Plot vs. Story

In literature and storytelling, "story" refers to the sequence of events and characters that happen over time, including the who, what, and when. It encompasses the overall narrative. In contrast, "plot" focuses on how those events are structured and presented to create meaning, including the cause-and-effect relationships and the unfolding action. Essentially, the story is what happens, while the plot is how it happens and the arrangement of events to engage the audience emotionally and intellectually. Both elements work together to create a compelling narrative.