3.2 Ordering of Events

Story vs. discourse

The chronological order of events (the 'story') can differ from the order the text presents them (the 'discourse'). Authors reorder time for effect — building suspense, mystery, or thematic connection.

Flashback and foreshadowing

A flashback interrupts the present to show an earlier event; foreshadowing plants hints of what's to come. Both manage what the reader knows and when, shaping suspense and meaning.

In medias res

Beginning in medias res ('in the middle of things') drops readers into ongoing action, then fills in background later. It creates immediacy and makes readers piece the story together.

Key terms

Flashback

A scene that returns to an earlier point in time.

Foreshadowing

Hints that suggest events to come.

In medias res

Beginning a story in the middle of the action.

Chronology vs. discourse

The event order vs. the order the text tells them.

Suspense

Tension created by controlling what the reader knows and when.

Try an AP-style question

In medias res means a story begins…

1. at the end
2. with a prologue
3. in the middle of the action
4. at the very beginning