The Difference Between Story, Plot and Narrative

By georgelthomas on 2 Apr 2024 • ( 4 )

Hi everyone! I hope you’re all well. Today, I’ll explore the differences between story, plot and narrative.

The Difference Between Story, Plot and Narrative

Story, plot, and narrative are critical elements of successful writing. They are interdependent but distinct in their meanings and usage, and understanding the differences between the three can help writers craft more engaging and exciting stories.

Story
At its core, a story is an overall sequence of events which can be either fictional or non-fictional and can be told in any medium – written, spoken, or visual. Typically, a story has a beginning, middle, and end and follows a character or set of characters as they navigate a conflict or challenge.

Plot
The plot refers to the events and actions that drive a story’s forward momentum. It’s the arrangement of the story events leading to a specific outcome. In other words, plot is the way events of the story are structured and presented by the author to the reader, and it is the blueprint upon which the story is built.

Furthermore, the plot should be driven by the characters’ goals and serve to reveal important information about the characters and their internal struggles. It should be purposeful and well thought out, with each event building upon the one before it, creating tension and compelling the reader towards a satisfying conclusion.

Narrative
On the other hand, narrative refers to how a story is told. It’s the voice, tone, and perspective used to grab the reader. A narrative can be written in first person (second person if you’re feeling experimental), third person limited, or third person omniscient, and the style and tone can vary widely depending on the author’s preference.

Authors can also use literary devices such as flashbacks, plot twists, and foreshadowing to add depth and intrigue to their narrative to draw the reader into the story world.

While each of these terms is often used interchangeably, as you can see, they have unique purposes and functions; a strong story provides the foundation for the narrative, while plot adds complexity and intrigue, and a narrative voice helps to create mood and tone.

However…
However, with all that being said, it’s important to note that not all stories require a strict plot or a complex narrative structure. Some stories focus more on character development or world-building; in those cases, the plot and narrative can take a backseat to other elements.

In the end, whether you are a writer or a reader, understanding the differences between story, plot, and narrative can help you engage more deeply with the stories you encounter. By understanding how these elements work together (or don’t, as the case may be), you can better appreciate the art and craft of storytelling – and maybe even improve your writing in the process.

Thank you, as ever, for reading my post today!

Until next time,

George