Five Plot Devices That Waste Your Time

🤔Convenient misunderstandings are plot devices that create artificial conflict and waste time.

😒Amnesia used as a plot device in the middle of a story can be lazy and frustrating.

🙄Deus ex machina moments can feel like the writer is bailing out the characters instead of letting them solve their own problems.

😳When characters instantly trust suspicious characters, it can rush relationships and interactions in the story.

😤Death traps that allow the hero to escape can make the villain appear less threatening and intelligent.

What is a convenient misunderstanding?

—A convenient misunderstanding is when a character misinterprets something and that misinterpretation causes them to act against their will. It often leads to artificial conflict and adds filler to the story.

Why is amnesia used as a plot device frustrating?

—Amnesia used in the middle of a story can feel lazy and waste the audience's time. It often prevents characters from achieving their goals or passing on important information.

What is a deus ex machina?

—A deus ex machina is a plot device where characters are in a dangerous situation, but the writer solves their problems by giving them a convenient escape route or special ability. It can make the characters seem reliant on external help instead of their own abilities.

Why is instant trust between characters problematic?

—Instant trust between characters, especially when one of them is suspicious or strange, can rush relationships and human interactions in the story. It may feel unrealistic and forced.

How do death traps waste time in a story?

—Death traps in which the villain captures the hero but doesn't kill them immediately can make the villain appear less threatening and intelligent. It gives the hero a chance to escape or be rescued, adding unnecessary tension and suspense.

00:00Introduction to the video and the purpose of discussing plot devices that waste time.

04:36Explanation of the convenient misunderstanding plot device and its negative effects on the story.

07:31Discussion of how amnesia used as a plot device can be frustrating for the audience.

07:58Explanation of the deus ex machina plot device and its impact on the characters' ability to solve their own problems.

06:36Analysis of the problem with instantly trusting suspicious characters in a story.

06:33Explanation of how death traps in a story waste time and make the villain appear less threatening.