Plot vs Story

The terms [[!Plot]] and [[!Story]] are often used interchangeably when referring to the content of a narrative. Story especially can have many meanings. But strictly speaking, the two differ when analysing narrative.

What's the difference?

  • [[!Story]] is the dramatic action or content as it might described in chronological order. Story is the key conflicts, main characters, settings, and events that unfold using those elements.
  • [[!Plot]] is how that story is told. It is how and when the key events play out.

References