MYP English Lang & Lit Tension and Pacing Key Definitions

A plot structure that emphasizes repetition or return (often through seasons, repeated images, or mirrored opening and ending scenes) to suggest patterns in life, history, or character.

A narrative structure made up of separate, divisible episodes, often connected by a journey, recurring character, or shared theme.

A scene or section that interrupts the main timeline to show earlier events, often to provide background, contrast, or emotional depth.

Hints or clues placed earlier in a story that suggest later events or outcomes.

A structure in which an overarching story or pattern encloses and organizes the main narrative, influencing how the audience interprets events.

A representation of a character’s thoughts in their own voice, often used to show conflict, hesitation, or decision-making.

Pacing is the speed at which a scene or story moves.

A structure that switches between two or more storylines (often linked by theme, setting, or characters), creating contrast and suspense.

Tension is the feeling of pressure, anticipation, or unease in a scene.