plot arc

[/plɑt ɑrk/]
nounpl: plot arcs
arco narrativo
1. The main story of a narrative work, showing the progression from beginning to end; the trajectory of events that forms the structure of a story
The plot arc of the novel follows the protagonist's journey from poverty to success.
O arco narrativo do romance segue a jornada do protagonista da pobreza ao sucesso.
2. The curve or shape formed by plotting the sequence of events in a story, typically showing exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution
A well-crafted plot arc keeps readers engaged throughout the story.
Um arco narrativo bem construído mantém os leitores engajados ao longo da história.
3. In serialized media, the overall structure of a story that spans multiple episodes or installments
The TV series' plot arc was carefully planned over five seasons.
O arco narrativo da série de TV foi cuidadosamente planejado ao longo de cinco temporadas.
The term 'plot arc' is fundamental to English-language literary and screenwriting criticism, widely used in both American and Brazilian media discourse. In Brazil, it has been increasingly adopted in film and television industries, though traditional literary analysis may prefer 'estrutura narrativa' (narrative structure). The concept reflects the influence of American storytelling models, particularly in screenwriting education and entertainment media analysis.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
story arcnarrative arcdramatic arcplot structure
Antonyms / Antônimos
subplotdigression

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
arco narrativo
Most commonly used term in Brazil for the overall story structure
General Brazilian
estrutura da trama
Alternative term emphasizing the structural aspect of the plot
Portugal
arco narrativo
Same as Brazilian Portuguese, standard usage in European Portuguese
Portugal
linha narrativa
Alternative term emphasizing the narrative line or thread

Related Words

expositionclimaxdenouementcharacter developmentnarrative structurerising actionfalling action

Related Idioms & Phrases

follow the plot arc
complete the plot arc
break the plot arc
twist in the plot
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