plots

Plot is the sequence of events that make up a story or narrative. In fiction and drama, the plot centers on a conflict or goal and shows how characters respond as events unfold. Common elements include the exposition (introduction of setting and characters), the inciting incident that sets the action in motion, rising action with complications, a climax at which tension peaks, and a resolution that concludes the narrative. Writers may incorporate subplots to explore secondary concerns and themes. Coherence and causal linkages are important: each event should follow from what came before, and the consequences of actions should influence later developments. Plots also vary in structure, with linear, episodic, or non-linear arrangements, and may use devices such as foreshadowing, flashbacks, or unreliable narration to shape reader experience.

Beyond literature, plot refers to a graphical representation of data or functions. A plot places variables on a coordinate plane to reveal relationships, trends, and patterns. Common types include line plots, scatter plots, bar plots, and histograms. Good plotting involves clear labeling, appropriate scales, and a design that avoids misleading impressions. Plots are central to science, statistics, journalism, and data visualization, helping audiences interpret complex information at a glance.

In land use, a plot is a defined parcel of land. Plot plans or plats detail boundaries, dimensions, and ownership and are used in surveying, property transactions, zoning, and development. The term can also appear in historical or literary contexts as a plan or scheme, sometimes with pejorative connotations depending on intent.