plot resolution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plot resolution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the conclusion or outcome of a narrative, particularly in literature, film, or storytelling. Example: "The plot resolution of the story tied up all the loose ends and provided a satisfying conclusion for the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Normal plot resolution is "condescending".

The New York Times - Books

Now I have to admit something: I've often felt like booing the weak ending – which offers neither conventional plot resolution nor an interesting restatement of metaphysical mystery.

The Guardian - Film

Then there's Meereen: when the boats first appeared, I thought it was the Iron Born and some sort of actual plot resolution.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Or that whole "spin the world backwards to turn back time" plot resolution, which remains one of the great howlers of the genre.

The New York Times

At the heart of cinema's failure was said to have been the straitjacket of the story arc: the movies' fraught timespan supposedly forced them into pat formulae requiring over-neat plot resolution but allowing no space for character development.

The Guardian - Film

With his penchant for lush cinematography and scoring and audience-pleasing plot resolution, Mr. Berri was often credited with melding the wry, oblique sensibility of French New Age cinema with the more commercial outlook of Hollywood.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Plot resolutions suggested themselves.

The Guardian - Books

"We want escapism, loveable characters, cheering plot resolutions – an audiovisual cuddle.

The Guardian

Chapters were interspersed with meet-ups; late night emails begging for ideas for plot resolutions were answered promptly and sympathetically.

The Guardian - Books

Which brings us back to Legion, a book of poems as dark and disturbing as any of Harsent's crime fiction, though with more twists and fewer plot resolutions.

The Guardian - Books

The last time the show had someone shoot J.R. it was in the soap's heyday on CBS, and it set up one of the most-watched plot resolutions in television history — an estimated 83 million viewers tuned in.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing literature or film, use "plot resolution" to specifically discuss how the central conflicts are addressed and concluded, rather than simply referring to the 'ending'.

Common error

Avoid using "plot resolution" interchangeably with 'ending'. The resolution encompasses how conflicts are addressed, not just the final scene or outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plot resolution" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to the concluding part of a story's plot, where the central conflicts are resolved. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in literary and film criticism.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plot resolution" is a noun phrase referring to how a story's central conflicts are resolved. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English, primarily within contexts such as news, media, and wiki articles. While not extremely common, it offers a specific and useful term for discussing narrative endings, distinguishing itself from a simple 'ending' by focusing on the unraveling of conflicts. Remember to use it when analyzing how conflicts are addressed, not just the final scene. Alternatives include "story's conclusion" and "narrative outcome".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

story's conclusion

Focuses on the ending of a narrative, replacing 'plot' with 'story'.

narrative outcome

Uses 'narrative' for a broader sense of storytelling, and 'outcome' instead of 'resolution'.

denouement of the plot

Employs a more formal term, 'denouement', for the resolution phase.

resolution of the conflict

Highlights the resolution of a central conflict within the plot.

untying the plot's knots

Metaphorically describes resolving complexities in the storyline.

plot's final act

Refers to the concluding section of the story where resolution occurs.

story's climax and resolution

Combines the peak of the story with its subsequent resolution.

closing of the narrative

General term indicating the narrative is coming to an end and resolving.

plot's unraveling

Suggests a gradual revealing and resolving of the plot elements.

final outcome of the storyline

Focuses on the ultimate result of the series of events in the story.

FAQs

How is "plot resolution" used in literary analysis?

In literary analysis, "plot resolution" refers to how the central conflicts of a story are resolved. It's a critical element in understanding the narrative's overall message and effectiveness.

What distinguishes "plot resolution" from a simple 'ending'?

While the 'ending' is simply the final part of a story, "plot resolution" involves the untangling of conflicts and the answering of questions raised throughout the narrative. It's about how things are concluded, not just what the final scene depicts.

Can a story have a weak "plot resolution"?

Yes, a story can have a weak "plot resolution" if the conflicts are not adequately addressed, the ending feels rushed or unearned, or if key questions remain unanswered. Some critics even consider a lack of "plot resolution" a valid artistic choice.

What are some alternatives to using the term "plot resolution"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "story's conclusion", "narrative outcome", or "denouement of the plot". These alternatives offer slightly different nuances in meaning.