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Plots: meaning, definitions and examples

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plots

 

[ plɒts ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

storytelling

Plots are the sequence of events that make up a story, novel, or play. They typically include an introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

Synonyms

narrative, scheme, storyline.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plots

Use 'plots' when talking about the sequence of events in a story, or in a negative sense, about secret plans made by a group to do something harmful or illegal.

  • The movie had several subplots that made it more interesting.
  • The police uncovered a plot to rob the bank.
storyline

Opt for 'storyline' when referring to the main plot or sequence of events in a story, usually in the context of films, books, or television series.

  • The show's storyline has become much more complex in the new season.
  • She described the storyline of the novel in fascinating detail.
scheme

Use 'scheme' generally when referring to a large-scale plan or arrangement, often with a negative connotation involving deceit or trickery.

  • The new marketing scheme was designed to attract more customers.
  • The villain devised an elaborate scheme to take over the company.
narrative

Choose 'narrative' when focusing on the structured telling of a story, including its progression and the perspective from which it's told. It can be applied to both fiction and non-fiction.

  • His narrative style is engaging and keeps the reader hooked.
  • The documentary provides a compelling narrative on the history of the city.

Examples of usage

  • The plot of the movie was full of twists and turns.
  • She carefully crafted the plot of her mystery novel.
  • The plot of the play kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
  • The detective uncovered the sinister plot to overthrow the government.
  • The plot thickened as more secrets were revealed.
Context #2 | Verb

conspiring

To plot means to plan secretly or conspiratorially. It involves devising a scheme or strategy, often with a specific goal in mind.

Synonyms

conspire, plan, scheme.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plots

Similar use as the first 'plots', referring to creating a sequence of events or actions, often in a strategic or narrative context

  • The director plots the scenes to build suspense
  • The team plots various strategies to improve sales
scheme

This word can be used in contexts where there is a sophisticated or elaborate plan, often used with a negative connotation

  • He schemes to take over the company
  • They scheme ways to bypass the law
conspire

This word is used when referring to secret plans made by a group of people to do something harmful or illegal, and it has a negative connotation

  • They conspire to overthrow the government
  • The employees conspire to leak confidential information
plan

This word applies to situations involving detailed proposals for doing or achieving something, with a neutral or positive connotation

  • We need to plan our vacation carefully
  • She plans to start her own business soon

Examples of usage

  • The villains plotted to steal the crown jewels.
  • They were plotting a surprise party for her birthday.
  • She plotted her revenge against those who had wronged her.
  • The group plotted to overthrow the oppressive regime.
  • He was caught plotting against his business partner.

Translations

Translations of the word "plots" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tramas

🇮🇳 कथानक

🇩🇪 Handlungen

🇮🇩 plot

🇺🇦 змови

🇵🇱 fabuly

🇯🇵 プロット

🇫🇷 intrigues

🇪🇸 tramas

🇹🇷 entrikalar

🇰🇷 줄거리

🇸🇦 حبكات

🇨🇿 zápletky

🇸🇰 zápletky

🇨🇳 情节

🇸🇮 zapleti

🇮🇸 samsæri

🇰🇿 сюжеттер

🇬🇪 ინტრიგები

🇦🇿 süjetlər

🇲🇽 tramas

Etymology

The word 'plots' originated from the Middle English 'plot' which meant a small piece of ground. Over time, its meaning expanded to include the sequence of events in a story. The verb form of 'plot' evolved from the notion of mapping out a piece of land to planning or scheming. 'Plots' have been an essential element of storytelling and intrigue throughout literary history.

See also: plot, plotter, plotting.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,724, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.