Do you know the feeling when you can’t turn the pages fast enough? You’re barely registering any of the words written on the page because you want to keep reading. Then the bomb drops, and everything changes 180 degrees. That’s the art of a plot twist.
A plot twist is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a point where the whole plot twists and turns around. From that moment, the narrative changes forever.
I have read countless plot twists, and it gets to me every time. The authors always manage to build up perfectly before they reveal their secret weapon. I get inspired in those moments and want to do the same. However, it’s easier said than done.
The million-dollar question is: how to write a plot twist. I’m happy to tell you it isn’t witchcraft, although it can feel like that sometimes. In today’s post, we are going to learn what a plot twist is, a good example of what a plot twist is, and, at last, present a framework to write a plot twist.
What is a Plot Twist?
Before we deep dive into how to write a plot twist, do you know what a plot twist is? Regardless of whether you know or don’t, I’m going to tell you anyway.
In simple words, a plot twist is a reveal that changes the reader’s understanding of the story.
For it to be considered a plot twist, it usually has to meet these requirements:
- Introduces new information.
- Reframes an earlier event.
- Impacts the meaning of the story.
A plot twist usually occurs at a major structural point in the story. Most often, this is at the midpoint, the climax, or near the end.
The placement of a plot twist is important because the reveal needs to occur at a moment when it can meaningfully change the story’s direction and affect what happens next. Strong plot twists are usually placed near a major plot point because that is where the stakes are highest.
In addition, a plot twist isn’t a shock factor. It needs to have a function more than just surprising the audience. Furthermore, a plot twist isn’t a plot point either. The difference is that a plot point is a major event that changes the story, whereas a plot twist changes the reader’s understanding of the story.
Why Write a Plot Twist?
Believe it or not, plot twists are more than just a cool moment in your story. Plot twists are an unpredictable moment of change. For you to write a good plot twist, you have to understand what the point of a plot twist is.
First and foremost, a plot twist keeps the readers engaged. Although the readers don’t know what the plot twist is, they’re expecting one. Therefore, they pay close attention to your story and try to see if they can predict it before the revelation.
Secondly, it gives your story a structure. It gives you an idea of what you need to write before the plot twist and then what you need to write after. The writing process gets significantly easier when you break it down into a before-and-after structure.
Thirdly, it adds depth to your theme by giving a new perspective on the narrative. A strong plot twist sheds new light on old events, altering their meaning and the rest of the story.
Example of a Plot Twist: The Good Place
In the TV show The Good Place, directed by Michel Schur. In The Good Place season 1, the protagonist, Eleanor Shellstrop, is mistakenly sent to a good afterlife. The central conflict revolves around her attempt to become a better person so she can truly belong there.
Here comes a spoiler: she’s not in a good place. She’s in a bad place as a psychological form of punishment for her bad deeds in her life.
This plot twist works because it’s structurally sound. It happened in the climax of season 1, when tension had been building up to this moment the whole season.
It reframes all previous events and changes how the readers perceive the story forward. Then it adds depth to the story’s theme. It makes the audience wonder, “What is a good place?” “What does it mean to be good?”
In addition, there was consistent foreshadowing. The plot twist was a surprise, but it wasn’t unreasonable. It only made sense to the audience because of the clues they got, so they weren’t shocked.
This is the sort of effect you want to have on your readers.
How to Write a Plot Twist?
I had stalled enough. Let’s cut to the chase. I promised you a framework on how to write a plot twist, so here it is. This framework works regardless of the placement. Let’s get to it.
Brainstorm
To write a plot twist, you need to brainstorm. Sit down and find something to write on.
I want you to start with the core idea of your story. Define your theme in one sentence. For example, “trust leads to vulnerability,” or “to love someone is to know them.”
Then you add a twist. The plot twist should introduce an interpretation of the core idea. The twist isn’t separate from the story but rather a deeper expression of it.
Here are some things you can do:
- Identify what the reader currently believes about the story
- Identify the hidden truth
- Ensure that truth changes how the theme is understood
Plant Clues
Clues and foreshadowing are what make your plot feel earned. It subtly introduces the twist before the audience even knows what it is.
This technique means placing information in the story before the twist is revealed to make the plot twist logical. When the readers get the revelation, they experience a satisfying “aha” moment.
You can be creative here. There are so many ways to approach this; the tricky part is adding clues without revealing the twist.
Here are two ways you can do it:
Contradiction: a character says something, but then they’re disproved.
Dialogue: a conversation that seems to have a second meaning.
Each clue should have a valid surface-level explanation to not only raise suspicion but also to be understandable to the audience. After the reveal, the readers should be able to track the logic back through these clues.
Use Red Herrings Wisely
A red herring is a controlled distraction. The purpose is to lead readers into a false conclusion while presenting correct information. In other words, you’re misleading the audience on purpose so they don’t figure out the plot twist before the reveal.
My favorite thing about plot twists is that they’re surprises. You’re not supposed to know what it is before the twist happens. To create that “aha” moment, you need to distract your readers with red herrings.
You can learn how to write red herrings that make your readers think the Earth is flat here.
Here is an instant recipe to create effective red herrings:
- Emphasize details that support the wrong interpretation.
- Let characters draw an incorrect conclusion.
- Structure the plot so the correct assumption appears absurd.
Deliver the Revelation With Precision
The reveal must be placed where it has maximum effect. That usually means you’ve built up enough tension, and the readers feel confident in how the story will unravel. That’s when you pull the rug from under them.
At the time of the reveal, the twist should answer these three things:
- What’s the truth?
- How does it change the story?
- Why does it matter?
The Story Continues After the Plot Twist
The plot twist isn’t an ending; it’s a transition. I can’t highlight the importance of the aftermath of the reveal as the buildup. Once the truth is exposed, the story must yield to the twist. Characters are affected, the story changes direction, and narrative weight is added.
In addition, a strong plot creates new conflict; instead of resolving all the tension you’ve built up, redirect it. Use the moment you already created and complicate the conflict in unpredictable ways. Raise the stakes or force the characters to make difficult decisions; just don’t let all your hard work go down the drain.
Final Thoughts on How to Write a Plot Twist
For my sake, please write a plot twist, even if it doesn’t feel good at first. We (mostly me) need more stories with good plot twists. I love a good twist, and I know you do too. There’s nothing better than a well-planned element of surprise that changes the whole meaning of the narrative. Therefore, I very much hope you use the how-to-write-a-plot-twist framework.
