definition: A story where a chaotic or fractured world is restored to harmony, often involving social, political, or personal upheaval.
• Key Elements: Disruption, conflict, and resolution to restore balance.
• Examples: The Lion King, Les Misérables.

12. Transformation

• Definition: A character undergoes a significant change, either internally (personality, beliefs) or externally (physical, societal).
• Key Elements: A starting state, a catalyst for change, and a new identity.
• Examples: Black Swan, The Metamorphosis by Kafka.

These plot types are few in number but serve as broad templates that can be adapted, combined, or subverted to create unique stories. Many stories draw from multiple plot types, blending them into a rich and layered narrative. For example, The Lion King incorporates elements of “Tragedy,” “Overcoming the Monster,” and “Chaos to Order.”

Now as we come to almost the end of this topic you might be thinking the same question as I was thinking: Hold on…we got the entire point well, don’t you think these are more sounds like genre, but not the plots? 🤨

Greatly! You’re correct to raise the point that some of these might seem closer to genres than strictly plot types. The line between plot types and genres can sometimes blur because both involve overarching frameworks that influence how a story is told. Let me clarify it to you:

Types of Plots vs. Genres

• Plot Types focus on the core structure of events and the narrative arc that drives the story forward. They are about what happens in the story (e.g., “The Quest,” “Revenge,” “Sacrifice”).
• Genres focus on the style, tone, and themes of the story. They describe the kind of story it is (e.g., horror, romance, science fiction).

For Example:

• “Revenge” (plot type) can appear in various genres like a “thriller” (John Wick), a drama (The Count of Monte Cristo), or even a comedy (The Other Woman).
• “Romance” (genre) can include different plot types like “Forbidden Love,” “Sacrificial Love,” or even “The Quest” (e.g., traveling to reunite with a lover).

Why the Overlap?

Some plot types have become synonymous with genres because they dominate stories in that space. For instance:

• “Forbidden Love” is both a plot type and a defining element of the romance genre.
• “Survival” is a plot type but is often associated with adventure or thriller genres.

What Distinguishes in Types of Plots & Genres?

Plot types center on how the story progresses:

1. What challenges or goals drive the protagonist?
2. How does the conflict develop and resolve?
3. What is the structural backbone of the story?

Genres, on the other hand, provide the context:

1. What tone and style does the story adopt?
2. What setting or world-building is present?
3. What themes and tropes define the narrative?

So, while the list I discussed earlier leans toward plot types, it is essential to recognize that some may feel genre-adjacent because of their thematic nature.

Conclusion of a Topic

Understanding the distinction between plot and narrative and their types is the highlighted bullet point for writers aiming to write clear and memorable stories. While the plot represents the sequence of events that drive a story forward, the narrative is the lens through which those events are presented to the audience. These two elements work hand in hand, shaping the reader’s experience and emotional engagement.

The types of narratives—linear, episodic, parallel, and flashback—define how the story unfolds, offering flexibility in storytelling techniques. On the other hand, plot types, such as “The Quest,” “Overcoming the Monster,” or “Rags to Riches,” represent timeless archetypes that define the core structure of countless stories across cultures and genres.

By mastering both concepts effectively, writers like you can gain the tools to not only tell a great story but also to choose how to present it in a way that resonates with your readers. Whether you aim to inspire, entertain, or provoke your 3 am drunk thoughts, the right combination of plot and narrative can make your story unforgettable just like Harry Potter.

So, as you embark on your creative writing journey, remember: that the plot is your story’s skeleton, and the narrative is the veins that bring it to proper function. Experiment, innovate, and craft better stories that leave a lasting impact.

Best of Luck! ❤️