Which aspect does the definition of plot help clarify?

The definition of plot primarily clarifies the relationship of cause and effect within a narrative. Plot encompasses the sequence of events that unfold in a story, detailing how one event leads to another and the resulting consequences for the characters and situation. This cause-and-effect structure is critical for understanding how actions drive the narrative forward and shape the outcomes.

For instance, when a character makes a significant decision, this directly influences subsequent events, helping readers comprehend the motivations behind actions and the implications that follow. The plot reveals the interconnectedness of events, emphasizing how particular circumstances lead to conflicts and resolutions throughout the story. Thus, recognizing plot as a series of causal links enhances one's grasp of the overall narrative trajectory.

The other aspects like character backstory, imagery and symbolism, and setting and time period, while significant to storytelling, do not pertain to the definition of plot in the same way. They contribute to the richness of the narrative but do not clarify the fundamental mechanics of how the story progresses through a sequence of events.