Summary

The article outlines eight plot devices that writers can use to enhance their storytelling, including plot twists, foreshadowing, red herrings, flashbacks, quests for an object, love triangles, deathtraps, and cliffhangers.

Abstract

The article titled "8 Plot Devices & How To Use Them In Your Stories" provides guidance to writers on various literary tools that can be employed to effectively move a narrative forward. It emphasizes the importance of plot twists that challenge reader expectations, the subtle art of foreshadowing to hint at future events, and the use of red herrings to mislead readers in mysteries. The article also discusses the narrative value of flashbacks, the classic quest for an object trope, the dramatic potential of love triangles, the tension created by deathtrap scenarios, and the suspenseful nature of cliffhangers. Each device is presented with advice on its execution, ensuring that it feels earned and contributes meaningfully to the story's progression and character development.

Opinions

The author identifies as more plot-driven than character-driven, suggesting a personal preference for storytelling that emphasizes events and twists over character studies.
A good plot twist is described as requiring careful buildup, implying that its effectiveness is not just in the surprise but also in the groundwork laid throughout the story.
Foreshadowing is considered less of a driving force for a story but is acknowledged for its ability to enrich subplots and draw attention to significant details upon a second reading.
The use of red herrings is encouraged but with a caution to employ them judiciously to avoid disappointing readers who might feel deceived.
Flashbacks are appreciated for their ability to illuminate the present narrative by revealing past events, contributing to both character depth and plot complexity.
The quest for an object is seen as a versatile plot device that can drive the narrative in various genres, often imbuing the sought-after item with special significance.
Love triangles are recognized as a timeless plot device that introduces conflict and drama, suitable for a wide range of genres beyond romance.
Deathtraps are valued for their ability to reveal character strengths and to escalate the plot, often leading to pivotal moments in the story.
Cliffhangers are endorsed as a way to maintain reader interest by ending chapters or books with unresolved situations, compelling readers to continue to the next installment.

8 Plot Devices & How To Use Them In Your Stories

Use these tips to help move your story forward

Photo by Photo by Cole Keister for Pexel

As writers, we use plots to advance our stories. As a writer, I am more plot-driven than character-driven.

So, while I find it easier to move through the novel, I need to pay attention to the characters as well. That’s not to say using plot devices is easy for me, because it isn’t.

By studying clever plot devices, you’ll gain a solid background to use them in your stories. From there, you can take them in your direction.

8 Plot Devices to Use in Your Stories

1. Plot Twist

The plot twist is the best-known of all plot devices. It usually proves the reader’s assumptions wrong so far. This is a scene or a moment where the plot takes a dramatic turn.

A good plot twist requires buildup. So make sure it’s not only dramatic but also ‘earned’.

“Plot is just a fancy way of saying ‘and then.” Erica Jong

2. Foreshadowing

This is another classic scenario. Foreshadowing is a plot device that hints at something to come. This can be a big reveal or twist. Usually, readers won’t recognize foreshadowing until they reach the end of a book. That means that foreshadowing doesn’t drive a story as much as other plot devices do. But when done well, it can boost a subplot or highlight some interesting details in the story.

3. Red Herring

Red Herring is the opposite of foreshadowing. Here we mislead the reader. We create something false to distract them from the truth. Usually, it’s a specific person is a suspect for a crime.

Mystery and crime fiction authors love to use this device to keep people from figuring out the main twist too soon. However, they must do so carefully, so readers don’t feel cheated!

“Conflict is the place where character and plot intersect.” Nancy Kress

4. Flashbacks

Don’t you love flashbacks? They are pretty much what they sound like. Here a character recounts something that happened in the past, which of course sheds light on the present. It’s this reason authors use flashbacks in mysteries and thrillers as well.

Flashbacks not only build to a reveal, but also a sub-plot.

5. Quest for an object

This type of plot can take many forms. Some refer to it as the ‘Fetch Quest’, the ‘Big Dumb Object’ quest, or even the MacGuffin.

No matter what you call it, the essence of this device remains the same. Characters must embark on a quest to deliver or discover a certain object — usually with special properties or meaning.

6. Love Triangle

The proverbial “love triangle” has been around forever. It always occurs when one character cannot decide between two romantic prospects. This always results in conflict, drama, and a thrilling final decision. Hence why it works as a plot device in all sorts of genres, not just romance novels.

“A story to me means a plot where there is some surprise… Because this is how life is full of surprises.” Isaac Bashevis Singer

7. Deathtrap

What is the deathtrap device? We’ve all seen it. It involves characters in a life-threatening situation, often created by a villain, and for the characters to get out of it using their skills.

It’s an excellent way to show a character’s strength and escalate the plot. It forces action! This can lead to a turning point or even the story’s climax.

8. Cliffhanger

Just about every reader is familiar with the cliffhanger. This plot device is when anything intriguing happens at the end of a chapter (or even the end of a book in a series!). Things remain unresolved to keep readers going, hoping they’ll find out the answer.

These plot devices should help you open and close your book,