narrative technique
method used to convey a fictional narrative
time loop
plot device in science fiction
flashback
interjected scene that takes a narrative back in time
peripeteia
reversal of circumstances, turning point
cliffhanger
plot device in which dramatic tension is left unresolved at the end of an episode of serialized fiction to entice the audience to return
parabasis
part of Greek play
author surrogate
fictional character based on the author
show, don't tell
narrative technique
teaser
scene of a television episode or film that precedes the title sequence
flashforward
plot device
exposition
background information within a narrative; one of four rhetorical modes
vignette
short impressionistic scene that focuses on one moment or character
idiot plot
story plot that relies on its characters being too incompetent to find obvious solutions
narrative hook
narrative technique
titular line
line of dialogue containing the title
gender flip
when a fictional character is created to have a different sex in another work
soliloquy
dramatic device where a character speaks to his- or herself
dream sequence
technique used in storytelling, particularly in television and film
dual narrative
form of narrative that tells a story in two different perspectives, usually two different people
story within a story
narrative technique in which one character within a narrative narrates
Chekhov's gun
dramatic principle that every element in a story must be necessary, and irrelevant elements should be removed
in medias res
narrative that opens mid-plot, or 'in the middle of things'
false document
technique employed to create verisimilitude in a work of fiction
frame story
story in a nested narration that brackets one or more embedded stories
floating timeline
fictional story telling device
poetic justice
narrative technique
dramatization
creation of a dramatic performance of material depicting real or fictional events
anagnorisis
moment in a play or other work when a character makes a critical discovery
story arc
extended or continuing storyline in episodic storytelling media
character arc
process of dynamic characters' transformation
rule of three
writing principle
plot device
anything which moves the plot forward or maintains it
storyline
plot thread in a narrative serial
literary trope
use of figurative language – via word, phrase, or even an image – for artistic effect in literary works
comedy of errors
plot device and narrative scheme of some Latin comedies, based on humorous situations caused by a series of successive mistakes and misunderstandings