1. Plot Devices Let me show you my DEVICES!

2. Plot Devices Part of author’s strategy for narrative Events/Actions/Objects/Characters that act as catalysts to advance the plot by – Initiating an action or reaction – Creating change or obstacles – Presenting a competing force

3. A basic example When a character in a horror movie investigates a mysterious noise outside alone – Device to make character vulnerable to attack – Only purpose is to push plot forward We learn nothing about the character from this event nor does the character develop The plot simply pushes forward

4. The Good and The Bad Plot devices in good writing – Well-blended/Hard to notice – Chain of events seems plausible Plot devices in bad writing – Messy/Easy to notice – Create plot holes/Unconvincing chain of events – Carry weight of the plot (and then break down)

5. Common Plot Devices Chekov’s Gun: a detail that seemed unimportant becomes very important Red Herring: a detail that seemed important turns out to be unimportant (misdirection) Deus ex Machina: “God in the Machine,” divine intervention/magical action

6. Common Plot Devices Dream Sequence: allows characters to explore unreal situations and gives reader a peek inside character’s mind Mistaken Identity: a character is believed to be someone other than him or herself and is held accountable for that other person’s actions

7. Common Plot Devices Epiphany: a discovery or realization that changes the course of events Reversal of Fortunes: sudden change in luck Coincidence: right place at the right time, wrong place at the wrong time, two characters happen to run into each other, etc.