While they are often mentioned together, plot and theme serve two different purposes in a story. Put simply: the plot is the “what,” and the theme is the “why”. The Plot: What Happens
The plot is the sequence of events that move a story from beginning to end. It is the literal action and the chain of cause and effect that keeps you reading.
Structure: Most plots follow a standard arc: Exposition (introduction), Rising Action (building tension), Climax (the peak turning point), Falling Action, and Resolution (the wrap-up).
Purpose: To illustrate key events and keep the narrative advancing. The Theme: What it Means
Balancing plot, theme and character | National Centre for Writing
24 Jul 2020 — In this article, writer Simon K Jones examines the relationship between plot, character and theme. National Centre for Writing Theme and Plot: Ensuring Your Story Has Meaning
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