Published: December 17, 2024 | Last Updated: December 18, 2024
Plot Device Definition & Meaning
A plot device is any element in a story—an object, character, event, or concept—that moves the plot forward. It’s like a tool you can use to get the story from point A to point B. Some plot devices are subtle and natural and blend seamlessly into the narrative, while others are more obvious. When used well, a plot device can elevate a story, but when done poorly, it can feel forced or lazy, pulling us out of the experience.
Think of a plot device as the gears inside a story’s engine. You might not always see them, but they work behind the scenes to keep the narrative moving.
Common Types of Plot Devices
The MacGuffin is a plot device where an object, goal, or person drives the characters’ actions but doesn’t necessarily matter. Its real function is to push the plot forward, as Hitchcock famously demonstrated in many of his films.
For example, what it is in the glowing briefcase in Pulp Fiction doesn’t need an explanation because it’s what the characters do to pursue it that matters.
Deus Ex Machina, meaning “god from the machine,” occurs when an unexpected force or event resolves a seemingly unsolvable problem.
While it can feel lazy if overdone, it sometimes emphasizes life’s unpredictability—like the eagles suddenly rescuing Gandalf, Bilbo, and the Dwarfs in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012):
A red herring misleads us, often in mysteries or thrillers, creating suspense or surprise when the real solution emerges.
In Psycho (1960), Marion Crane’s theft distracts us from Norman Bates, pulling focus away from the true story.
Chekhov’s Gun follows the principle that every detail introduced must serve a purpose. If a gun appears early, it must go off later. This rule helps streamline a narrative.
A good example is Harvey Dent showing off his lucky coin in The Dark Knight (2008), which has two heads, where one side is scarred. It seems like a quirk of his character, but later, the coin becomes a symbol of his transformation into Two-Face and a tool for his moral decisions.
Time-limited events, or a “ticking clock,” create urgency. If characters fail to act, something terrible happens.
In Speed, the bus can’t slow down or it explodes. The ticking clock makes every scene pulse with tension.
A twist ending flips expectations by revealing something unexpected but logical. It keeps us rethinking the story.
In The Sixth Sense, the revelation about Malcolm reframes everything we thought we knew. See also denouement.
How Plot Devices Work in Literature and Film
The purpose of plot devices is simple: they drive the story forward. In literature and film, they keep us immersed in the story, introduce stakes, and reveal themes. For instance, a ticking clock in an action movie creates urgency, while a red herring in a mystery keeps us guessing. Good writers use them to:
Create tension and suspense—a bomb under the table adds a layer of dread. See also dramatic irony.
Introduce or resolve conflicts—like the One Ring forcing Frodo into an impossible task. See also resolution.
Reveal character motivations—think of a revenge letter that drives a hero’s entire journey.
Tie themes or subplots together—a seemingly small object can unite the story’s emotional core.
Plot devices work best when they feel like natural parts of the story. It feels forced if a plot device shows up randomly with no setup.
Summing Up
Plot devices are the tools writers use to keep stories engaging and dynamic. Whether it’s a MacGuffin driving the action, a red herring misleading us, or a ticking clock ramping up the stakes, these elements push the story forward and add layers of meaning. They blend naturally into the narrative when done right, leaving us hooked and invested. The best plot devices stick with us, making a story unforgettable.
