Creating Compelling Plot Twists in Fantasy Fiction
In the world of fantasy fiction, plot twists can make or break a story.
Done well, a plot twist can leave readers stunned, shocked, and eager to keep turning the pages. But when executed poorly, a plot twist can feel cheap, forced, and even ruin the entire story.
So how do you create compelling plot twists in fantasy fiction?
In this article, I explore 7 tips and tricks to help you do just that.
Lay the groundwork early on
One of the most important aspects of a successful plot twist is laying the groundwork early on.
If the twist comes out of nowhere, it can feel contrived and jarring. As a writer, you need to plant the seeds of the twist throughout your story. It can be through foreshadowing, subtle hints, or even seemingly innocuous details that later come into play.
By doing this, you create a sense of inevitability that makes the twist feel like a natural progression of the story.
Pro tip: when writing the Crime in Me’tra series this was of extreme importance. No one wants a sudden reveal at the end of a detective story where one character turns out to be someone completely different and then it makes it obvious that they were the one to commit the crime (I’m looking at you here Agatha Cristie).
Subvert expectations
A good plot twist subverts the reader’s expectations.
This can mean taking a character down an unexpected path or revealing a hidden motivation that changes the reader’s perception of the story.
When done well, a plot twist can turn a tired trope on its head and breathe new life into a story.
Avoid cliches
Fantasy fiction is full of cliches and tropes, and while there’s nothing inherently wrong with them, they can make a plot twist feel predictable.
A good plot twist should feel fresh and surprising, so try to avoid overused tropes or cliches.
Use misdirection
Misdirection is a powerful tool for creating a compelling plot twist.
By directing the reader’s attention in one direction, you can create an opportunity for a surprising reveal. This can be done through red herrings, false clues, or even misdirection in the narrative itself.
Make it personal
A plot twist that has a personal impact on the characters can be especially powerful.
When a twist affects a character’s core beliefs, motivations, or relationships, it can create a ripple effect throughout the story. This is why it’s important to create well-rounded, fleshed-out characters that readers can care about.
Avoid deus ex machina
A deus ex machina is a plot device where a seemingly unsolvable problem is suddenly and abruptly resolved by an unexpected event.
While this can be tempting for writers, it can feel cheap and unearned. Instead, make sure your plot twists are a natural progression of the story and feel like a logical extension of what has come before.
A lot of authors, even published and very popular ones, fall into this trap and it is extremely prevalent in fantasy stories (Harry Potter). When all else fails the urge to say: ‘because magic’ and resolve the issue is great. But remain strong and don’t give into the temptation - you’re better than that.
Tie it all together
A good plot twist should tie everything together, bringing previously disparate elements of the story into a cohesive whole.
This can be done through callbacks, revelations, or even a twist that recontextualises everything that has come before. But, as mentioned above, avoid the sudden and unexpected. The twist can be surprising, but its important for it to become obvious once the missing clue is found, giving the reader that: “Aha, of course!” moment. By doing this, you create a satisfying sense of completion that makes the twist feel like a natural resolution.
In conclusion
Creating compelling plot twists in fantasy fiction is no easy feat, but with the right techniques and a lot of hard work, it can be done.
By laying the groundwork early on, subverting expectations, avoiding cliches, using misdirection, making it personal, avoiding deus ex machina, and tying it all together, you can create plot twists that leave your readers stunned and frothing for more.
Til next time.
If you want to learn more about building a believable and immersive fantasy world in your writing check out my other posts:
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