Plotting vs. Scheming — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 6, 2024
Plotting involves detailed planning towards a specific goal, often used in positive contexts; scheming implies secretive, deceitful plans with negative connotations.
Difference Between Plotting and Scheming
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Plotting generally refers to the methodical planning of steps to achieve a specific goal, typically in a neutral or positive context. On the other hand, scheming often carries a negative implication, suggesting underhanded tactics to manipulate situations for personal gain.
In literature, plotting is used to describe the construction of a narrative structure, focusing on character development and storyline progression. Whereas, scheming is more about a character's secretive plans against others, often leading to dramatic twists.
Plotting can be a collaborative activity where multiple parties work together towards a common objective, such as in business or scientific research. Conversely, scheming usually involves solitary planning or a small group, often excluding others who are directly affected by the plan.
In organizational settings, employees engage in plotting to streamline operations or improve productivity, suggesting a positive and open approach to problem-solving. On the other hand, scheming within such environments might involve backdoor deals or undermining colleagues to advance personal agendas.
Plotting requires careful thought and often a step-by-step strategy that is adhered to rigidly. In contrast, scheming may involve more flexible, adaptive strategies that are reactive to changing circumstances, focusing on exploiting loopholes or bending rules.
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Comparison Chart
Connotation
Neutral or positive
Negative
Purpose
Achieve specific, often noble goals
Personal gain, often at others' expense
Approach
Methodical, structured
Deceitful, manipulative
Social Context
Can be collaborative
Often solitary or involves only a few conspirators
Flexibility
Usually rigid and planned
Adaptive and opportunistic
Compare with Definitions
Plotting
Laying out a sequence of events in a structured manner, often used in storytelling or project planning.
He was plotting the course of the project on a timeline to ensure all milestones were met.
Scheming
Crafting plans or strategies, often with cunning or deceitful intentions.
He was scheming to take over the company by undermining his colleagues.
Plotting
Mapping or graphing a set of data points to visualize relationships or trends.
They were plotting temperature changes over the decade to analyze global warming effects.
Scheming
The act of plotting or planning something with manipulative and selfish motives.
She was scheming to win the contest by any means necessary, even if it meant cheating.
Plotting
The act of devising a plan or strategy, typically for a specific, often creative task.
She spent the evening plotting the chapters of her new book.
Scheming
Concocting plots that involve trickery or stealth, generally to gain an unfair advantage.
The competitors were scheming to manipulate public opinion through a series of false advertisements.
Plotting
Planning or laying out the details of an operation in a methodical way.
The team was plotting their strategy for the marketing campaign to maximize outreach.
Scheming
Engaging in secretive or underhanded plans to achieve personal or group goals, typically at the expense of others.
They were caught scheming against their rivals to secure the lucrative contract.
Plotting
Using coordinates to determine a location on a graph or map.
The navigator was plotting their current position using the stars and a chart.
Scheming
Developing a complex and often deceptive plan that involves multiple steps or people.
The movie's villain was scheming a grand escape that involved several unsuspecting accomplices.
Plotting
A small piece of ground, generally used for a specific purpose
A garden plot.
Scheming
A systematic plan of action
"Did you ever carry out your scheme of writing a series of sonnets embodying all the great epochs of art?" (Edith Wharton).
Plotting
A measured area of land; a lot.
Scheming
A secret or devious plan; a plot
A scheme to defraud investors.
Plotting
A ground plan, as for a building; a diagram.
Scheming
An orderly plan or arrangement of related parts
An irrigation scheme with dams, reservoirs, and channels.
Plotting
See graph1.
Scheming
A chart, diagram, or outline of a system or object.
Plotting
The pattern or sequence of interrelated events in a work of fiction, as a novel or film.
Scheming
To contrive a plan or scheme for; plot
Scheming their revenge.
Plotting
A secret plan to accomplish a hostile or illegal purpose; a scheme.
Scheming
To make plans, especially secret or devious ones.
Plotting
To represent graphically, as on a chart
Plot a ship's course.
Scheming
Present participle of scheme
Plotting
To locate (points or other figures) on a graph by means of coordinates.
Scheming
(pejorative) Tending to scheme; forming underhand plots.
Plotting
To draw (a curve) connecting points on a graph.
Scheming
The activity or practice of making secret or underhanded plans.
Plotting
To write or develop the plot of
"I began plotting novels at about the time I learned to read" (James Baldwin).
Scheming
Given to forming schemes; artful; intriguing.
Plotting
To form a plot for; prearrange secretly or deviously
Plot an assassination.
Scheming
Used of persons;
The most calculating and selfish men in the community
Plotting
To form or take part in a plot; scheme
Were plotting for months before the attack.
Scheming
Concealing crafty designs for advancing your own interest;
A selfish and designing nation obsessed with the dark schemes of European intrigue
A scheming wife
A scheming gold digger
Plotting
To write or develop the plot for a work of fiction
A good mystery writer must plot well.
Plotting
Present participle of plot
Plotting
The act of scheming or making plots; machination.
Common Curiosities
Do plotting and scheming require different skills?
Both require strategic thinking, but scheming additionally requires a knack for manipulation and often deceit.
How do plotting and scheming differ in a business context?
In business, plotting refers to strategic planning, while scheming could mean unethical practices to outmaneuver competitors.
What are typical outcomes of plotting versus scheming?
Plotting often leads to systematic achievements and goal realization, while scheming might result in temporary gains but can also lead to mistrust and long-term repercussions.
How is plotting perceived in literature compared to scheming?
In literature, plotting is seen as an essential part of narrative development, whereas scheming is often associated with antagonists and conflict creation.
Can someone be both plotting and scheming at the same time?
Yes, an individual can employ both strategies depending on their goals and methods; for example, plotting openly for legitimate objectives while secretly scheming for personal benefits.
Are there any historical examples where plotting turned into scheming?
Yes, many political plots throughout history started with strategic intentions but devolved into scheming as leaders sought to consolidate power or eliminate rivals through deceitful means.
How do different cultures view plotting and scheming?
Cultural perceptions vary; some may view plotting as a necessary aspect of leadership and strategy, while scheming is universally regarded more negatively due to its deceptive nature.
What is the primary difference between plotting and scheming?
Plotting is typically seen as a positive or neutral activity aimed at achieving a goal, whereas scheming is negative and often deceitful.
Is scheming always illegal?
Not necessarily illegal, but it often involves unethical maneuvers.
Can plotting ever be considered negative?
Yes, if plotting involves unethical intentions, it can be perceived negatively.
How do organizations prevent scheming among employees?
Organizations can prevent scheming through transparent policies, ethical training, and a culture that promotes honesty and collaboration over individual gain.
What psychological traits are associated with schemers compared to plotters?
Schemers often exhibit traits like cunning, manipulativeness, and a propensity for deceit, while plotters are more likely to be methodical, strategic, and goal-oriented.
Is scheming more common in any particular industry or sector?
Scheming can be more prevalent in highly competitive sectors where the stakes are high, such as in politics, finance, and certain corporate environments.
In what ways can plotting be a positive force in a community?
Plotting can be positive in a community by involving members in planning beneficial projects or initiatives that aim for collective improvement and success.
What legal implications can scheming have?
Scheming, especially in corporate or public service contexts, can lead to legal consequences including charges of fraud, corruption, or breach of trust.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
