In Medias Res
In medias res is starting a story in the middle of the action, with the earlier events filled in later.
Full definition of In Medias Res →:: COMPARE ::
In medias resvsAb ovo
The short answer
Ab ovo starts at the causal origin — literally 'from the egg', since Horace's example is beginning the Trojan War at Leda's eggs. In medias res skips all that and back-fills. Opposites, both named in the same Horatian passage.
Side by side
| Aspect | In medias res | Ab ovo |
|---|---|---|
| Starts at | The middle | The origin |
| Prior events | Withheld | Narrated |
| Horace's verdict | Praised | Mocked |
| Requires | Later back-fill | Patience |
What each one means
Ab ovo
The contrast above sets out how Ab ovo differs from In Medias Res on the points that actually matter.