Ancient writer never without a plot (5)
I believe the answer is:
plato
'ancient writer' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'never without a plot' is the wordplay.
'a plot' anagrams to 'PLATO'.
However, I am not clear how the anagram is indicated.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for plato that I've seen before include "Republican writer?" , "Ancient Greek philosopher" , "Moon crater named after Greek philosopher" , "To pal up with Greek philosopher" , "Greek philosopher, disciple of Aristotle" .)