Types of plot twists

[W_L]

Happy October!

Since I haven't seen anyone discuss it yet, let's talk about one of most fun areas of writing: Plot Twist, which kind of goes hand in hand with horror, thriller, and mystery for this season.

I was reading an article that outlined several common types of plot-twist and thought I'd share their observations on the use of plot twists:

 

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Surprise ending

A surprise ending is an unexpected twist at the end of the story, revealing a completely different outcome than what was expected. This type of twist can often be used to subvert genre conventions, provide closure for characters, or give readers a much-needed moment of catharsis.

When using a surprise ending, it’s important to make sure that the twist is believable and that it fits your story world. Make sure that the elements in the story are set up so that the twist could logically happen or that the clues or hints planted throughout build up to it.

Additionally, don’t make the ending too jarring or too far-fetched, as it won’t be as effective and might even confuse or annoy readers.

Flashback reveal

This type of twist uses flashbacks to reveal an unexpected detail, a character’s secret past, or changes how a reader understands the story. For example, it might involve disclosing a character’s secret motivation or past events that directly and surprisingly impact the present story. These reveals can add drama, tension, and emotional weight.

To use a flashback reveal, begin by introducing a mystery or conflict and letting your readers become invested in the characters and their journey. After establishing the tension, use flashbacks to reveal more about your characters. The reveal should be unexpected and dramatic, and have a powerful impact on the plot and the reader’s understanding of the story.

Avoid the trap of revealing too much at once, as this can lower the stakes and lessen the impact. But most importantly, ensure that the twist still makes sense within the story’s context and that its narrative themes remain intact.

Reversal of fortunes

A reversal of fortunes twist involves shifting the power dynamics in the story and turning one character’s advantage into another character’s disadvantage. This type of twist often creates a sense of suspense, surprise, and shock for both the characters within the story and your readers.

Using a reversal of fortunes twist requires the introduction of a set-up that involves one character seemingly having the advantage over another. Build up the tension by making the stakes for the characters clear, and then use a sudden event or revelation to completely turn the tables and give the disadvantaged character the upper hand.

It’s easy for a reversal of fortunes twist to feel forced or contrived, so make sure you pay attention to the context and story world and make it believable.

Unexpected revelation

This type of plot twist happens when a character discovers a shocking truth about themselves or their situation that they were previously unaware of. It can be anything from uncovering a family secret to finding out that an enemy is, in fact, an ally, or even something as simple as learning the real motivation behind someone’s actions.

An unexpected revelation should be a surprise to both the characters and the readers. To set it up, start by seeding clues into the story that hints at the potential revelation. Things should seem one way, and then later reveal a surprising fact that changes how they are perceived.

Tone is very important for an unexpected revelation, as it needs to both shock, and fit seamlessly into your narrative arc. Readers should be surprised at the reveal, but feel like the story left enough hints along the way that if they re-read it, they would see it coming.

Red herring

A red herring plot twist introduces false evidence or clues throughout the story, leading readers down the wrong path and ultimately misdirecting them from the real solution. This type of plot twist creates suspense and surprises readers by making them think they’ve got the story figured out, only for it all to come crashing down.

To use a red herring plot twist effectively, start by subtly introducing clues throughout the narrative that point toward an obvious conclusion. This should be done in a way that makes the ending seem inevitable but ensures you leave enough room for the real truth to come out later.

Make sure the clues are believable and well-integrated into the story to make them more convincing. As the story progresses, characters should begin to collect more clues, and these should lead them down the wrong path as the red herring slowly reveals itself.

 

Seems like good points for adapting plot twists and how they play into our stories to improve the narrative. 

 

[Krista]

I am probably the most boring writer ever. I don't do very many cliffhangers and I definitely don't do any of those horrendous twists. 😮 So, I guess I'm not one of these "evil authors," people keep talking about here and there. If they're doing any of these, they're totally meanies.