plot devices
Narrative convenience tools
Plot devices are narrative elements that move a story forward or resolve complications.
A convenient coincidence, a mysterious letter, a ticking clock—these are plot devices.
The term often carries slight criticism, suggesting mechanical storytelling: The secret twin was a tired plot device.
Common examples include MacGuffins, red herrings, and deus ex machina endings.
Intentional misleading distraction
- deus ex machinaUnlikely last-minute story rescue
- unreliable narratorStoryteller whose credibility wavers
- foreshadowingHinting at later events
- suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes
misdirection · ticking clock · dramatic irony · setup · false lead · bait and switch · smoking gun · loaded gun
Surprising disclosed truth
- surpriseUnexpected event causing astonishment
- reversalComplete change of direction
- subversionUndermining established authority
- misdirectionIntentional focus manipulation
shock · irony · retcon · curveball · epiphany · turnabout · red herring · unreliable narrator
Crime fiction identifying perpetrator
- red herringIntentional misleading distraction
- clueSolving aid
- alibiDefense of location
- detectiveProfessional crime investigator
investigation · culprit · enigma · sleuth · motive · witness · locked room · fair play
Systematic explanatory presentation
- backstoryCharacter's past narrative
- flashbackInvoluntary past memory
- frame storyEnclosing narrative structure
- inciting incidentEvent starting main conflict
rising action · falling action · denouement · catalyst · three-act structure · montage · narrative hook · prologue
One who opposes another
- rivalryOngoing contest between opponents
- struggleLabored effort against resistance
- tensionStretched or strained state
- obstacleSomething blocking the way
adversary · challenge · confrontation · crisis · stalemate · man vs nature · man vs society · dilemma
Story's central figure
- antagonistOne who opposes another
- foilDefeat a plan
- archetypeOriginal model for copies
- antiheroMorally ambiguous main character
mentor · sidekick · tragic flaw · character arc · redemption arc · backstory · motivation · deuteragonist
red herring
Intentional misleading distraction
- deus ex machinaUnlikely last-minute story rescue
- unreliable narratorStoryteller whose credibility wavers
- foreshadowingHinting at later events
suspense · misdirection · ticking clock · dramatic irony · setup · false lead · bait and switch · smoking gun · loaded gun · breadcrumb
revelation
Surprising disclosed truth
- surpriseUnexpected event causing astonishment
- reversalComplete change of direction
- subversionUndermining established authority
misdirection · shock · irony · retcon · curveball · epiphany · turnabout · red herring · unreliable narrator · frame-up
whodunit
Crime fiction identifying perpetrator
- red herringIntentional misleading distraction
- clueSolving aid
- alibiDefense of location
detective · investigation · culprit · enigma · sleuth · motive · witness · locked room · fair play · reveal
exposition
Systematic explanatory presentation
- backstoryCharacter's past narrative
- flashbackInvoluntary past memory
- frame storyEnclosing narrative structure
inciting incident · rising action · falling action · denouement · catalyst · three-act structure · montage · narrative hook · prologue · epilogue
antagonist
One who opposes another
- rivalryOngoing contest between opponents
- struggleLabored effort against resistance
- tensionStretched or strained state
obstacle · adversary · challenge · confrontation · crisis · stalemate · man vs nature · man vs society · dilemma · foil
protagonist
Story's central figure
- antagonistOne who opposes another
- foilDefeat a plan
- archetypeOriginal model for copies
antihero · mentor · sidekick · tragic flaw · character arc · redemption arc · backstory · motivation · deuteragonist · stock character
omen
Prophetic indicator
precursor · hint · allusion · foreboding · warning · sign · prediction · presage · teaser · setup
- storytellingstorytelling, story, tale, narrative, narrator
- crime fictiondetective fiction, murder mystery, detective novels, detective novel, detective
- thriller elementstwists, suspense, tension, anticipation, cliffhanger
plot devicescharacter development
Protagonist's psychological growth
characterization · character study · psychological depth · interiority · character motivation
plot devicesslice of life
Realistic everyday depiction
verisimilitude · realism · documentary style · literary fiction · stream of consciousness
plot devicesworld-building
Creating fictional universes
setting · atmosphere · mood · tone · imagery
plot, device, plots, devices, devising, devised, plotter, plotters, devises