Episode Details

So last week Hollie joined us to talk about motifs which turned into a plot device conversation and we decided we could use of more that. So here it is, Part 2 if you will of Plot Devices to get us started this year. Turns out, we haven’t done plot devices before. We’ve done literary devices (Episode 125) but not plot devices.

What do we mean by “plot device”? A plot device is any tool used to advance the story. They can be objects, people, secrets, the weather. Anything that disrupts the story as-is and turns it toward where it needs to be.

Common examples include the “MacGuffin” (an object everyone wants), the “Red Herring” (a false clue), a “Deus Ex Machina” (a sudden, contrived resolution), or a “Time Bomb” (a ticking clock scenario). (link)

What are some “literary” plot devices?

• Symbolism
• Foreshadowing
• Parallelism

Here’s a comprehensive list of 50+ plot devices. I figured we could just work the list.

This link has some good takes on plot devices as does this one. The second one actually gets into how to use them.

I like this list:

• Big dumb object – used mostly in science fiction, something mysterious that must be explored and explained
• Flashback – deliver exposition with a memory surfacing at exactly the right time
• Love Triangle – what complicates desire? Unrequited love.
• Ticking clock – create a sense of urgency with an expiration date that draws ever nearer.

Last week we gave you these hints for making the plot device work. So here they are again: (

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