Juonikaavio

Juonikaavio, commonly translated as plot diagram, is a visual planning and analysis tool used in literature and screenwriting to represent the sequence of events that constitute a story. It focuses on the narrative arc, conflicts, and turning points, helping readers and writers understand how a plot develops and how different events influence one another.

In practice, it is often depicted as a horizontal timeline or a chart with events arranged from left to right. Common structures include the five-part model (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution) and Freytag's pyramid, which emphasizes the peak of tension at the climax. Many juonikaavio also incorporate subplots, character goals, and causal links between scenes.

Using a juonikaavio involves identifying key events, summarizing them briefly, and placing them along the diagram in chronological order. Writers annotate each event with purpose, motivation, consequence, and emotional intensity, and may mark turning points or themes. Diagrams can be linear or branched to show parallel plot threads.

Applications and use cases include education and writing practice. The diagram supports reading comprehension by clarifying plot structure, assists in planning a story, and serves as a discussion tool for narrative technique. It is suitable for novels, short stories, plays, or films, and is adaptable to different genres and formats, including both traditional and multimedia storytelling.