Plot Development Terminology

verb to plan or scheme to achieve a particular goal or purpose

• The engineer had to contrive a new solution to the complex problem.
• She managed to contrive a way to sneak into the concert without tickets.
• He always knows how to contrive a plan to get what he wants.
• The author had to contrive a happy ending for the characters in her novel.

verb to show or indicate beforehand; to predict or forecast

• The signs foreshow a possible economic downturn in the near future.
• The dark clouds foreshow a storm coming our way.
• His constant complaining foreshows that he's going to bail on us.
• The distant thunder foreshows the impending chaos of the upcoming battle.

noun the process of revealing or becoming clear

adjective gradually developing or being revealed

• The unfolding of events in the political arena is causing concern among the citizens.
• I can't believe the drama unfolding between those two coworkers!
• Did you see the gossip unfolding at the party last night?
• The unfolding of a flower symbolizes growth and beauty in nature.