Structure & plot

In Medias Res

Beginning a story in the middle of the action rather than at the start of events.

In medias res, a Latin phrase meaning into the middle of things, drops readers straight into events already underway. Writers use it to grab attention and create immediate tension, filling in earlier context later through exposition or flashback. It rewards readers who piece the timeline together as they go.

Example

The story opens at Emily’s funeral and then circles back through her life, beginning in the middle of the town’s long entanglement with her.

A Rose for Emily · William Faulkner

See it in action

Analyses on StoryBites that use in medias res:

An Occurrence at Owl Creek BridgeAmbrose BierceThe Death of Ivan IlyichLeo TolstoyThe OdysseyHomer

Related terms

FlashbackA scene that interrupts the present action to depict events from the past.ExpositionThe background information that sets up characters, setting, and situation.Frame NarrativeA story set within another story, where one narrative encloses a second.

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