unity of plot

USAGE SUMMARY

"unity of plot" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to all the elements of a story working together to create a unified, cohesive narrative. For example, you could say "The strength of this novel lies in its unity of plot, with every chapter contributing to the overall arc of the story."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Aristotle noted as much in the "Poetics": Unity of plot does not, as some persons think, consist in the unity of the hero.

The New Yorker

Because his best productions featured plots and acting instead of the then-popular displays of technical virtuosity, Weaver was an important precursor of Jean-Georges Noverre and Gasparo Angiolini, innovative choreographers who, later in the 18th century, would demand unity of plot, choreography, and decor in their ballets d'action.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Actually, Aristotle's observations on tragedy are descriptive rather than prescriptive, and he emphasizes only one unity, that of plot, or action.

Encyclopedia Britannica

First, narratives draw together disparate and somehow discordant elements into the concordant unity of a plot that has a temporal span.

SEP

The book's four characters are inextricably bound together in the tangled web of a life situation that seems to have no solution, and the tightly woven plot has a unity of action that rises slowly but inexorably to the climactic scene of Dimmesdale's public confession.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The French dramatists, he felt, through their observance of the unities of time and place, wrote plays characterized by a dearth of plot and narrowness of imagination.

Encyclopedia Britannica

First, a bit of plot.

TechCrunch

Jonson, unusually among these playwrights, referred to the unities in the prologue to his Volpone (first performed 1605/06): But in these lines Jonson (referring to himself as "he") replaced unity of action with unity of "persons," an acknowledgement that he used several plots in Volpone.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(Unity of time and place).

The New Yorker

These principles were called, respectively, unity of action, unity of place, and unity of time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Somehow, unity of vision pervades.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In your own writing, ensure "unity of plot" by making sure every scene and character action advances the main storyline.

Common error

Avoid introducing subplots or characters that do not directly contribute to the main narrative arc. Too many tangential elements can undermine the "unity of plot" and confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unity of plot" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes the quality of a narrative where all elements are cohesive and contribute to a central storyline. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unity of plot" describes a narrative in which all elements cohesively contribute to the central storyline. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though it is a relatively rare expression. Predominantly found in encyclopedias, news media, and scientific articles, it serves a descriptive and analytical purpose in literary discussions. To achieve "unity of plot", writers should ensure every scene and character action advances the main storyline, avoiding extraneous details that can undermine the narrative's coherence. Strong "unity of plot" is key to a satisfying and cohesive reading experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

coherent plot structure

Focuses on the arrangement and logical flow of events in the story.

integrated narrative

Highlights the blending and interdependence of different story components.

unified storyline

Emphasizes the single, unbroken thread of the narrative.

cohesive narrative

Stresses the sticking-together and logical consistency of the story.

harmonious plot

Implies a pleasing and balanced arrangement of story elements.

consistent plot

Highlights the absence of contradictions and logical errors.

seamless narrative

Indicates a smooth and continuous flow of the story without noticeable gaps.

interconnected plot

Focuses on the relationships and dependencies between various story elements.

logical plot progression

Highlights the causality and reason behind the story's unfolding.

well-structured plot

Emphasizes the careful arrangement and organization of the story.

FAQs

How does "unity of plot" contribute to a story's success?

A strong "unity of plot" ensures that all elements of a story work together harmoniously, creating a cohesive and satisfying narrative experience for the reader.

What are some key elements of "unity of plot"?

Key elements include a clear central conflict, well-developed characters whose actions drive the plot, and a logical sequence of events that build to a resolution. All of these should contribute to a "unified storyline".

How can a writer improve the "unity of plot" in their story?

A writer can improve "unity of plot" by carefully planning the narrative structure, ensuring that each scene serves a purpose, and eliminating any unnecessary or distracting elements. Regular revision and feedback can also help to identify areas for improvement.

Is "unity of plot" always necessary for a good story?

While "unity of plot" is often desirable, some stories may intentionally disrupt this unity to achieve a specific effect. However, even in such cases, the lack of unity should serve a clear artistic purpose. Alternative narrative structures can be found by exploring terms like "fragmented narrative".