What Is a Plot Device? Definitions and Examples For This Writing Technique

A plot device is any device, idea, or process that aids the development of the plot of a story.

Although plot devices are not required to develop great literature, they do enhance and advance the plot. Plot devices help the reader move the plot from point A to point B.

The most common plot devices in literature are but are not limited to conflict, foreshadowing, metagaming, subplots, and climax. The list could go on.

What Is a Plot Device?

A plot device can be a large or small element of the story.

It can introduce a new character, it can help the reader understand the motivations of an existing character, or it can simply serve to add mystery and intrigue to a story.

A plot device doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, if a plot device is poorly explained or if it is used too much, the reader may lose interest.

What Is A Character’s Motivation?

Readers must first establish why a character acts in a certain way.

This usually involves the identification of some central conflict that the character is trying to resolve.

Then the character must undergo a change or personality to solve the conflict or at least have enough motivation to attempt to do so.

What Is A Plot Twist?

A twist is a sudden turn of events that changes the readers’ understanding of the story.

For example, when Harry Potter dropped to the ground and then jumped out the window as his cloak flew behind him, readers knew that Harry Potter was not staying in the classroom to finish his homework, but because he had an important test the next day.

What Is A Conflict?

A character’s actions must either further their purpose or harm their own cause.

Readers must know how the character thinks and feels about the problem.

This allows the authors to show the conflicts internal to the characters as well as external to the story.

What Is A Character’s Point Of View?

A character’s point of view is the viewpoint he takes in the story.

It can also be called his point of view through the eyes of the character’s subconscious.

A character’s point of view can conflict with the main character, if the latter isn’t truthful, because his point of view will always be the same.

Point of view characters are sometimes called “secondary characters.”

What Is A Scene Block?

A scene block occurs when a character is in the middle of a story activity and needs to briefly interrupt the flow of events in order to deliver a critical point of view or make an important observation.

Sometimes a character may need to stop or change directions for a necessary reason. Sometimes a character may be trapped between various plot developments.

In that case, a scene block can free up the character to attend to what he needs to do before continuing.

What Is A Signature Character?

It is a character, often the hero of a story, is usually central to the plot.

That character is memorable, and readers come to know him or her well.

He is the “heart of the story,” and any change in that character affects the way the plot is told.

What Is A Subplot?

A subplot is just one minor aspect of a story, often something that deals with aspects of the main character’s experience.

It doesn’t have to follow the main character or be related to him.

In many TV dramas, for example, the mother’s boyfriend is discovered by the main character, who then pursues him through several plots, all related to aspects of his relationship with her.

What Is A Device Used To Show How A Character Changes?

Plot devices include such things as flashbacks, foreshadowing, and foreplay. Changing devices can help you tell a richer story, but if they are used excessively, you will lose the interest of your audience.

Flashbacks

Flashbacks are a plot device often used in literature and film to give readers or viewers insight into past events.

The use of flashbacks has been criticized as being overused, but because they can be so powerful when used correctly it’s understandable why writers would want to include them in their writing.

Plot Device Definition

The plot device is a literary technique that is used to move the story forward and can be anything from a person or an object.

The use of this device often results in complications for the protagonist, which leads to more tension and conflict.

A common plot device is when something gets stolen – this forces the protagonist to work harder at getting what they want, but also attracts attention from other people who are interested in what was taken.

In fiction writing, this may be anything from a bomb to a life-changing decision.

   

In nonfiction book writing, it could include things like interviews with experts or research findings that support your argument.

It’s important not only for stories but also for essays to have some sort of movement and not just dwell on one topic at length – it’s hard enough to keep people engaged in reading!

How To Recognize A Good Plot Device

Plot devices are a really important part of storytelling. They can be an object, person or event that moves the story forward in some way.

The best plot devices are ones that make sense and have a reason for being there.

List Of Good Plot Device Objects In Film

The list of good plot device objects in film is extensive. There are so many clever ways that movies employ to get the protagonist into trouble, and one of the most popular methods is by using an object.

These items can be a gun, a car, or even just a phone call. The following article will explore some intriguing examples of these devices from well-known films!

Bad Story Devices In Film

There are many devices in film that can be considered bad storytelling. Some of these include the deus ex machina, the false protagonist, and the red herring.

The most common device is probably a flashback which can sometimes confuse audiences when it is not handled correctly.

Good Character Plot Devices In Film

A protagonist without a personality is just another bland cog in the wheel of the plot. In order to keep audiences interested, filmmakers need to give their characters depth and individuality.

One way they do this is by giving them flaws that make them seem real and relatable. These are called character plot devices.

Bad Character Plot Device Examples In Film

For some writers, the worst thing you can do is introduce a character that does something bad. But for others, it’s an effective way to keep readers glued to the story.

The problem with this plot device though is that it often leaves audiences feeling disgusted and disappointed.

For example, in “Fifty Shades of Grey” Christian Grey chokes his partner Anastasia Steele when she becomes angry at him after he refuses her request to see her mother one last time before she dies from cancer.

Readers are left wondering why this young woman would ever want anything more than just sex from such a violent man who abuses women as well as engages in BDSM sexual practices.

Good Story Device Situational Examples In Film

The old adage “show, don’t tell” is a popular way to describe the difference between an effective story and a boring one.

A good story needs to have an event that has happened or will happen in order for the audience to care about it. The event can be as small as someone walking into a room or as big as someone getting shot.

A great example of this technique is when Heath Ledger’s Joker gets shot at the end of “The Dark Knight.”

This scene hits you like a ton of bricks because it was something we didn’t see coming (even though we knew he would eventually die).

It was such shocking imagery that gave us all chills.

Bad Plot Device Situations In Film

We all know there are some bad plot devices in film.

But what about the times where you can’t help but laugh at how ridiculous it is? It’s hard to avoid a good chuckle when watching these scenes.

One of the most famous examples of an absurd film device is when The Great Gatsby, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, says “old sport” to Jay Gatz (played by Robert Redford) while they’re on their way to New York.

Plot Device – TV Tropes

A plot device is a literary technique that has been used for centuries to drive the story forward.

Plot devices are often clichés, but can also be original and clever. They are typical “a particular object or event” and have no other use in the narrative than their role as a plot element.

Some examples of well-known plot devices are amnesia, time travel, a magic sword, an enchanted mirror, an ancient curse, and so on.

What Does ‘Drive The Plot’ Mean

The phrase “driving the plot” is often used in fiction writing to describe how an author develops a story.

It means that the way that the events of a story unfold is determined by some external force, either another character or something completely outside of human control.

For example, if two characters meet and they fall in love, but one has to leave for work before they can get married, then leaving for work would be driving their relationship’s development.

Magnetic Plot Device

One of the most powerful plot devices is magnetic force.

The power to attract and repel has been used in a variety of ways throughout history, especially in more recent literature.

Some writers use it as a motif for romantic tension, while others use it to create suspenseful moments.

Plot Voucher

The idea of the plot voucher is a new and exciting one. The concept of it was developed by the author, John Dufresne, in his book “Plot”.

He explains that this voucher would allow writers to be able to purchase plots from storytellers who are less experienced or just need a little extra cash for their families.

It’s a great way for people with stories they want to share but don’t know how to write them out yet or have writer’s block on what should happen next.