narrative coherence

[ˈnærətɪv koʊˈhɪrəns]
noun
coerência narrativa
1. The logical consistency and clarity of a story, ensuring that plot points, characters, and events connect meaningfully and follow a comprehensible sequence
The film maintained strong narrative coherence despite its complex timeline and multiple storylines.
O filme manteve uma coerência narrativa forte apesar de sua linha do tempo complexa e múltiplas tramas.
2. The quality of a narrative where themes, motivations, and consequences are clear and interconnected
Critics praised the novel's narrative coherence, as every subplot contributed to the main story.
Os críticos elogiaram a coerência narrativa do romance, pois cada subtrama contribuiu para a história principal.
3. In linguistics and storytelling, the structural and semantic unity that makes a narrative understandable to the audience
Good narrative coherence requires that character decisions align with their established personalities and motivations.
Boa coerência narrativa exige que as decisões dos personagens estejam alinhadas com suas personalidades e motivações estabelecidas.
This term is primarily used in academic, literary, and film criticism contexts in both Brazil and the United States. In Brazilian universities, it's commonly discussed in literature, cinema, and communication studies courses. The concept is increasingly important in discussions of storytelling across all media, including literature, film, television, podcasts, and video games.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
narrative consistencystory coherenceplot coherencenarrative unitystructural consistency
Antonyms / Antônimos
narrative incoherenceplot inconsistencynarrative fragmentationstory confusion

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
coerência narrativa
Standard term used in literature, film criticism, and academic contexts throughout Brazil
São Paulo
coerência da narrativa
Slight variation in construction, equally acceptable in formal writing
Portugal
coerência narrativa
Same terminology used in European Portuguese literary criticism
General American
narrative coherence
Standard academic and critical term in English-speaking contexts

Related Words

narrative structureplot developmentcharacter consistencythematic unitystorytellingnarrative arcdramatic tension

Related Idioms & Phrases

the story holds together
makes sense from beginning to end
all the pieces fit
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