What describes the sequence of main events in a story?

The sequence of main events in a story is referred to as the plot. This term encompasses all the key actions and developments that take place throughout the narrative, including the exposition (introduction of setting and characters), rising action (events that create tension), climax (the turning point of the story), falling action, and resolution (the conclusion of the story).

The plot serves as the framework that guides the progression of the story and helps to establish the relationships between different elements such as conflict, character development, and themes. Understanding the plot is crucial for identifying how the story unfolds and the overall structure of the narrative.

Other terms such as theme, setting, and characterization play important roles in storytelling but do not define the sequence of events. The theme refers to the central ideas or messages conveyed through the narrative, the setting includes the time and place in which the story occurs, and characterization involves the development and portrayal of characters in the story. Each of these elements contributes to the overall experience of the narrative but does not specifically describe the events themselves as the plot does.