Like a kaleidoscope shifting its patterns with each turn, the world of storytelling is a labyrinth of interconnected narratives. In this enigmatic realm, plot holes lurk, like hidden passageways that threaten to disrupt the very fabric of a story.

As writers strive to craft intricate tales that captivate their readers, they must navigate the treacherous terrain of plot holes that unravel their mysteries and banish them from existence.

Let’s talk about it…

Key Takeaways

• Definition of a plot hole: A plot hole refers to inconsistencies, contradictions, illogical actions, and unfinished story threads in a narrative.
• Reasons to avoid plot holes: This is obvious (mostly), but severity matters. Plot holes are errors that can disrupt a stories magic and shatter trust with your reader. However, forgiveness is possible if it’s a minor plot hole like an element of you story that doesn’t get fully wrapped up. In other cases, a plot hole destroys the entire premise of your story.
• Types of plot holes: Related to the previous takeaway, there are various types of plot holes, including characters ignoring obvious solutions, ignoring off-screen solutions, continuity issues, inconsistent powers/magic/technology, and characters acting out of character for no good reason.
• Impact of abandoned subplots: Abandoned subplots can leave the story feeling unfinished and can negatively impact the overall narrative. They can also sink an entire premise.
• Strategies such as Character Bibles and Plot Point Cards can help you avoid and fill plot holes.

Caution ⚠️ Plot Holes Ahead

It may seem obvious why writers should steer clear of plot holes, those enigmatic inconsistencies that disrupt the fabric of a story and challenge the very essence of logic and coherence?

But how to manage dozens of characters and story elements across multiple storylines?

A well-crafted story captivates and transports readers to another world, but plot holes shatter that illusion, leaving them disillusioned and questioning the writer’s ability.

However, there’s hope for redemption through forgiveness. Engaging stories have the potential to earn forgiveness from the audience, who may overlook minor plot holes if the overall experience is satisfying.

It also depends when the plot hole appears. I remember reading a Jason Bourne novel many years ago, I can’t remember which one. But a simple plot hole early on sucked the believability out of the novel. Everything from that point forward was marred by that one small thing. My apologies for not remembering specifics.

But with an endearing story, the audience might even come up with explanations to excuse the plot holes themselves if it comes later after they’ve established a relationship with the story and it’s characters.

Nevertheless, you should strive to at all costs to minimize plot holes and develop mastery over your craft to deliver a seamless narrative that leaves no room for doubt or confusion.

Types of Plot Holes

There are five distinct types of plot holes that can confound and perplex both writers and audiences. These plot holes have a profound impact on the story and create inconsistencies that leave anyone trying to follow along scratching their heads.

Techniques for identifying and fixing these plot holes are crucial in maintaining the integrity of the narrative.

Plot Hole 1

The first type of plot hole is when characters have an obvious solution to their problems but choose a more difficult alternative. This can leave the audience frustrated and questioning the logic of the story.

In this instance, both the audience and characters are aware of the obvious solution.

Plot Hole 2

The second type occurs when there’s an off-screen solution available to the characters, but they ignore it. This can make the audience feel as though the characters are making foolish decisions.

This is similar to the first plot hole, except in this scenario, the characters may not be aware but the audience is. The result here is not that the viewer or reader thinks the characters are making a bad decision, but rather that the writers dropped the ball. It could be the result of lazy writing, or an attempt to create a contrived scenario without explaining why.

Plot Hole 3

This plot hole involves continuity issues, such as characters not recognizing someone they should or firing more bullets than a gun can hold. These inconsistencies can break the immersion of the audience and make them question the credibility of the story.

Plot Hole 4

Another common plot hole is inconsistent rules and limits for powers, magic, technology, or other elements in the story. Without established boundaries, the audience can become confused and lose interest.

An example here would be a super-villian who has god-like powers for most of the story and defeats all foes, but is thwarted by a superhero who is objectively weaker than the those the villian has already overcome.

Plot Hole 5

Last, but certainly not least, the fifth type of plot hole occurs when characters act out of character for no good reason. This can make the audience feel disconnected from the story and question the authenticity of the characters.

Abandoned Subplots

As the reader approaches the final pages and ultimate resolution, they wonder how all of the subplots will tie in. But what if they don’t.

These forgotten narrative threads hold immense importance to your reader or viewer. In the grand tapestry of storytelling, they’ve transformed your characters in profound ways. And have therefore transformed you audience.

But we writers understand the struggle of spending months, even years, fine tuning a story and needing it to end. Not wanting it to end. Needing it to end.

We’ve spent far more time in this world than our audience ever will. Or maybe you’re under pressure to meet publisher deadlines.

You may be a high volume writer, hammering out story after story after story of adequate narratives but not breaking any new ground. It’s a living, and while much of your audience knows what they’re getting into because they appreciate your never ending drama more than craftsmanship, some will be attached to those subplots and characters.

So the impact of unresolved subplots on character development can’t be understated. Just as a sculptor chisels away at stone to reveal the true essence of a masterpiece, the resolution of subplots refines and molds characters, exposing their vulnerabilities, strengths, and ultimately, their true selves.cd

Whether you’re creating a masterpiece or not is irrelevant to your reader. Their experience is what matters, and they may be experiencing a work of mastery even if that wasn’t the intent.

So, left unresolved, these abandoned subplots leave characters suspended in a state of perpetual limbo, denying them (and your audience) the growth and closure they deserve. It’s through the resolution of these untold stories that characters can fully blossom, allowing the audience to witness their journey of self-discovery and transformation.

Large-Scale Stupidity

Amidst the intricate web of storytelling, where logic and reason intertwine, the sinewy threads of large-scale stupidity emerge, distorting the very fabric of the story’s concept and leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions.

In other words, it’s bad enough if one character does something dumb. When your entire cast of characters make stupid decisions, expect your audience to lose interest fast.

When confronted with large-scale stupidity, viewers are forced to question the intelligence of the characters and the credibility of the narrative.

Preventing Plot Holes

Now that we’ve hammered that point home, hopefully not digging our own plot holes, let’s talk about solutions.

Keeping a complex story tight and coherent requires a strategy…

1. Character Bibles: Create detailed profiles for each character. Include their background, motivations, goals, and development arc. Understand how they react in various situations.
2. Timeline Tracking: Develop a clear timeline of events. Use a tool or spreadsheet to track what each character is doing at key points in the story. This helps ensure consistency and logical progression.
3. Plot Point Cards: Write down each major plot point on a card or digital tool. Rearrange them to see how changing the sequence impacts the story and look for gaps or inconsistencies.
4. Beta Readers and Editors: Utilize the fresh eyes of beta readers or a professional editor. They can spot plot holes and inconsistencies you might have missed.
5. Regular Reviews: Periodically step back and review your story as a whole. Check if the character actions align with their motivations and if the story maintains internal logic.
6. Consistency Checks: Keep a checklist of facts about your world and characters. Refer back to it often to ensure consistency in names, descriptions, timelines, and relationships.
7. Feedback Loops: Have a trusted person to discuss your plot with. They can offer a different perspective and help brainstorm solutions to plot holes.

With patience and careful planning, you can keep everything snug and compelling.