A Beginner’s Guide to Plot Twists
A plot twist is a literary technique that involves introducing a surprising turn of events into a story, typically to change the direction or outcome of the plot. It can be used to create suspense, increase tension, or add complexity to a story. Plot twists can be subtle or dramatic, and they can occur at any point (but usually come after the mid-point).
The unexpected villain
This type of plot twist involves revealing a character who was previously thought to be a hero or a neutral character as the true villain of the story. This can be a shocking reveal that completely changes the reader’s perspective, especially if they have previously trusted or sympathised with this character.
The false protagonist
In this type of plot twist, the reader is led to believe that one character is the hero of the story, but it is revealed that another character is the true hero. This can be a surprising and effective way to create narrative tension by challenging the reader’s expectations and subverting their assumptions.
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Mistaken identity
This type of plot twist involves a character being revealed as someone other than who they were thought to be, often leading to confusion and conflict. It can take many forms, like a false death, a hidden personality, or a villain in disguise and can reveal new information about the characters or the world they inhabit.
The unreliable narrator
In this type of plot twist, the reader discovers that the narrator is not a reliable source of information. It causes the reader to question the truth and accuracy of the account of the story thus far. Unreliable narrators aren’t plot twists on their own, but they can be used when the unreliability of the narrator is revealed in a way that shocks readers.
Time jumps
A time jump involves a significant shift in time, either forward or backwards. This can be a jarring reveal that changes the reader’s understanding of the story and its characters. The reason these can be such a strong twist is that you can intentionally withhold information from the reader without disrupting the narrative.
An unexpected event
Sometimes a plot twist can come in the form of an unexpected event that changes the course of the story. This can be a sudden shift in tone or a surprising turn of events that the reader did not see coming. These events can take many forms, both positive and negative, like a sudden death, a surprise reunion, or a twist of fate.
The reversal
A reversal involves a situation being flipped on its head, often leading to a change in power dynamics or a shift in relationships. It is similar to an unexpected event, but goes further by changing a character’s reality to the reverse of what it was. Examples might be a sudden relationship breakdown, or immediate wealth.