Storytelling Terminology

noun the final resolution or outcome of a story or play; the unraveling of a plot

• The denouement of the play revealed the true intentions of the main characters.
• The denouement of the movie was so unexpected, I couldn't believe it!
• The denouement of the party was when the cops showed up and shut it down.
• The denouement of their relationship was when they finally had closure and moved on.

noun the main character in a story, play, or movie who drives the plot forward

adjective relating to or characteristic of a protagonist

• The protagonist of the novel was a young woman struggling to find her place in society.
• The main character in the movie is the protagonist, who goes on a wild adventure.
• Dude, the protagonist in that show is so cool, he's like the ultimate hero.
• In the game of life, we are all the protagonists of our own stories.

noun a word that refers to a person, place, thing, event, substance, or quality

adjective a word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun

• The classic novel 'A Tale of Two Cities' is often referred to as a twice told tale due to its enduring popularity and retellings.
• I've heard that story so many times, it's like a twice told tale at this point.
• That gossip about them is like a twice told tale - everyone knows it by now.
• The legend of the haunted house has become a twice told tale in our town, with each retelling adding more detail and mystery.

verb Past tense form of the verb 'tell', meaning to communicate information or a story to someone

adjective Describing a story that has been told on two separate occasions

• The story was twice told to ensure accuracy in the historical record.
• I've heard that joke twice told already, it's not funny anymore.
• I'm not watching that movie again, it's a twice told tale.
• The warning was twice told, but he still chose to ignore it.