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, subplots, and climax. The list could go on.

PLOT Device

What Is a Plot Device?

Plot devices are a literary technique that is commonly used in many different genres of literature.

Plot devices, or simply plot tricks, often move the story forward and help to create tension.

A common example of a plot device is “the ticking clock” which can be seen in movies like The Bourne Identity where there is always an impending deadline for Matt Damon’s character to complete his mission before he dies.

This creates suspense and keeps the viewer on their toes as they watch him try desperately to escape from various dangerous situations while trying not to get killed by those who are hunting him down.

Explained: What Is a Plot Device in Film & Literature?

Ever wondered how writers keep us glued to the page or screen, breathlessly awaiting what happens next?

That’s often the work of a plot device, a storytelling tool that propels the narrative forward.

From the mysterious MacGuffin to the sudden deus ex machina, plot devices are the secret sauce that make stories unforgettable.

We’ll jump into what they are, how they’re used, and why they’re so crucial to captivating storytelling.

What Is A Plot Device

In storytelling, be it through film or literature, plot devices serve as catalysts propelling the narrative forward.

They’re tools employed by writers and directors to provoke a reaction, deliver information, or resolve complex storylines.

Plot devices are intrinsic to plot development and are often used to introduce critical turning points.

Whether it’s the whimsical appearance of a time-turner in Harry Potter or the relentless pursuit of The Maltese Falcon, these elements are pivotal in shaping stories.

Some common plot devices include –

• The Quest: Characters embark on a journey towards a specific goal.
• The Riddle: A puzzle or mystery that must be solved to progress the story.
• Chekhov’s Gun: An item that seems inconsequential but proves critical later on.
• Flashbacks: Providing backstory that sheds light on current events.

In film, plot devices can take the form of a specific object, a character, or even a line of dialogue.

Consider Rosebud in Citizen Kane, a single word that becomes the linchpin for the entire narrative.

Crucially, plot devices must feel organic within the story.

Their presence should neither confuse the audience nor seem like a blatant attempt to direct the storyline.

Instead, they should blend seamlessly, enhancing the viewing experience.

The Role Of Plot Devices In Storytelling

Plot devices serve an intricate role in the woven tapestry of a narrative.

They do more than just push the plot forward – they’re the backbone that supports the structure of the story.

By interjecting conflict or surprise, these tools help to maintain a dynamic rhythm throughout the narrative.

Within the realm of filmmaking, plot devices can turn ordinary scenes into turning points that captivate audiences.

Envision the plot devices as the secret spices in a chef’s recipe.

Just as those spices transform a dish, plot devices add layers of depth and complexity to the story.

Take the iconic lightsaber from Star Wars; it’s not just a weapon, it’s a symbol of the struggle between good and evil.

Here are several key attributes plot devices bring to storytelling:

• Engagement – They keep viewers invested in the characters’ journeys.
• Pacing – They control the storytelling tempo, adding urgency or introspection when needed.
• Foreshadowing – They drop hints that prepare the audience for future events, creating anticipation.

Plot devices also highlight a director’s craftsmanship in storytelling.

The use of a MacGuffin, for example, showcases how an element can drive the protagonists’ actions while its intrinsic value remains elusive or unimportant.

Alfred Hitchcock excelled at using MacGuffins to engage viewers in the central narrative without letting them get lost in unnecessary details.

Skilled filmmakers integrate plot devices seamlessly within their work.

Their proper use ensures that storylines appear logical to the audience while enhancing the cinematic experience.

Whether it’s the misleading red herring or the elucidative dream sequence, the power of a well-placed plot device cannot be overstated.

It’s crucial for us to remember that plot devices must not overshadow the story itself.

Striking a balance is key – they should enhance, not dominate.

As such, we recognize the vital role they play and the subtlety required to employ them effectively.

In doing so, we honor the viewers’ intelligence and provide them with an engaging, memorable experience.

Plot devices named in this article

Common Types Of Plot Devices

Understanding frequent plot mechanics helps us decipher narratives with greater clarity.

We’ll uncover the common types that thread through stories across mediums.

MacGuffins are objects or goals everyone in the story is chasing.

They’re pivotal to the plot but often have little explained significance.

Think of the briefcase in Pulp Fiction – it drives the characters’ actions without its content ever being revealed.

Red Herrings mislead audiences, planting false leads to conceal true intentions or outcomes.

They add layers of intrigue, tempting us to fall for the misdirection.

The Sixth Sense brilliantly misleads with its subtle clues, pulling us away from the shocking truth.

In contrast, Chekhov’s Gun suggests that every element introduced in a story must be important.

If a rifle is on the wall in the first act, it should be fired by the third.

This principle encourages lean storytelling, where every detail has a purpose.

Plot devices can also include:

• Flashbacks – offering a glimpse into a character’s past,
• Dream Sequences – revealing desires or fears,
• Deus ex Machina – deploying a sudden, unexpected solution to an unsolvable issue.

Twists and Turns keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

They’re the sudden revelations that subvert our expectations.

In films like Fight Club, the twist alters our entire perception of the narrative.

Using these devices with a deft hand enhances storytelling.

They should complement, not overshadow, the narrative arc.

As we jump deeper into plot mechanics, our appreciation for filmmaking artistry grows alongside our ability to craft compelling stories.

Examples Of Plot Devices In Popular Literature And Film

Plot devices are the secret sauce that keeps audiences captivated by a story.

As creators, we’ve seen countless films and books employ them with finesse.

For instance, The Maltese Falcon utilizes the classic MacGuffin – everyone’s chasing the elusive statue.

Harry Potter is rife with plot devices like the prophecy that drives the narrative.

The Philosopher’s Stone is another MacGuffin that both Harry and Voldemort desperately seek, propelling the story forward.

In The Sixth Sense, the twist ending redefines the entire film.

It’s an outstanding example of a plot device turning the tables on the audience’s expectations, compelling viewers to rewatch the movie with new insights.

Consider Fight Club where the unreliable narrator forces us to question everything we’ve seen.

The plot device of the hidden truth behind the protagonist’s reality is a punch to the viewer’s gut.

• Red Herrings – used effectively in mystery and suspense genres – Gone Girl skillfully misleads viewers with false leads. – The Prestige is filled with deceptive clues leading to its startling dénouement.
• Chekhov’s Gun – mandates that every element in a story should be necessary – In Pulp Fiction, the mysterious briefcase drives characters’ actions. – The Shawshank Redemption subtly introduces the rock hammer, a crucial tool for the protagonist’s escape.

Flashbacks are another common plot device, providing backstory without lengthy expositions.

Lost uses flashbacks to deepen character understanding and advance the present storyline.

We also see dream sequences add depth to characters’ inner lives.

Inception cleverly blurs the line between dreams and reality, using dreams as a layered plot device.

The Impact Of Plot Devices On The Reader/viewer

Plot devices are essential in shaping the audience’s emotional and psychological engagement with the story.

A well-crafted plot device can evoke a wide spectrum of responses, from anticipation and excitement to shock and reflection.

These reactions aren’t just fleeting; they often linger long after the viewer has left the cinema or the reader has closed the book.

Through plot devices, filmmakers and authors create memorable moments that become talking points for audiences.

Consider the iconic snarl of Jaws’ haunting sound effects; they signal imminent danger and heighten the tension without showing the shark itself.

The dramatic effect here lies in manipulating the audience’s fear through suspenseful build-up rather than explicit visuals.

Effective plot devices also serve to deepen character development and themes within a narrative:

• They reveal new facets of a character’s personality or backstory.
• They can symbolize larger concepts, adding layers of meaning to the story.

For instance, the haunting whispers in Lost convey more than just mystery; they tap into the subconscious fears and desires of each character, enriching the audience’s understanding of them.

Similarly, dream sequences in Inception are not just for show.

They intricately mirror the characters’ internal struggles and the very nature of reality within the film’s plot.

Also, the success of a film can hinge on its use of plot devices.

Films that effectively incorporate plot devices tend to stand out in the crowded entertainment marketplace, contributing to their legacy and influence.

Star Wars, with its powerful use of the hero’s journey narrative arc, serves as an example.

The franchise’s enduring popularity is in large part due to how these plot devices resonate with viewers, inspiring generations with its universal themes.

Remember, plot devices are the tools we use to keep the audience invested, turning the pages or glued to their seats with bated breath.

They’re the spark that ignites the imagination and the glue that holds the narrative threads together, ensuring that our story stays with the audience well after the experience is over.

What Is A Plot Device – Wrap Up

We’ve explored the intricate tapestry that plot devices weave into the fabric of storytelling, enhancing narratives in ways that resonate with audiences long after the story ends.

They’re not just tools but the building blocks that give depth to the tales we cherish.

Whether it’s through the cunning twist of a MacGuffin or the shock of an unreliable narrator, these elements captivate us, making stories like Harry Potter and The Sixth Sense unforgettable.

As we close the curtain on this discussion, let’s appreciate the craft behind the stories we love and the plot devices that make them extraordinary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is A Plot Device?

A plot device is a storytelling technique used to advance the narrative, create suspense, or develop characters.

Examples include MacGuffins, red herrings, and plot twists.

How Does The Maltese Falcon Utilize Plot Devices?

The Maltese Falcon employs the MacGuffin plot device through the pursuit of a valuable statue which drives the film’s narrative.

What Kind Of Plot Devices Are Used In Harry Potter?

Harry Potter features prophecies that foretell future events and MacGuffins like the horcruxes and the Deathly Hallows that are central to the plot.

Can You Give An Example Of A Twist Ending?

The Sixth Sense is renowned for its twist ending where a character’s true nature is revealed, significantly altering the story’s perception.

What Is An Unreliable Narrator?

An unreliable narrator is a character whose storytelling credibility has been compromised, like the protagonist in Fight Club, often resulting in surprising plot twists.

How Do Red Herrings Function In Storytelling?

Red herrings are misleading clues intended to divert the audience’s attention from the true plot, as used in Gone Girl to create unexpected twists.

What Is Chekhov’s Gun?

Chekhov’s Gun is a principle stating that every element in a story should be necessary, and irrelevant elements should be removed; objects or events presented in a narrative are later revealed to have significance.

In What Films Are Dream Sequences Used As Plot Devices?

Dream sequences are prominent in Inception, where they are essential elements of the film’s layered narrative structure.

How Important Are Plot Devices In Character Development?

Plot devices are crucial for character development, as they can reveal backstory, motive, and personality traits, leading to a richer narrative and deeper viewer engagement.

Do Plot Devices Affect A Film’s Success And Legacy?

Yes, skillfully used plot devices can enrich the storytelling experience, making the film memorable and impactful, which contributes to its success and lasting legacy.