English

Adverb

in medias res ‎(not comparable)

1. In the middle of a storyline.

   This novel begins in medias res.

Synonyms

• in-between

Adjective

in medias res ‎(not comparable)

1. Beginning in the middle of its storyline: said of a work of literature or a film.

   Although not strictly in medias res, the film uses flashbacks extensively.

Noun

in medias res ‎(uncountable)

1. Narrative presented in medias res.
   • 2010 (March 31^st, 5:00pm): Ben “Yahtzee” Croshaw, “Final Fantasy XIII” reviewed by Zero Punctuation, 2:03–2:16

     Anyway, the characters have been introduced but by no means established. I know Final Fantasy’s always been big on in medias res, but even the most basic questions about the plot remain unanswered. Who the **** are these people? What is going on? Why should I care? Can I stop playing now? Please?

Spanish

Etymology

From Latin in medias res ‎(literally “into the middle of things”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /in ˈme.ðjas ˌres/

Adverb

in medias res

1. in medias res

Adjective

in medias res m, f ‎(plural in medias res)

1. in medias res

Related terms

• ab initio
• ab ovo