Often, people discuss the plot of a story when referring to a novel, a short story, or even a movie, which encompasses the main events of the story and conveys the entire sequence. Many people use the term “narrative” when they actually mean “plot.” Although there are similarities between plot and narrative, they are not synonymous and should not be used interchangeably. This article will discuss the differences between the two terms.
Narrative refers to the method of re-telling a story, which is a version created by the narrator and not the actual story itself. It is like keeping a record of past events. A narrator uses the pronoun “I” to share the story from their perspective, but it is important to remember that the narrator is not a central character of the story. Narrative can be compared to the design or architecture of a building.
Plot, on the other hand, is the actual substance of the story and includes the events that unfold within the story. It involves how the author uses these events to affect the audience or the reader.
Key Takeaways
- Narrative is the technique of storytelling, while plot is the substance of the story itself.
- Narrative includes the perspective, emotions, and feelings of the narrator, while the plot encompasses the events that unfold within the story.
- Narrative can be compared to the design or architecture of a building, while the plot is the building itself.
