This list of plot twist ideas
is one I’ve been meaning to share for a while. I’ve been thinking a lot about plot twists in my own writing lately!
My novel Her Time Traveling Duke was the first one in which I ever employed a true plot twist, even though romances don’t usually have a lot in the way of plot twists. I’m trying to incorporate more in the thriller I’m writing.
But first, let’s talk about the definition of a plot twist!
I define “plot twist” not just as any unexpected plot point, but as a surprise that makes the audience re-evaluate the characters and the events of the story so far. Many plot twists are classic…but that doesn’t make them any less surprising or satisfying when they’re woven into a book, movie, or short story.
Be sure to pin or bookmark the page for future reference!
1. A character has only been pretending to have a significant other or a child.
2. A character has been faking an illness, a disability, a mental disorder, or an inability to understand and speak the language.
3. A character unexpectedly seduces someone.
4. Two characters have been romantically involved all along.
5. Two characters are revealed to be siblings, or a parent and a child.
6. A seemingly average or ordinary character is revealed to be a genius or fabulously wealthy.
7. The grifter is actually being grifted.
8. The gift he or she loved had actually been intended for someone else.
9. A friend or lover turns out to be the enemy, or the child or spouse of the enemy.
10. Someone who’s been acting like an enemy turns out to be an ally.
11. It wasn’t the storm that knocked out their power.
12. It wasn’t the enemy who attacked them or hacked their systems.
13. The routine military or emergency drill is real.
14. The dream life is their actual life.
15. The memory was implanted. It never happened.
16. An elaborate setting, such as a corporate office, a government facility, or a nighclub, is fake.
17. The “good” character faces a difficult choice…and decides to do the immoral thing.
18. The parent arranged the kidnapping.
19. A character has been texting or corresponding with a different person all along.
20. A stranger is revealed as someone the character used to know, although this person’s appearance has dramatically changed.
21. The company or regime the character works for is secretly doing evil.
22. A character believed to be dead is still alive.
23. They’ve killed or imprisoned an innocent person.
24. They’ve helped the wrong person escape.
25. The dreaded event comes to pass…and turns out to be a good thing.
I have a longer list of plot twists in my book Master Lists for Writers: Gold Edition!
This is my writing reference book used by writers all over the world…including bestselling authors! It’s a brainstorming tool that also helps you describe things and helps you add more variety to your story. If you’re not familiar with it, I hope you’ll check it out.
When you’re reading or watching a movie, do you try to guess the plot twist?
I actually don’t attempt to do this, though sometimes I do have an idea of the plot twist, anyway. I just enjoy the story. And I can still love a book even if I guessed the plot twist right away!
Thank you so much for reading! And if your week has any plot twists, I hope they’re the good kind!
Great list! I love plot twists, both reading and writing them.
Thank you for sharing. I’m going to grab the book. I’m working on some contest entries. I’m sure it will give me some good ideas.
Please forgive the echos. I’m usually more careful.
I like to be surprised even if I know through the trailer, book jacket, word of mouth that there’s a twist coming. But then again, I never wanted to peek at my Christmas gifts either.