How can a plot be defined?

A plot can be defined as the sequence of events that make up a story. This encompasses how the story unfolds, including the introduction of characters, the development of conflict, the climax, and the resolution. Understanding the plot is essential for analyzing how the various events interact and lead to the overall outcome of the narrative.

While emotional responses to characters, the setting, and the theme are important aspects of a story, they serve different functions. The emotional responses relate to how readers may feel about the characters and their journeys, the setting establishes the context in which the plot occurs, and the theme conveys the underlying messages or morals. However, it's the sequence of events that primarily constitutes the plot itself, making this a clear, distinct definition.