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  2. Plot device - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plot_device

    A plot device or plot mechanism [1] is any technique in a narrative used to move the plot forward. [2] A clichéd plot device may annoy the reader and a contrived or arbitrary device may confuse the reader, causing a loss of the suspension of disbelief. However, a well-crafted plot device, or one that emerges naturally from the setting or ...

  3. MacGuffin - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacGuffin

    The use of a MacGuffin as a plot device predates the name MacGuffin. The Holy Grail of Arthurian legend has been cited as an early example of a MacGuffin. The Holy Grail is the desired object that is essential to initiate and advance the plot, but the final disposition of the Grail is never revealed, suggesting that the object is not of significance in itself. [8]

  4. Deus ex machina - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deus_ex_machina

    Deus ex machina in Euripides' Medea, performed in 2009 in Syracuse, Italy; the sun god sends a golden chariot to rescue Medea.. Deus ex machina (/ ˌ d eɪ ə s ɛ k s ˈ m æ k ɪ n ə, ˈ m ɑː k-/ DAY-əs ex-MA(H)K-in-ə, [1] Latin: [ˈdɛ.ʊs ɛks ˈmaːkʰɪnaː]; plural: dei ex machina; English "god from the machine") [2] [3] is a plot device whereby a seemingly unsolvable problem in a ...

  5. List of narrative techniques - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_narrative_techniques

    The author uses narrative and stylistic devices to create the sense of an unedited interior monologue, characterized by leaps in syntax and punctuation that trace a character's fragmentary thoughts and sensory feelings. The outcome is a highly lucid perspective with a plot. Not to be confused with free writing. An example is Ulysses. At one ...

  6. Chekhov's gun - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chekhov's_gun

    Foreshadowing – a plot device where what is to come is hinted at, to arouse interest or to guard against disappointment; MacGuffin – a plot motivator that is necessary to the plot and the motivation of the characters, but insignificant, unimportant, or irrelevant in itself

  7. Plot (narrative) - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plot_(narrative)

    A plot device is a means of advancing the plot in a story. It is often used to motivate characters, create urgency, or resolve a difficulty. This can be contrasted with moving a story forward with dramatic technique; that is, by making things happen because characters take action for well-developed reasons.

  8. Dream world (plot device) - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream_world_(plot_device)

    Dream worlds (also called dream realms, illusory realms or dreamscape) are a commonly used plot device in fictional works, most notably in science fiction and fantasy fiction. The use of a dream world creates a situation whereby a character (or group of characters) is placed in a marvellous and unpredictable environment and must overcome ...

  9. Reset button technique - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reset_button_technique

    The reset button technique (based on the idea of status quo ante) is a plot device for interrupting continuity in works of fiction. The reset button device is used to return all characters and situations to the status quo prior to some major change.