Write On SC

That’s no small moon, it’s a plot device!

Episode Summary

On January 24, 2026, Kasie and Rex took on plot devices. Here are the show notes:

Episode Notes

So last week Hollie joined us to talk about motifs which turned into a plot device conversation and we decided we could use of more that. So here it is, Part 2 if you will of Plot Devices to get us started this year. Turns out, we haven’t done plot devices before. We’ve done literary devices (Episode 125) but not plot devices.

What do we mean by “plot device”? A plot device is any tool used to advance the story. They can be objects, people, secrets, the weather. Anything that disrupts the story as-is and turns it toward where it needs to be.

Common examples include the “MacGuffin” (an object everyone wants), the “Red Herring” (a false clue), a “Deus Ex Machina” (a sudden, contrived resolution), or a “Time Bomb” (a ticking clock scenario). (link)

What are some “literary” plot devices?

Symbolism
Foreshadowing
Parallelism

Here’s a comprehensive list of 50+ plot devices. I figured we could just work the list.

This link has some good takes on plot devices as does this one. The second one actually gets into how to use them.

I like this list:

Big dumb object – used mostly in science fiction, something mysterious that must be explored and explained
Flashback – deliver exposition with a memory surfacing at exactly the right time
Love Triangle – what complicates desire? Unrequited love.
Ticking clock – create a sense of urgency with an expiration date that draws ever nearer.

Last week we gave you these hints for making the plot device work. So here they are again: (link and link):

Serve the Story, Not the Other Way Around: The device should enhance your story’s foundation (characters, world) and feel essential, not like a forced gimmick to fix problems.
Make it Organic & Logical:
- Set up Foreshadowing: Introduce elements early (e.g., a skill, an object) that pay off later.
- Create Logical Circumstances: Have characters meet or find things in believable situations.
Motivate Characters: Ensure characters act in ways that lead to the device due to their established personalities and goals.
Focus on Character Reaction: How characters respond to a device (a discovery, a setback) often matters more than the device itself, revealing their nature.
Build Suspense & Meaning: Use them to create intrigue (flashbacks, foreshadowing, plot twists) or add depth, making the audience ask “how?” and “why?”.
Avoid Contrivance: Don’t use pure coincidence to get characters out of trouble; use it to get them into trouble, with proper setup.