The Worst Types of Plot Holes and How to Avoid Them

🕳️Plot holes are inconsistencies or contradictions in a story that are never explained or resolved. They violate the established story rules and disrupt the story's reality.

🔍Plot holes can be caused by poor planning, rushed storytelling, or careless writing. They can also arise from illogical actions, unfinished story threads, or incorrect details.

🚫Avoiding plot holes is important because they are errors and oversights that can disrupt the immersion and magic of the story. They may also cause the audience to distrust or abandon the story.

🚧There are several types of plot holes, including: obvious solutions that characters ignore, off-screen solutions that characters ignore, continuity issues, inconsistent magic and technology, characters acting out of character, abandoned subplots, and large-scale stupidity.

✅To avoid plot holes, writers should be aware of the different types and strive for careful planning, logical consistency, and realistic character behavior. They should also pay attention to continuity, establish clear rules for magic or technology, and resolve subplots.

What is a plot hole?

—A plot hole is an inconsistency or contradiction in a story that is never explained or resolved. It violates the established story rules and disrupts the story's reality.

Why should plot holes be avoided?

—Plot holes should be avoided because they are errors and oversights that can disrupt the immersion and magic of the story. They may also cause the audience to distrust or abandon the story.

What are some common types of plot holes?

—Some common types of plot holes include: obvious solutions that characters ignore, off-screen solutions that characters ignore, continuity issues, inconsistent magic and technology, characters acting out of character, abandoned subplots, and large-scale stupidity.

How can writers avoid plot holes?

—Writers can avoid plot holes by being aware of the different types and striving for careful planning, logical consistency, and realistic character behavior. They should also pay attention to continuity, establish clear rules for magic or technology, and resolve subplots.

Can audiences forgive plot holes?

—Audiences may forgive plot holes as long as the overall story is engaging. Some audiences even come up with explanations to excuse the existence of plot holes. However, it is best for writers to avoid plot holes altogether.

00:00In this video, we discuss the worst types of plot holes and how to avoid them in your stories.

08:09We explain the different types of plot holes, including obvious solutions that characters ignore, off-screen solutions that characters ignore, continuity issues, inconsistent magic and technology, characters acting out of character, abandoned subplots, and large-scale stupidity.

09:47We provide examples of each type of plot hole to illustrate their impact on a story.

10:18We emphasize the importance of avoiding plot holes, as they are errors and oversights that can disrupt the immersion and magic of the story.

10:57We offer tips on how to prevent plot holes, including careful planning, logical consistency, and realistic character behavior.

11:59We conclude by reminding writers to pay attention to continuity, establish clear rules for magic or technology, and resolve subplots to ensure a cohesive and satisfying story.