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tangential narrative

[/tænˈdʒɛnʃəl ˈnærətɪv/]
nounpl: tangential narratives
narrativa tangencial
1. A secondary or digressive storyline that deviates from the main plot but may have thematic relevance or provide additional context
The novel's tangential narrative about the protagonist's childhood memories enriches the main story without directly advancing the plot.
A narrativa tangencial do romance sobre as memórias da infância do protagonista enriquece a história principal sem avançar diretamente a trama.
2. A subplot or side story that touches upon but does not centrally involve the primary characters or events
The film includes a tangential narrative involving minor characters that explores the social consequences of the main conflict.
O filme inclui uma narrativa tangencial envolvendo personagens secundários que explora as consequências sociais do conflito principal.
Synonyms
subplotside storydigressive narrativesecondary plotperipheral narrative
Antonyms
main narrativeprimary plotcentral storyline

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
narrativa tangencial
Standard usage in Brazilian Portuguese literary criticism
Portugal
narrativa tangencial
Standard usage in European Portuguese, sometimes used interchangeably with 'enredo secundário'
General Brazilian
enredo secundário
Alternative Brazilian Portuguese term
Portugal
trama tangencial
Portuguese alternative emphasizing plot elements

Related Idioms & Phrases

go off on a tangent
side story
digress from the main point
take a detour
veer off course
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