Definition
倒叙 is a narrative technique where events are presented out of chronological order, typically starting with a later scene and then flashing back to earlier events. It can be used as a noun ('flashback') or a verb ('to narrate in flashback'). In Chinese literary and film discussions, it's the standard term for this device, distinct from 顺叙 (chronological narration).
noun
flashback (narrative technique)
verb
to narrate in flashback
Examples
- 倒叙，。Zhè bù diànyǐng yòng le dào xù de shǒufǎ, kāitóu jiù shì jiéjú.This film uses a flashback technique — the beginning is the ending.
- 倒叙，。Xiǎoshuō cóng zhōngjiān kāishǐ dào xù, mànmàn jiǎng huí guòqù.The novel starts in the middle with a flashback and slowly narrates back to the past.
- 倒叙。Dǎoyǎn yòng dào xù ràng guānzhòng gèng lǐjiě juésè de dòngjī.The director uses flashbacks to help the audience better understand the characters' motivations.
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