Plot/Narrative Devices and Techniques!

[stompy]

I love Dues Ex Machina, simply because, most of the time, it's so bad it's funny. As is the shift in allegiances, because it's obvious.

Though, if the shift is done well, like the twist is really hard to see, then, I'm usually a sucker for it.

 

[The_root_of_all_evil]

Actually, just above Deus Ex Machinae is The Computer Is A Cheating Bastard, which is why I stopped playing Civ 4. Above Warlord level, you simply don't stand a chance. Whatever you do, there's one person kicking your defences, one person killing your attackers and one person wrecking the planet to get all tha advancements you need.

And to anyone who's ever played Mario Kart, Blue Shells. And to anyone who's watched 3-2-1 or CSI, How did you get that clue???

 

[Brett Alex]

Actually, just above Deus Ex Machinae is The Computer Is A Cheating Bastard, which is why I stopped playing Civ 4. Above Warlord level, you simply don't stand a chance. Whatever you do, there's one person kicking your defences, one person killing your attackers and one person wrecking the planet to get all tha advancements you need.

And to anyone who's ever played Mario Kart, Blue Shells. And to anyone who's watched 3-2-1 or CSI, How did you get that clue???

How much time do you spend on TV Tropes?

 

[The_root_of_all_evil]

Actually, just above Deus Ex Machinae is The Computer Is A Cheating Bastard, which is why I stopped playing Civ 4. Above Warlord level, you simply don't stand a chance. Whatever you do, there's one person kicking your defences, one person killing your attackers and one person wrecking the planet to get all tha advancements you need.

And to anyone who's ever played Mario Kart, Blue Shells. And to anyone who's watched 3-2-1 or CSI, How did you get that clue???

How much time do you spend on TV Tropes?

Far more than I should.

 

[jim_doki]

GOOD MORNING CHRONO

 

[fulano]

GOOD MORNING CHRONO

Yeah. Absolutely brilliant and innovative, a perfect way of starting...well...all epic adventures-over, and over, and over again.

It's that good.

 

[000Ronald]

I find that red herrings can be particularly useful if used right.

But Logician, what is a red herring?

I'm glad you asked. A red herring is a plot device used to distract the reader from another part of the plot, usually someone being portrayed in such a way as to have them seem the antagonist of the story; think Snape via the first Harry Potter.

Also, here's an example:

"OH, he's the bad guy, I know he is!"

"...why?"

"Well...he's evil..."

"You do know he gives half of every paycheck to various charities. And volunteers for Habitat for Humanity."

"Still, the man's pure evil."

"Being misanthropic doesn't make a person evil."

"I don't know what that word means."

"Then you don't deserve to live."

*stabs person*

"But...why?"

"Because God told me to kill the stupids. They're destroying humanity."

*stalks off to kill more stupids*

...OK, maybe not the best example, but an example nevertheless.

Apologies for the cheesiness.