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narrative arcthe chronological construction of plot in a novel or story, showing the progression from beginning through middle to end

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: the chronological construction of plot in a novel or story, showing the progression from beginning through middle to end

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈnærətɪv ɑːrk/

Example Sentences

  • The soap opera's narrative arc has been dragging on for 20 years - even the characters forgot what they were originally fighting about!
  • Shakespeare's plays demonstrate masterful narrative arcs that have influenced storytelling for centuries.
  • My diet has a narrative arc too: hope, temptation, pizza, regret, and repeat.

narrative arc

NOUN

//ˈnærətɪv ɑːrk//

the chronological construction of plot in a novel or story, showing the progression from beginning through middle to end

narrative arc concept
💡 Concept

A narrative arc shows character's journey from beginning through climax to end

narrative arc rhyme
🎵 Rhyme

The narrative arc begins to spark, reaching its mark, then grows dark — the story's complete and timeless arc

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈnærətɪv ɑːrk/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈnærətɪv ɑːk/

🌳Etymology

Rootnarrat
Suffix--ive

Origin

From Latin 'narrativus' meaning 'relating to narration' (from 'narrare' meaning 'to tell or recount'), combined with 'arc' from Latin 'arcus' meaning 'bow' or 'curve', used metaphorically to describe the shape of a story's progression.

🎵Rhyme

barkmarkparkdark
bark
mark
park
dark

🔗Collocations

compelling narrative arc
follow a narrative arc
traditional narrative arc
character's narrative arc
complete narrative arc

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

The soap opera's narrative arc has been dragging on for 20 years - even the characters forgot what they were originally fighting about!

Shakespeare's plays demonstrate masterful narrative arcs that have influenced storytelling for centuries.

😄 Fun example

My diet has a narrative arc too: hope, temptation, pizza, regret, and repeat.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

story structureplot developmentdramatic arcstory progression

Antonyms

fragmented plotrandom events

Related

storylinecharacter developmentclimaxresolutionplot twist

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