Fabula and syuzhet

In narratology, fabula (Russian: фабула, IPA: [ˈfabʊlə]) refers to the chronological sequence of events within the world of a narrative and syuzhet[1] (Russian: сюжет, IPA: [sʲʊˈʐɛt] ⓘ) equates to the sequence of events as they are presented to the reader.

Vladimir Propp and Viktor Shklovsky originated the terminology as part of the Russian Formalism movement in the early 20th century.

[3] Classical narratives tend to have synchronous fabula and syuzhet, but they may be treated asynchronously according to a modern or postmodern style.

Films and novels often achieve an asynchronous effect via flashbacks or flashforwards.

For example, the film Citizen Kane starts with the main character's death, and then tells his life through flashbacks interspersed with a journalist's present-time investigation of Kane's life.