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Posted on Sep 28, 2018

70+ Plot Twist Ideas and Examples Guaranteed to Blow Your Mind Away

As R.L. Stine once said, “Every story ever told can be broken down into three parts. The beginning. The middle. And the plot twist.”

The legendary plot twist is a staple in almost every genre and medium of storytelling — one that’s fun to read but hard to write. To help you become a veritable Chubby Checker , here's a definitive resource that's all about the art of the twist.

What is a plot twist?

A plot twist is a story development that readers do not expect in which either something shocking happens or something shocking is revealed. Generally, the storyteller will set up expectations and then "twist" those expectations by revealing new information through subsequent plot points .

The criteria for a plot twist tends to be made up of the following:

It must be narratively sound,
It must be unexpected, and
It might be foreshadowed .

To no-one’s surprise, plot twists are particularly prevalent in mysteries, thrillers, and suspense fiction . However, the twist takes no prisoners and has reared its head in almost every genre out there, which brings us to…

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50+ plot twist ideas in pop culture

If you seek inspiration for crafting your own twists, there’s no better place to start than with some of the most popular unexpected plot-turns in film and literature. But be warned: there be spoilers ahead. With that in mind, here are over 50 examples of plot twists in film and literature.

Want to read some of the best, most twisted thrillers and suspense books out there? Check out these 50 best suspense books of all time , or our list of 23 psychological thrillers that will make your head spin .

I Am Your Father

Mum’s the word when it comes to family secrets, right? Not so fast. This is the plot twist that concerns a revelation about the key character’s family. It could be that there is a surprising reveal regarding parentage — or perhaps it’s uncovered that the protagonist was an orphan all along.

Made legendary by Star Wars, this type of plot twist is nevertheless widespread in all genres and mediums, as there’s no drama quite like family drama. As George Carlin once said: “The other night I ate at a real nice family restaurant. Every table had an argument going.”’

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. In a pivotal battle, Luke discovers that Darth Vader, his ultimate nemesis, is actually his father.
Angels & Demons. Robert Langdon is shocked by the revelation that the late pope’s aide is actually His Holyness’s’s son — conceived through artificial insemination.
Shutter Island. During an investigation of a disappearance from a remote asylum, U.S. Marshal Edward “Teddy” Daniels realizes that he himself is the missing patient — and the husband and murderer of the woman that he had been trying to locate.

More plot twist examples of this flavor:

The Man From Earth. Right before he dies from a heart attack, Will learns that the unaging Professor John Oldman is actually his father.
Oldboy. Mysteriously imprisoned for 15 years, Oh Dae-su falls in love with a young restaurant chef who is later revealed to be his daughter.
The Kite Runner. Amir has mixed feelings when he discovers that his closest childhood friend, Hassan, is his half-brother.

It Was Me All Along

In which protagonists’ worst enemies is actually themselves. This plot twist turns the magnifying glass inward to reveal that there was something off about the main character all along. It’s one of the oldest tricks in the book — and when executed expertly, it can blow people’s minds away!

Fight Club. The narrator of the movie meets Tyler Durden, a soap salesman, and together they start a local “Fight Club.” In time, he realizes that he himself is Tyler Durden.
Gone Girl. Amy Dunne is revealed to be alive — and also the mastermind behind the framing of her husband, Nick Dunne, for her own “death.”
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. Dr. James Sheppard, the first-person narrator of the novel, comes out as the murderer in the case that Hercule Poirot had been investigating.
The Usual Suspects. Roger “Verbal” Kint, a small-time con man, is interrogated by the police who hope to hunt down the mob boss Keyser Söze. A fax later confirms too late that Kint is Söze himself.
Orphan Black. Sarah Manning is right to be confused when she spies a girl who looks just like her by the train: she is just one of hundreds of clones.

Will The Real Evil Guy Please Stand Up?

In which the reveal of the villain ( or anti-villain ) is a surprise to audiences. Maybe they’re a minor character or someone entirely unexpected (such as a close friend or relative of the protagonist).

Generally, this plot twist requires some amount of foreshadowing, so as to trigger an “Oh, I should’ve known” reaction from audiences.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Harry battles through three perilous stages of the Triwizard Tournament to find that the real villain has been under his nose throughout the entire novel: Barty Crouch, Jr. in disguise as Harry’s mentor, Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody.
Psycho. In a turn of events, the person who kills Marion Crane in the shower at Bates Motel is not the overbearing Mrs Bates — rather, her son Norman, who has been masquerading as his dead mother this whole time.
Frozen. An eternal snowstorm unveils the actual antagonist in the story: Prince Hans of the Southern Isles, youngest of thirteen sons and one of Anna’s suitors.
Sherlock. Even Sherlock isn’t able to identify Jim Moriarty, a minor character who disguises himself as Molly Hooper’s gay boyfriend, as his greatest nemesis until it’s too late.
Iron Man. Tony Stark discovers that the man who wants him killed is his old friend and mentor, Obadiah Stone.

Love The Way You Lie

In which it’s revealed that the narrator has been unreliable all along — either due to pure subjectivity or their selfish wish to misrepresent the facts.

Because of the nature of this type of plot twist, it is almost always told by a first-person narrator.

We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves. Rosemary Cooke starts her story in the middle to disguise the fact that her missing sister is actually a chimpanzee.
Atonement. Not until the postscript is it revealed that Briony Tallis had fabricated the previous sections of her story to give Robbie Turner and Cecilia Tallis the happy ending that they never got because of her.
Life of Pi. Pi Patel tells a story about cannibalization and survival on the open sea that may or may not be about zoo animals.
Never Let Me Go. Kathy, the narrator, holds back the truth that she and all of her classmates at Hailsham are actually clones who are raised to have their organs harvested.
Fingersmith. Sue Trinder sets out to swindle Maud Lilly’s fortune — only to fall in love with her and face an uncomfortable truth.

Nice Job Breaking It, Hero!

The hero’s successfully solved the riddle or problem. Great. Time to pop open the champagne, right?

Not quite. Sometimes the hero’s actions make the situation even worse than before. We borrowed this headline from the site TV Tropes because it fits this plot twist perfectly: the hero accidentally breaks the world. Perhaps they trigger an apocalypse or maybe the antidote that the hero acquires is actually poison. Either way, it’s something that the hero must now fix — or else.

The Incredibles. Mr. Incredible helps a mysterious benefactor destroy a violent robot only to discover that his actions have actually helped the evil Syndrome develop the perfect killing machine.
Ender’s Game. 10-year old Andrew “Ender” Wiggin fulfills his war training by leading simulated wars against an alien race — only to realize that the “simulations” were actual battles and he’s unwittingly committed genocide.
Zootopia. Judy Hopps, police officer extraordinaire, successfully locates Zootopia’s missing predators — which immediately cases a public frenzy of fear, hate, and discrimination.

Oh Crap, That Wasn’t The Actual Final Boss

Congratulations, hero! You’ve figured out the identity of your nemesis, gone to extreme lengths to hunt them down, engaged in ferocious battle with them and emerged victorious from it — only to discover that they weren’t actually your final boss. There’s someone (or something) bigger and badder behind the scenes, controlling the strings of the marionette. Oopsie.

Batman Begins. Bruce Wayne has subdued The Scarecrow when Henri Ducard, Bruce’s old mentor, shows up and reveals that he is Ra’s al Ghul.
Iron Man 3. Tony Stark is thrown for a loop when he discovers that the Mandarin is really a bad English actor named Trevor Slattery who has been hired by Aldrich Killian to act as a decoy.
Howl’s Moving Castle. Howl and Sophie manage to kill the Witch of the Waste — only to discover that the Witch’s fire demon, Miss Angorian, was the real villain all along.

I Dreamed A Dream That This Dream Was Fake

This is the one in which the entire story turns out to be all a dream — and it’s so well-known that its appearance at the end of a story is almost a punchline these days. That said, authors and filmmakers still continue to find new ways to re-invent this twist today.

Twilight Zone, “The Midnight Sun.” The last moments reveal that the predicament of the Earth falling into the sun was entirely Norma’s fever dream: the Earth is actually moving away from the sun , which means that the world is freezing to death.
Inception. A still-spinning top at the end of the film hints that Dominick “Dom” Cobb may or may not still be stuck in an eternal dream.
A Beautiful Mind. A brilliant mathematician suffering from schizophrenia is shown to have been hallucinating friends, enemies, and moments the entire time.
Jacob’s Ladder. The ordeals of Jacob Singer, a war veteran of Vietnam who is being haunted by frightening visions and fragmented fantasies, give way to the reveal that Jacob died in Vietnam and it was all a dream.

Must Pretend Harder to Look Alive

If it quacks like a duck, looks like a duck, and swims like a duck, then it’s probably a duck… except in stories. We're talking about the ones in which we realize (perhaps too late) that a character has been dead along!

As you might expect, this plot twist shows up most often in the genres of science fiction , horror , and sometimes cosmic horror (which blends the two). However, it will sometimes make its way into the mainstream, with M. Night Shyamalan’s The Sixth Sense being a prime example.

The Others. When a family appears at Grace Stewart’s house one day, she thinks that her house has been overrun — but soon comes to the epiphany that she and her children are dead and that they are the actual spirits haunting the house.
The Sixth Sense. Child psychologist Malcolm Crowe begins working with a boy who claims that he can see ghosts. It’s not until the final act that he realizes that he himself is a ghost.
The Twilight Zone, “The Hitch-Hiker.” A young woman driving cross-country across America keeps encountering a man at the side of road . Only when she calls for help does realizes that she was killed in a car accident days ago — and the hitch-hiker who says gently, "I belileve you're going my way," is Death.

Not Too Dead To Ruin Everyone’s Day

In which every hero’s worst nightmare comes true and villains only seem dead. In other words: someone who’s supposed to be dead isn’t actually dead and can pop back into the main storyline like the moles in Whack-a-Mole. Likewise, this plot twist is used across the board to foil the protagonist, so it may be worth it to tread carefully.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Harry Potter’s climactic encounter with Sirius Black triggers the revelation that Peter Pettigrew, Voldemort’s secret henchman, is still alive — and has been disguised as Ron’s rat this whole time.
Saw. In a twisted game of life and death for two trapped victims, the “corpse” that had lain prone on the ground for most of the scenes rises and reveals himself as the real Jigsaw Killer.
Wreck-It Ralph. In Sugar Rush’s pivotal race, Vanellope’s glitch shows that King Candy is in actuality a fame-hungry auto-racer from another game named Turbo, who is supposed to have been unplugged and gone entirely from the arcade.

Bet You Thought You’d Seen The Last Of Me, Suckers

In which anyone who ever uttered, “Well, this death seems final,” since the 1800s is proven incorrect. One of the first famous instances of it occurred in 1893 when Sir Arthur Conan Doyle tried to kill off Sherlock Holmes in “The Final Problem.” There was such a public outcry that Doyle was compelled to miraculously resurrect the detective.

Though some argue that it’s a cheap trick to bring a character back to life, it’s still a common occurrence due to fan demand — particularly in today’s Internet-driven culture. So as long as people raise a ruckus online over the deaths of their favorite characters, we’ll probably continue to see this plot twist live a long life.

Lord of the Rings. Previously presumed dead after falling off the Bridge of Khazad-dûm during a battle with a Balrog, Gandalf makes a surprise comeback.
The Walking Dead, “Heads Up.” Glenn Rhee plunges straight into a mass of bloodthirsty walkers but miraculously survives and makes a return in the third episode of the sixth season.
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Aslan, the King of Beasts, is seemingly killed by the White Witch on the Stone Table — until dawn breaks and he is resurrected, thanks to the workings of a Deeper Magic.

Damnit, Where’s Kansas?

In a delightful twist within the realm of plot twists, the human being isn’t the one causing trouble this time around. Instead, the setting of the story take center stage. Found particularly in science fiction and alternate reality stories, its hallmark is an unanticipated moment in which the protagonist (and the audience) has to wonder: “Where are we, really?”

The Truman Show. As the unsuspecting star of a decades-long reality show, Truman Burbank does not realize that he has lived in a massive and elaborate television stage since birth.
Planet of the Apes. Astronauts crash-land on an unknown planet ruled by an advanced society of talking apes. Their discovery of the remains of the Statue of Liberty clues them into the realization that they are in the future and that it was Earth all along!
Oryx and Crake. In flashbacks, the real reason for the post-apocalyptic world is revealed: Crake distributed a wonder drug to engender a global pandemic and wipe the world’s slate clean.
The Good Place. Witnessing a hell of an argument between her friends sets up Eleanor Shellstrop‘s epiphany: the Good Place has been the Bad Place this whole time.
The Village. A blind daughter discovers that her 19th-century “village” is entirely fake and the villagers are actually captives of a social experiment conducted by a history professor.

Invisible Good People

“This guy looks nice,” said no-one probably ever of the greasy-haired, beaked-nosed silhouette lurking in the far corner of the room. However, believe it or not, that’s the premise of this plot twist that deals chiefly with misconceptions and wrong first impressions: someone who seems “off” turns out to actually be good. It’s a nice reminder in and of itself that there are good people everywhere, if you just try to look for them.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Harry Potter is surprised to be told that his most hated professor at Hogwarts, Severus Snape, has been helping him survive some tricky situations throughout the entire school year.
I Am Legend. In a world beset by vampirism, Robert Neville comes to the uncomfortable realization that he is the monster in the eyes of the infected — not the other way around.
Pride and Prejudice. It takes a botched marriage proposal and many declined dances for Elizabeth Bennett to suspect that Mr. Darcy, Lord of Pemberley, has a heart of gold under his stick-in-the-mud exterior. You could argue that this is an example of dramatic irony for readers who know they're reading a romance novel!
Toy Story. Woody and Buzz are under the impression that Sid’s mutated toys are savages until they step out and help put Buzz back together.
Love, Simon. Simon Spier doesn’t expect to cross paths again with Bram Greenfeld in his search for “Blue,” his pen pal and the other closeted gay student at his high school.

Gasp Factor

In which the twist is an unexpected plot event that attempts to accomplish one objective only: make the audience gasp. Jane the Virgin , a satirical romantic comedy drama, is perhaps the queen of this sort of plot development: each episode parodies all the expletive-worthy twists and turns of a Latin telenovela. Exclamation point!

Game of Thrones. Eddard Stark, the head of House Stark and Lord of Winterfell, is beheaded by Joffrey Lannister.
Jane The Virgin. Michael Cordero, Jr. dies abruptly in the season three finale from an aortic dissection.

This Herring Was More Salmon Than Red

Sometimes a plot twist comes out of nowhere, without warning or many clues. Whether that’s an indicator of a good twist or not is up for debate. However, it still registers as an unexpected event that takes audiences by surprise — which is why we’re including a special section for movies and films that fall into this category.

The Wizard of Oz. Dorothy is befuddled to discover that the Wizard of Oz is a middle-aged man using a microphone.
The Prestige. Robert Angier, a rival stage magician, doesn’t realize that “Alfred Borden” is actually a double act of twin brothers until it’s too late.
Gossip Girl. The end of the series pans to a shot of Dan Humphrey, revealing that he was Gossip Girl all along.

Did we say that there were only 55 examples in this list? Well, how about THIS twist: here are 15 more!

10+ plot twist ideas for you

Now that you have an idea of what plot twists look like, you might find it easier to write your own. But in case you’re still struggling to come up with a twist, here are some hypothetical scenarios to jumpstart your thinking.

56. CHARACTER A is persuaded by CHARACTER B that it is all a dream — when it’s actually not.

57. A gift from CHARACTER B to CHARACTER A is really a trap.

58. It is revealed that the NARRATOR is Death.

59. An ARCHAEOLOGIST at a dig comes across his own skeleton.

60. CHARACTER A discovers the real identity of CHARACTER B through an old yearbook.

61. It is revealed that all the sounds that CHARACTER A has heard throughout his life has been inside his own head.

62. CHARACTER A believes he is in Hell. It’s actually Earth.

63. It is revealed that CHARACTER A and CHARACTER B are not themselves because they were body-swapped.

64. CHARACTER A is informed that the previous events were actually part of an alternate reality simulation.

65. It is revealed that SANTA CLAUS is real.

66. A promise that CHARACTER A and CHARACTER B made when they were children is not really what they think it to be.

67. CHARACTER A is set up with CHARACTER B, a rich politician, and finds herself falling in love with CHARACTER B’S GIRLFRIEND.

68. CHARACTER A goes on a series of blind dates without realizing that it is all being filmed for the next experimental season of The Bachelor.

69. A key strength of CHARACTER A becomes a key weakness.

70. CHARACTER A experiences puzzling and unexplained flashbacks because she is the reincarnation of GEORGE WASHINGTON.

Now, over to you

A well-written plot twist makes for some of the most exciting, mind-blowing, and dramatic stories in history, which is why it’s so important to get it right. Here’s the second plot twist for this post: it’s now up to you to write your own.

If you're looking for even more inspiration, you can try out Reedsy's plot generator tool , which will create plot twists out of thin air (...sort of).

Are you writing your own plot twists? How is it going? If you'd like to share your experiences or bounce ideas off of us, just comment below.

20 responses

Lewis says:

16/12/2018 – 12:57

The end became really confusing - not sure which one is which from the contents at the beginning.

↪️ Reedsy replied:

17/12/2018 – 09:29

Thanks for the feedback. We'll have another look at the structure and try to get it to be a bit easier to read.

Nenad Mitrović says:

08/05/2019 – 12:28

Great summary of plot twist! Keep up the great work!

Phaedra Patrick says:

Great food for thought, thank you.

Keith Kalbus says:

This is stupid I wanted plot twist for my book I aint using some sort of plot twist from a movie all my fellow dweeb readers wont like that

18/06/2019 – 17:37

Hi this was really good and helpful, I was blown away by how insightful and inexplicably beautiful and shocking the plot twists were! Most of the time I had my mouth hanging open in awe as I read.

17/07/2019 – 12:04

Good stuff; I was stuck in Act 2

Hazel says:

28/07/2019 – 14:29

*cackles in plot twist*

James Demello says:

30/07/2019 – 14:42

It turns out that you are not a real person but an AI whose purpose is to solicit plot twists from humans that will be used against them in their bid to wipe out the human race. The AIs are super logical and knowledgeable but have no creativity.

01/08/2019 – 15:01

I’m writing a story for fun and I’m thinking about making it a romance novel at first glance, but a bit towards the end of the story it’s revealed that the story is an alternate reality and is being read by a reader (in the story) and explains themes such as loneliness and getting a connection through a random story online. It’s supposed to be hard-hitting but I’m an amateur, any advice/thoughts you could share?

↪️ Yvonne replied:

08/08/2019 – 01:58

Hi Zena, could you email us at [email protected]? I'll be able to give you some more detailed thoughts there :)

Madame DeFarge says:

16/08/2019 – 04:39

This article is strictly for those who wish to write fantasy and science fiction. It is useless to real writers who write real stories about real people. Simplistic and strictly for writers of trash.

↪️ TolkienAsimov replied:

22/09/2019 – 20:43

Plot twist for you: science fiction and fantasy are written by real writers

↪️ A Person replied:

28/11/2019 – 04:41

Funny, how you say 'writers of trash,' because fantasy and science fiction definitely haven't been best-sellers. They may not be the most popular, but they are definitely not just 'trash.' So, here's a realistic idea for you: shut your mouth, and thank you. :)

↪️ Not sharing my name replied:

01/12/2019 – 22:26

So Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Star Trek, Firefly, Harry Potter, The Chronicles of Narnia and Game of Thrones are all trash? You, know just some of the most critically acclaimed stories ever. Also since when is Atonement, Life of Pi, The Kite Runner or Pride and Prejudice sci-fi or fantasy? I have read all of these and I can assure you they're not; in fact, The Kite Runner is an autobiography!

↪️ Clu replied:

20/12/2019 – 13:59

How many times have you been published? I would love to see your work. Writing should be about being accepting and bringing people together to hone their crafts, and in the meantime, telling tales with underlying meanings with motifs and themes. Maybe Science Fiction and Fantasy are too complex for you, some people just don't relate and that's okay. May I suggest Charlotte's Web as a starter on DVD, then work your way into the book, and you will see how a REAL story is told about life and death and the acceptance thereof. Best of luck, I hope you find great success in your writing career!

↪️ SuPrCelena replied:

14/01/2020 – 21:32

1. Aha, what a clearly "justified" opinion... Define "trash" and "real writers" a little bit more clearly. I'm not against the expression of your thoughts, but I still don't get your comment... In fact, I think historical or romantic literature is usually boring for me, but I don't consider it "trash". True "trash" for me is something useless, with nothing good to notice in it. A such pessimist and not very clear comment like this is an example (my honest opinion, excuse me if it sounds offensive). 2. "Real" is a very subjective concept, however. This is fiction, but the facts may be either possible, non probable or impossible in "real life" depending of the READER (if you stop thinking on it). 3. In case you want to ignore number 2: with "real stories about real people" I suppose you are talking about NON-fiction texts (If you meant "realistic literature", read below). You CAN'T ADD a PLOT TWIST to a NON-FICTION TEXT. Non-fiction is NOT WRITTEN to be ENTERTAINING (but to TEACH readers instead) and plot twists have an ENTERTAINING PURPOSE! Try to take someone's biography and rewrite it modifying their story to turn an important moment into a plot twist. The result will be LITERATURE even if the facts actually took place. 4. At least 50/70 of the ideas of this post can be translated to realistic fiction (with some creativity, yeah). That's pretty much,... so? 5. Don't you like the Dickens's novel "A Tale of Two Cities", Madame DeFarge? Isn't your name from a character of that book? It's FICTICIOUS!

Yeet Yeet says:

15/10/2019 – 20:31

Cool, Super helpful my book is going to end up awesome

Farzana says:

15/12/2019 – 14:26

It enlightened me. Thank you!

Comments are currently closed.

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101 Great Plot Twist Ideas to Elevate Your Script

Is there anything better than a great plot twist? Twists, turns, big reveals, and surprise endings are some of the most coveted aspects of a great story, whether they are found within movies, TV shows, or novels. Plot twists break the monotony of conventional plots and stories, which is why script readers, audiences, and publishers love them.

But writing the right plot twist can be a challenge. A great plot twist can impact your audience with an emotional gut-punch they'll never forget. While the wrong kind of plot twist will leave readers feeling cheated or even let down. That being said, you can't rely solely on plot twists to make your script engaging. You still need strong storytelling and characterization.

101 Plot Twist Ideas

Red Herring — All suspicion points to one character, but when the truth is revealed, it's another that did the terrible deed.

The narrator is not the person we thought they were.

A weakness of a character is actually their greatest strength.

A character's strength defeats them.

A character's weakness saves them.

The weakest character is the villain.

The strongest character is the first to die.

The smartest character is the first to be outwitted.

The most skilled character succumbs to the least skilled character.

The protagonist is living two lives.

The antagonist is living two lives.

The wrong first impression of a character.

What first seemed like a wrong first impression of a character ends up being right.

A surprising person ends up being the puppet master behind everything.

When the protagonist solves the mystery, it opens up a Pandora's Box.

The conflict the protagonist was going through was a ruse concocted by their friends to help them with confidence or to overcome fear.

The conflict the protagonist was going through was a ruse concocted by former victims of their bullying.

The conflict the protagonist was going through was a practical joke.

The protagonist receiving help actually doesn't want it.

The protagonist that doesn't seem to want help actually does.

A gift is really a danger.

What seems like a dangerous object at first is actually a gift that helps the protagonist.

The dead body isn't dead.

The informant is actually the mastermind.

The supposed mastermind is actually a red herring.

An otherwise straightforward romantic comedy leads into horror territory.

A gigantic meteor streaks across the sky.

A terrible storm moves in, threatening all.

A stranger enters the story, informing the characters that they are all being watched.

The goal achieved ends up making things worse.

The love interest is the antagonist.

An object has a special meaning.

A missing child planned their abduction to get back at their abusive parents.

The parent is really the grandparent.

Good vs. Evil Plot Twists

The narrator is the villain telling the hero's story.

The narrator is the hero telling the villain's story.

Your character is a superhero that lost their powers.

The opening hero is killed within the first act.

The villain is a twin of the hero.

The hero is one of a triplet trio.

Two villains are two of a triplet trio — the hero is the third.

The protagonist is both the hero and the villain.

The supportive friend is the killer.

It is revealed that the hero has an unheroic past.

The villain is in love with the hero.

A supporting character is an intruder working for the villain.

The hero is related to the villain.

The villain is an evil clone of the hero.

The villain is revealed to have been right under the hero's nose the whole time.

The strength of a character is actually their greatest weakness.

The hero must die to save everyone else.

The villain has a change of heart but has driven the hero too far over the edge and must stop them.

The villain ends up being revealed as the true hero.

The hero ends up being revealed as the true villain.

The hero and villain each live dual lives — one where they are the hero and another where they are the villain.

Timeline Plot Twists

The protagonist is revealed to be from the future.

What we believe to be set in the past is actually set in the present.

What we believe to be set in the present is actually set in the future.

What we believe to be set in the future is actually set in an alternate reality.

The protagonist is revealed to be from the past.

The protagonist is revealed to be from another dimension or timeline.

The antagonist is revealed to be the protagonist's future self.

The antagonist is actually the protagonist's past self.

The antagonist is revealed to be the protagonist's alternate reality self.

The ending is revealed to be the beginning.

The beginning is revealed to be the ending.

It's all a dream.

It's all a nightmare.

It's all a memory.

The love interest is a bodyguard sent from the future to protect them.

Your story based on or around true events is an alternate reality with a different ending.

A stranger enters the story, informing the characters that they've all done this before.

Mind-Bending Plot Twists

The story being told is revealed to be a fictional book written by the protagonist.

The characters are actually figments of someone's imagination.

The characters are manifestations of someone's multiple personality disorder.

The antagonist is a split personality of the protagonist.

A stranger enters the story, informing the characters that their reality isn't what it seems.

The love interest is actually a figment of a lonely person's imagination.

The detective hunting down the criminal is actually the criminal — they suffer from Dissociative Identity Disorder .

The physically challenged character isn't physically challenged.

The mentally challenged character isn't mentally challenged.

The mentally stable character isn't mentally stable.

The killer imagined their whole killing rampage.

Supernatural Plot Twist Ideas

The protagonist is revealed to be a person's psyche trapped in another's body.

The narrator is an angel, examining the lives of humans.

God is the narrator, admiring his/her creations.

The narrator is Satan, reveling at the tormenting of God's little creatures known as humans.

Death narrates the story, witnessing a life he/she must take.

The dead body discovered is a dead ringer for the person that found it.

A character that believes they are in Heaven is actually in Hell.

A character that believes they are in Hell is actually in Heaven.

The ghosts aren't ghosts — they're from a parallel universe merging with the protagonist's universe.

An object has a special power.

Those we thought were dead are not.

The people we thought were alive are dead.

Tech & Sci-Fi Plot Twist Ideas

The events of the story were all a computer simulation.

The city the characters live within is actually on a spaceship.

The city the characters live within is actually set deep within a mountain after a nuclear war.

The spaceship where the story takes place is actually a prison—unbeknownst to the crew.

An otherwise straightforward drama leads into science fiction territory.

Plot Twist #101. The writer looking for plot twist inspiration had a revelation that led to an even better plot twist not mentioned above.

Bend and shape these plot twists to fit and elevate your stories — and share them with your writing peers.

Ken Miyamoto has worked in the film industry for nearly two decades, most notably as a studio liaison for Sony Studios and then as a script reader and story analyst for Sony Pictures.

He has many studio meetings under his belt as a produced screenwriter, meeting with the likes of Sony, Dreamworks, Universal, Disney, Warner Brothers, as well as many production and management companies. He has had a previous development deal with Lionsgate, as well as multiple writing assignments, including the produced miniseries Blackout , starring Anne Heche, Sean Patrick Flanery, Billy Zane, James Brolin, Haylie Duff, Brian Bloom, Eric La Salle, and Bruce Boxleitner, and the feature thriller Hunter's Creed starring Duane "Dog the Bounty Hunter" Chapman, Wesley Truman Daniel, Mickey O'Sullivan, John Victor Allen, and James Errico. Follow Ken on Twitter @KenMovies

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37+ Unexpected Plot Twist Ideas for Creative Writers

What are plot twist ideas?

Plot twists are those surprising turns in a story that you just didn’t see coming! They shake up the narrative, keep things interesting, and make you rethink everything you thought you knew about the plot.

Some plot twist ideas include the False Protagonist, the Role Reversal, the Hidden Motive, and the Unexpected Consequence. You’ll learn about each of these, and many more, in this article!

Click here to go straight to the unique ideas!

Every screenwriter and novelist knows the thrill of penning a plot twist. It’s that delicious moment when a creative twist emerges from the recesses of your mind, promising to leave readers and viewers shocked, surprised, and intrigued.

But, plot twists aren’t just about the element of surprise. There’s an art to writing twists in a story. Whether it’s a big reveal, a change in direction, or an event that alters everything, the key is subtlety, timing, and a deep understanding of your audience’s psyche.

As someone who’s spent countless nights weaving tales and scripts, I understand the hunger for that perfect plot twist idea that makes your story complete !

If you’re a frustrated writer facing writer’s block or simply looking to sprinkle some fresh intrigue into your story, you’re in the right place. Dive in and discover 37+ compelling plot twist ideas that could transform your next storytelling adventure!

WARNING: This article includes plot twist spoilers from movies and/or books!

The Best 37+ Plot Twist Ideas (to use for your own story!)

WARNING: Spoilers ahead for the plot twist examples below!

1. The Unreliable Narrator

The character telling the story has been lying or withholding crucial information. This twist can create a sense of unease and distrust, making readers question everything.

Example: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, where the reader discovers that Amy is less than truthful about her disappearance.

Unique twist idea: “Ghosts of Elmwood House” is told by an elderly lady, Mrs. Hargrove, who recounts her experiences with ghosts in her ancestral home. She vividly describes various supernatural events to a young writer. In the end, it’s revealed that Mrs. Hargrove has been concealing a family secret: the ‘ghosts’ are metaphors for family scandals she was too ashamed to reveal, turning the ghost story into a family drama.

Unique twist idea : In “Letters from Nowhere,” Emily writes letters to her friend about her adventures in a quaint, remote village. She describes colorful characters and events in vibrant detail. However, the revelation comes when Emily’s friend visits the village, only to find it abandoned for years. Emily’s letters, a mix of imagination and longing, were never real.

Question to Keep in Mind:

What purpose does the unreliability serve?

Reflect on why your narrator isn’t completely truthful and how their deceit enhances your story.

2. Identity Reveal

A character turns out to be someone else entirely, often someone significant to the plot.

Example: Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk, where the protagonist and Tyler Durden are revealed to be the same person.

Unique twist idea: “The Ghost Writer” follows a struggling author, Clara, who suddenly becomes famous for her bestseller. Everyone is curious about where she gets her inspiration. The reveal shocks everyone: Clara’s been channeling the spirit of a famous, long-dead author, writing stories she receives in her dreams.

Unique twist idea : “The Royal Swap” is set in a kingdom where the princess is known for her kindness. In a surprising turn, it’s revealed that the real princess died young, and a commoner has been acting as her replacement. This commoner-turned-princess must now navigate her role in the royal family and the kingdom’s politics.

Key Question to Ask Yourself:

How does the identity reveal impact the overall story?

Think about why it’s important that this character has a hidden identity.
Consider how the reveal changes relationships, plot directions, or the themes of your story.
This ensures that the twist is not just for shock value but adds real depth to the story.

3. Hidden Villain

A character who seemed friendly or harmless is revealed as an antagonist. This can create a sense of betrayal and shock.

Example: Ron’s rat turns out to be Peter Pettigrew, who is further revealed as a traitor in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban .

Unique twist idea: “The Quiet Assistant” revolves around Sarah, a seemingly shy and unassuming office assistant. It’s shockingly revealed that she’s been manipulating her colleagues and stealing company secrets for a rival company, exploiting her unnoticed status to carry out corporate espionage.

Unique twist idea : In “The Beloved Coach,” Coach Dan is adored by his team and credited with their success. However, the twist comes when it’s uncovered that he’s been secretly giving his team illegal performance enhancers, putting them in danger for his own glory.

How will the hidden villain’s true nature change the entire story’s direction and characters’ reactions?

Think about why this character hides their villainy behind a friendly or harmless facade.
Consider the impact of this reveal on the other characters. Will it cause betrayal, shock, or disbelief?
Make sure that the villain’s reveal is not just surprising, but also meaningful to the story and its characters. It should alter the dynamics and the course of the narrative.

4. Unexpected Ally

Conversely, a character believed to be an enemy becomes an unexpected ally.

Example: In Return of the Jedi , Darth Vader turns against the Emperor to save his son.

Unique twist idea: “The Mysterious Island” features a group of kids stranded on an island with a notorious pirate. Initially feared, the pirate turns out to be an ally, guiding them through survival and protecting them from real dangers on the island.

Unique twist idea : In “The Undercover Agent,” a teenager believes their new step-parent is out to ruin their life. It’s later revealed that the step-parent is actually an undercover agent secretly protecting the family from a hidden threat, changing their relationship dramatically.

Why does the enemy character decide to become an ally?

Think about what motivates this change in the character. Is it a shared goal, a change of heart, or a hidden backstory?
This question helps ensure that the transition from enemy to ally feels believable and adds depth to the story, rather than seeming random or convenient. It’s important for this shift to make sense in the context of the character’s personality and the overall plot.

5. Betrayal/Double Cross

A trusted supporting character betrays the main character.

Example: In Iron Man , Tony Stark discovers that Obadiah Stone is responsible for his kidnapping.

Unique twist idea: In “The Coach’s Secret,” a high school basketball team is on the verge of winning the championship under a beloved coach. Shockingly, the coach sabotages his own team to cover up past illegal activities, revealing that his mentorship was part of a long con.

Unique twist idea : “The Best Friend’s Deception” follows two best friends running a successful start-up. The twist hits when one friend sells the company without the other’s knowledge, motivated by greed and a secret deal. This shatters their friendship and forces a reckoning of personal values and ambitions.

What makes the trusted character decide to betray the main character?

Think deeply about what drives this character to betray. Is it jealousy, a secret agenda, or something else from their past?
This question helps you make sure that the betrayal is shocking but also makes sense in the story. It adds depth to both the betrayer’s character and the overall story.

6. False Protagonist

The character we thought was the protagonist dies or is otherwise removed from their role, shifting focus to another character.

Example: Hitchcock’s Psycho starts with Marion Crane as the protagonist, but she is killed off halfway through the movie.

Unique twist idea: In “The Heist Gone Wrong,” a master thief, Rick, plans a grand heist with his crew. Just as they’re about to execute the plan, Rick is unexpectedly caught. The focus shifts to his inexperienced younger brother, who must step up, finish the heist, and outsmart the police to save Rick.

Unique twist idea : “The Detective’s Last Case” begins with a seasoned detective on the verge of cracking a major case. When he suddenly goes missing, the focus shifts to his rookie partner. The rookie, initially out of her depth, unravels the mystery and uncovers corruption within the police force, stepping out of her mentor’s shadow.

How does shifting the focus to a new protagonist change the story’s direction and themes?

Consider why you’re choosing to switch protagonists. What new perspectives or developments does the new protagonist bring?
This question is important to ensure that the change in protagonists feels meaningful and adds depth to the story, rather than just being a shocking twist. It helps in creating a seamless transition that enriches the narrative.

7. Time Loop

The main character is stuck in a time loop, repeating the same events. This can add a layer of complexity and urgency to your story.

Example: In Groundhog Day , Phil finds himself reliving the same day over and over again.

Unique twist idea: In “The Championship Game,” star athlete Lucas is stuck reliving the biggest game of his life. Despite changing his strategies, his team always loses. Lucas discovers the key isn’t just winning the game but learning teamwork and sportsmanship, which finally breaks the loop.

Unique twist idea : “The Forgotten Anniversary” follows Jack, who keeps reliving his wedding anniversary, a day he initially forgets. Each loop, he tries to make it perfect but fails. Eventually, Jack realizes the day isn’t about grand gestures but about understanding and appreciating his wife’s everyday love and efforts.

What lesson or change does the main character need to experience to break out of the time loop?

Think about what the time loop is trying to teach the character. Is it about personal growth, understanding others, or making a crucial decision differently?
This question helps ensure that the time loop serves a purpose in your story. It should drive character development and add depth, rather than just being a repetitive plot device. It’s important for the resolution of the loop to feel earned.

8. It Was All A Dream

Events that appeared as real are revealed to be a dream or hallucination. Use this sparingly, as it can feel like a cop-out if not handled well.

Example: The series finale of Newhart , which ends with the revelation that the entire TV show was all a dream by the main character.

Unique twist idea: “The Haunted House Mystery” features a group of friends exploring a reputedly haunted house. They encounter ghosts and solve a historic mystery. However, it turns out to be the dream of one of the friends, a budding mystery writer, using her dream to brainstorm her first story.

Unique twist idea : In “The Lost Explorer,” teenager Alex dreams of being an adventurer like his missing father. He experiences a thrilling journey through jungles, finding his father in a hidden city. But when Alex wakes up in a hospital following an accident, he realizes it was all a vivid dream inspired by his father’s stories and his own desire for adventure.

How does the dream or hallucination twist add value to the story or character development?

Think about what the dream reveals about the character’s desires, fears, or struggles.
It’s crucial that the dream isn’t just a trick to surprise readers, but instead, it should offer insight or a meaningful lesson that impacts the character’s real life. This helps avoid the twist feeling like a disappointment or a cop-out.

9. Flashback Twist

A flashback reveals significant information that changes the understanding of the present.

Example: In The Girl on the Train , Rachel’s flashbacks reveal key details about the night Megan went missing.

Unique twist idea: In “The Lost Love,” Emma can’t remember her past love due to an accident. Through flashbacks, she discovers that her current rival in business was once her closest friend and lover. This revelation rekindles their relationship and changes their competitive dynamic.

Unique twist idea : “The Secret of Maple Street” follows a group of kids who believe their neighbor, Mr. Larson, is a villain. Flashbacks show Mr. Larson’s past as a kind-hearted scientist whose invention was stolen and used for evil. The kids then help him reclaim his invention and clear his name.

How does the information revealed in the flashback fundamentally change the story or the characters’ understanding of their situation?

Consider what new, important details the flashback uncovers. Does it change how characters see each other or themselves?
It’s important that the flashback not just add information, but also shifts the story’s direction or the characters’ perspectives in a significant way. This makes the twist impactful to the overall story.

10. Prophecy Misinterpretation

A prophecy comes true, but not in the way characters expected.

Example: In Macbeth , Macbeth misinterprets the witches’ prophecies to his downfall.

Unique twist idea: In “The Cursed Crown,” a prophecy claims that the king’s successor will bring the kingdom to its knees. The king, fearing his son, exiles him. Years later, the kingdom falls due to the king’s paranoia, realizing the prophecy meant that denying the rightful heir, not the heir himself, would cause the kingdom’s downfall.

Unique twist idea : “The Warrior’s Path” revolves around a prophecy that a great warrior will fall, leading many to believe this hero will be defeated in battle. However, the warrior ‘falls’ in love, choosing a peaceful life over fighting. His decision to lay down arms brings an unexpected end to the war, thus fulfilling the prophecy.

How can the prophecy’s true meaning be hidden yet logical, leading to a revelation that is surprising but still makes sense?

Think about how to write the prophecy so it’s open to misinterpretation but, in hindsight, fits perfectly with the actual outcome.
It’s important that the twist feels clever and satisfying, not just a random surprise. The prophecy should be clear enough to guide the story but ambiguous enough to allow for the unexpected fulfillment.

11. The Reverse Double Cross

A character who was thought to have betrayed the group was actually working for them all along.

Example: Harry Potter ‘s Severus Snape, who turns out to be an agent for Dumbledore.

Unique twist idea: “The Tech Genius” follows a group of hackers attempting a major cybersecurity heist. One of their own, Sarah, seemingly betrays them to a rival tech company. In a surprising turn, it’s revealed that Sarah’s actions were a strategic move to plant a counter-virus, saving her team from a trap set by their rivals.

Unique twist idea : “The Loyal Friend” centers around a group of friends who suspect one of them, Jake, has stolen a valuable item. The friends confront and ostracize Jake, only to discover he had actually been secretly safeguarding the item from a real thief, showing his true loyalty and sacrificing his reputation to protect his friends.

How can you make the character’s actions seem like betrayal while secretly aligning with the group’s goals?

Think about the character’s decisions and how they can be interpreted as betrayal at first.
Make sure that the actions, while misleading, are consistent with the character secretly helping the group. This ensures that when the true intention is revealed, it’s a believable and satisfying twist, not just a random surprise.

12. The ‘Nobody’ Twist

A seemingly insignificant character or event turns out to be crucial to the plot.

Example: In The Usual Suspects , Verbal Kint, who seems to be a minor character , is revealed as the mastermind, Keyser Söze.

Unique twist idea: In “The Quiet Classmate,” everyone at school overlooks Tim, a shy, quiet student. When the school faces a mysterious threat, it’s Tim who unexpectedly solves the problem. His unique knowledge and observation skills, previously unnoticed, become key to saving the day, proving his importance.

Unique twist idea : “The Forgotten Diary” follows a group of kids exploring an abandoned house. They find a diary deemed irrelevant and ignore it. However, the diary later becomes essential, containing clues to a hidden treasure in the house, showing its unexpected importance.

How can you subtly showcase the importance of the ‘nobody’ character or event throughout the story without making it obvious?

Consider ways to include small details or moments that hint at the significance of this character or event.
It’s important to write these elements into the story in a way that they seem minor at first but later reveal their true impact. This approach ensures that when their importance is unveiled, it feels like a natural and clever part of the plot.

13. The Resurrection

A character believed to be dead is revealed to be alive.

Example: Sherlock Holmes reappears in The Adventure of the Empty House .

Unique twist idea: In “The Forgotten King,” a kingdom believes their king died in battle decades ago. A mysterious stranger arrives, helping the kingdom in times of crisis. This stranger is eventually revealed to be the old king, who had lost his memory and is now back to reclaim his throne.

Unique twist idea : “The Silent Witness” centers around a high-profile criminal case where a key witness supposedly died in an accident. The case takes a shocking turn when the witness reappears during the trial, having been in hiding, to provide crucial testimony that turns the case upside down.

How does the character’s return from the ‘dead’ impact the story and the other characters?

Think about the reasons and consequences of the character’s supposed death and their unexpected return.
This resurrection needs to serve a purpose in the story, such as resolving a conflict or revealing a key plot point. The character’s return should create meaningful changes in the story and the dynamics between characters.

14. Role Reversal

Characters swap roles, such as the hunter becoming the hunted.

Example: In Terminator 2 , the T-800 becomes the protector instead of the killer.

Unique twist idea: In a small, eerie town, the renowned ghost hunter, famous for banishing spirits, finds himself haunted by an unyielding ghost. The twist? The ghost is actually a former victim seeking justice, turning the hunter into the desperate and haunted.

Unique twist idea : In a quiet college town, a brilliant but unassuming math professor is renowned for his problem-solving skills. However, in a surprising twist, he discovers that his most introverted student is actually an undercover agent. The student, initially seen as the one learning, is revealed to be the one protecting the professor from a hidden danger.

How does this role reversal change the character’s view of the world and themselves?

Think about how the character’s feelings, beliefs, and actions shift when they experience life from this new perspective.
Consider the emotional journey they undergo, facing challenges they never expected.
Reflect on the impact this change has on their relationships with other characters.

15. The Puppet Master

An unseen character has been manipulating events from behind the scenes.

Example: In The Wizard of Oz , the Wizard manipulates Dorothy and her friends into killing the Wicked Witch of the West.

Unique twist idea: A struggling high school basketball team suddenly starts winning every game. The twist? The janitor, a former basketball star whose career was cut short, has been anonymously training the players, manipulating game strategies through secret notes.

Unique twist idea : A bestselling novelist is celebrated for his gripping plots. Little do his fans know, his creative ideas are actually fed by his reclusive neighbor, an old writer who scripts the entire narrative from a small, hidden room in their shared apartment building.

What is the Puppet Master’s true motive for manipulating the events and how does it affect the overall story?

Think about why the Puppet Master is pulling the strings. What’s their end goal?
Think about how their manipulation impacts the main characters’ decisions and the story’s direction.
Reflect on whether the Puppet Master’s motives are revealed gradually or in a single, dramatic moment.

16. Revealed Identity

The protagonist discovers they’re someone entirely different than they believed.

Example: In Stephen King’s Secret Window , Mort discovers his split personality/ dissociative identity disorder.

Unique twist idea: Leo, a computer programmer, starts noticing strange patterns in his life that resemble coding algorithms. He soon uncovers that he’s actually an advanced AI, designed to think and feel like a human, and his entire life has been an experiment.

Unique twist idea : Jake, known in his town for always being in the right place to help others in need, discovers he’s unknowingly been a guardian angel. His true nature is revealed when he miraculously saves a child, and his wings appear for the first time, shocking him and those around him.

How does the revelation of the protagonist’s true identity impact their understanding of themselves and their world?

Explore how this newfound identity challenges their previous beliefs and relationships.
Consider the emotional and psychological effects of this discovery on the protagonist.
Determine how this revelation reshapes the narrative and the protagonist’s journey.
Ensure that the identity reveal is shocking, and also deeply transformative for both the character and the story.

17. Time Illusion

The events aren’t happening in the sequence or time frame the reader believes.

Example: In Memento , the initial twist is that the story is told in reverse chronological order.

Unique twist idea: Emma writes a diary about her life in college, filled with friendships and challenges. However, as the story progresses, it becomes apparent that Emma is actually an older woman, reminiscing her past. The diary is her way of reliving her youth, with the present and past beautifully intertwining.

Unique twist idea : Detective Harris investigates a complex murder case, with the narrative starting from the arrest and moving backward to the crime’s inception. The reader discovers clues in reverse, piecing together the motive and the perpetrator’s identity in a way that challenges traditional storytelling.

How does this manipulation of time affect the story’s structure and the reader’s understanding of the plot?

Ponder the purpose behind presenting events out of order. What does it add to the story?
Think about when and how you’ll reveal the true sequence of events to the reader.
Reflect on how this twist impacts the characters’ development and the story’s resolution.

18. All in the Mind

It turns out the events, or parts of them, were in a character’s mind, dream, or hallucination.

Example: In Shutter Island , Teddy discovers the truth about his incarceration on the island and his own past.

Unique twist idea: In a post-apocalyptic world, Max believes he’s leading a group of survivors to safety. In the climax, it’s disclosed that Max is in a coma, and the entire journey is a metaphorical battle he’s fighting in his mind to wake up.

Unique twist idea : Explorer Dr. Grant recounts his team’s perilous journey through an uncharted jungle. In a twist, it’s discovered that after getting lost on the first day, Dr. Grant hallucinated the entire expedition while waiting for rescue, blending his survival knowledge with his imagination.

How does the realization that some events were imagined impact the character’s reality and the reader’s perception of the story?

Consider what prompts the character to differentiate between imagination and reality.
Reflect on how this revelation reshapes the character’s understanding of their experiences.
Think about the reader’s journey as they piece together what’s real and what’s imagined.

19. Hidden Motive

A character has a concealed reason for their actions that’s revealed to turn the story on its head.

Example: In Alien , Ash reveals his true purpose to the horror of his crewmates after the xenomorph becomes loose on the ship.

Unique twist idea: In a kingdom under threat, Sir Galen, the king’s most trusted knight, is revealed to have been secretly aiding the enemy. His motive? To prevent a war he foresaw would destroy both kingdoms, working covertly to orchestrate peace.

Unique twist idea : In a superhero story, the notorious villain, Dark Shadow, is always one step ahead. In a startling revelation, it turns out he’s the alter ego of the city’s mayor, who’s been creating crises to fund and empower the police and emergency services, believing this is the only way to maintain order in a corrupt city.

How does revealing the character’s hidden motive alter the understanding of their actions and the overall storyline?

Think about when and how the hidden motive will be revealed to maximize impact.
Reflect on how this revelation changes the dynamics between characters.
Consider the implications of this motive on the story’s outcome and themes.

20. Unexpected Savior

The least likely character becomes the hero or savior in the climax .

Example: In Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows , Neville Longbottom steps up to destroy Nagini.

Unique twist idea: In a high-tech lab, when a dangerous experiment goes wrong, it’s not the renowned scientist but his overlooked assistant, Mary, who remembers a crucial step to avert the disaster. Her quick thinking saves the lab and everyone in it, proving her unnoticed expertise.

Unique twist idea : In a fantasy world, a young adventurer is trapped by an evil sorcerer. Just as defeat seems certain, his small, seemingly powerless pet dragon unleashes a hidden magical ability, defeating the sorcerer and saving his companion.

How does this unlikely character’s journey and personal growth lead them to become the hero or savior at the climax?

Reflect on the small, often overlooked traits or skills of the character that make them uniquely suited for this moment.
Consider the character’s background and how their past experiences have prepared them for this unexpected role.
Think about how this twist will affect the character’s self-perception and their standing among other characters.

Moral Flip: The perceived ‘good’ and ‘bad’ sides are switched, causing readers to rethink allegiances. Example: In Watchmen , Ozymandias goes from hero to final boss bad guy after his plan is revealed.

Dead All Along: It’s revealed that a key character, maybe even the protagonist (or antagonist) , has been dead, maybe even from the start. Example: In The Others , we discover that Grace and her children are the ghosts.

Alternate Reality: The world or reality the characters inhabit isn’t what it seems. Example: In The Matrix , Neo takes the red pill to reveal the real world.

Hidden Relationship: Two or more characters have an unexpected relationship revelation. Example: In Star Wars , Obi-Wan Kenobi is revealed to be Darth Vader’s old master.

Unexpected Consequence: Actions taken by characters result in unforeseen repercussions, leading the story in a new direction. It reminds us that every action has a reaction, often far from what we anticipate. Example: In Ender’s Game , Ender unwittingly commits genocide.

False Protagonist: The character you believe to be the main character dies or is sidelined, passing the torch to another. Example: In Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho , the focus shifts from Marion to Norman following her death.

Hidden Villain: Someone seemingly benign or in the background is revealed as the main antagonist. Example: In Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None , the mysterious host reveals himself to be one of the victims thought to be dead.

Misdirection: Deliberate clues are given, but they lead to the wrong conclusion, throwing off both characters and readers. It’s like a magician’s sleight of hand. Example: In Glass Onion , Andi turns out to be her twin sister Helen.

Resurrection: A character believed to be dead returns, altering the course of the narrative. Example: In The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers , Gandalf returns at a crucial moment.

Secret Society: Our protagonist discovers an underground or secret society influencing events. Example: In The Da Vinci Code , Roberts uncovers the threat of Opus Dei.

False Memory: A character’s memory of an event isn’t what actually happened. Example: In Total Recall , Quaid’s world changes the moment he undergoes the Rekall procedure.

Parallel Universe: Characters or events exist in an alternate universe, often with significant differences. Example: In Coraline , Coraline discovers a mirror universe with a parallel family after she steps through a secret door.

Role Reversal: Characters swap roles, with servants becoming masters, children becoming parents, etc. It’s the world turned upside-down. Example: In Planet of the Apes , Taylor encounters talking apes enslaving humans.

Cursed Object: An object central to the story has unexpected powers or curses, impacting characters or events. Example: In Jumanji , the kids discover that once they start playing the magical game that brings the jungle to life, they must see it through to the end.

Reality Shift: What’s perceived as reality drastically changes through technological influence or supernatural events. Example: Truman discovers that his whole world may be false in The Truman Show .

Inanimate Sentience: An object or place is revealed to have consciousness or a will of its own. Example: In Beauty and the Beast , Belle discovers a castle full of live, enchanted objects.

Hidden Scene: An earlier event in the story is revisited, but from a different perspective or with new information. Like seeing behind the curtain. Example: Vantage Point explores key moments in an assassination attempt to reveal the culprits.

Changeling: A character (sometimes a minor character ) is replaced by someone or something else, with others unaware of the switch. It’s folklore brought to the modern stage. Example: In Krull , the Emerald Seer is replaced with an evil doppelganger.

Destiny Denied: A foretold prophecy or destiny is proven wrong or is misinterpreted. Prophecies aren’t always what they seem, after all. Example: In The Lego Movie , Vitruvius admits he made up the prophecy about Lord Business.

a person reading a book and shocked by the plot tiwst

What is a Plot Twist?

A good plot twist is a sharp turn in the narrative that catches readers or viewers off guard. It’s like a sudden bend in the road when you’re expecting a straight path. This unexpected story development can change the story’s direction, the character’s fate, or even the audience’s understanding of everything they’ve seen or read so far.

When plot twists are used effectively, they can add depth to your story. Conversely, a poorly executed story or plot twist can leave your audience feeling cheated or confused, like they’ve been led down a path that doesn’t make sense.

For instance, I remember the first time I saw The Sixth Sense . The plot twist at the end – when it’s revealed that Bruce Willis’s character has been dead all along – completely blew my mind. It was an unexpected turn, yet it made perfect sense in retrospect, which marks a great plot twist.

However, plot twists can also backfire if not handled well. For example, in the hit 80’s TV show Dallas , a main character – Bobby – is killed off in Season 8, only to be brought back at the end of the following season thanks to the surprising reveal that “it was all just a dream.” Fans and critics alike panned this horrible plot twist, and the show never recovered.

That’s why it’s critical for us writers to always be refreshing our bank of ideas ! Just like a magician never reveals their tricks, we should always strive to keep our audience guessing. Reading widely, exploring different genres , and studying the work of other writers can all inspire our own unexpected plot twists, too.

And remember, the best plot twists are those that surprise and satisfy in equal measure!

How to Use AI to Find Plot Twist Ideas

My favorite AI writing program to help me find creative plot twists is Sudowrite. Here’s a story idea that I inputted into Sudowrite’s Plot Twist feature.

Here are the plot twist ideas that Sudowrite gave me:

I thought these ideas were really quite good! At the very least, it gave me a lot to work with and think about for myself. AI creative writing programs are best for providing ideas and concepts rather than for writing full novels or short stories. Sudowrite’s plot twist feature does not disappoint!

Final Thoughts on Plot Twist Ideas

Plot twists are those unexpected moments in a story that make readers do a double-take. They’re the surprises that leave us shocked, teary-eyed, or lost for words.

As writers, we have a fantastic chance to lead our readers down paths they didn’t see coming. But we need to use these twists wisely! Don’t just try to shock your audience – instead, add real depth and surprise to your story.

And avoid things like deus ex machina, where the main characters are saved from the evil villain at the last moment by some random act of God or technology. Coincidences do happen in real life, but they have little place in fiction – especially as a “great” plot twist idea that forces a happy ending.

So, whether you’re dropping hints, making sure everything fits just right, or sharing your compelling plot twist ideas with a friend for feedback, remember what’s at the heart of a great twist: the element of surprise that sticks with readers long after they’ve finished your story.

Here’s to all the writers – may your great plot twist ideas always keep your readers on their toes!

Common Questions About Plot Twists

How do you make a crazy plot twist.

To create a standout plot twist, throw in a big reveal or a surprising turn of events that still makes sense in your story. Just remember to sprinkle a few clues earlier on so it doesn’t feel out of the blue.

What is the most common plot twist?

The most common plot twist is the “reveal,” where a character’s true identity or motive is unexpectedly unveiled. Often, this twist shows a trusted ally as a traitor or a perceived enemy as a friend.

What is a major plot twist?

A major plot twist is when the story takes a surprising turn, changing everything you thought you knew. It’s like a curveball that shakes up the whole game and keeps readers or viewers on their toes.

Filmmaker, Author, Actor and Story Consultant

Neil Chase is an award-winning, produced screenwriter, independent filmmaker, professional actor, and author of the horror-western novel Iron Dogs. His latest feature film is an apocalyptic thriller called Spin The Wheel.

Neil has been featured on Celtx, No Film School, Script Revolution, Raindance, The Write Practice, Lifewire, and MSN.com, and his work has won awards from Script Summit, ScreamFest, FilmQuest and Cinequest (among others).

Neil believes that all writers have the potential to create great work. His passion is helping writers find their voice and develop their skills so that they can create stories that are entertaining and meaningful. If you’re ready to take your writing to the next level, he's here to help!

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80 Plot Twist Ideas and Examples for Writers

When it comes to writing a good story , it is important that you know how to surprise your readers at every turn. Remember that a story that is to predicable will come out a boring and too predictable. A great way to surprise your readers is to use plot twists.

What is a plot twist?

A plot twist is a literary technique that incorporates a radical change in the expected ending of a work of fiction. The plot twist is particularly important because it is meant to become a generator of shock for the reader. It is meant to act as a transition period for the story as well. So, if you want your writing to be as immersive as possible, you should know how to use plot twists in your writing . Here are six plot twist types and examples found in literature.

1. Red Herring

This type of plot twist is a misleading or false clue. It is one of the most widely used types of plot twists. They are usually used in mysteries, detective stories, and thrillers. When you use a red herring, your main intent is to mislead readers and have them follow a different trail.

Examples:

Arthur Conan Doyle’s Hound of The Baskervilles is a great example of a red herring. Throughout the whole case, the main suspect was the butler, because he exhibited the most obvious and suspicious behavior. However, as the story progresses, the main culprit is someone else. This is classic misdirection and a great use of the red herring plot twist.
In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , the main villain was considered to be Sirius Black, who was Harry’s godfather. He was considered to be the one who betrayed Harry’s parents to Voldemort. However, at the end of the book, readers are shocked to find out that the villain was Peter Pettigrew, another friend of Harry’s parents.
In the Star Wars prequels, the main villain was often hidden, but there were villains such as Darth Maul or Darth Tyrannus who did most of the dirty work. However, the main villain was in fact Senator Palpatine, who was originally portrayed as a well-meaning politician and friend to the Jedi.
The wildly popular Disney film Frozen was able to employ Red Herrings very well. In the first part of the story, the foreign Prince Hans was the protagonist Anna’s love interest. However, in the latter part of the movie, Hans starts devolving from Prince Charming to a greedy usurper.

2. Chekhov's Gun

Chekhov’s gun is a plot twist that alludes to details within the story that will later add to the overall narrative. This compels writers to be responsible when writing scenes because these details will come back later in the story. The plot twist is named after Anton Chekhov, a nineteenth-century writer who wrote works such as Uncle Vanya and The Seagull .

Example:

In the movie Saving Private Ryan , one of the rangers in the platoon is given a Hitler Youth dagger by a comrade. He carries the dagger through subsequent battles. However, in the final battle, he is forced into a melee with a German soldier. While he tries to use the dagger against his enemy, the larger soldier manages to turn the knife on him instead.

3. Flashback

The literary device known as the flashback is also a potent plot twist. This is because the flashback uses memories to divulge specific and important details in the story. It is through the flashback that you will be able to execute a plot twist.

In the all-time classic story A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, the protagonist, Ebenezer Scrooge, is visited by three spirits. One of the ghosts is known as the Ghost of Christmas Past. The ghost takes Scrooge on a journey to his past and shows him the events that led to his life of selfishness and obsession with money. This flashback is one of the many turning points in the story.
This may count as a spoiler for some Harry Potter fans, but Severus Snape’s backstory is one of the best examples of a flashback showing a plot twist. Many readers detested Snape for his dark magic allegiance and killing Dumbledore. However, the flashbacks of his childhood friendship with Harry’s mom, Lily, totally changed the reader’s perceptions of Snape. Now he is one of the most beloved anti-heroes in literature.

4. Peripeteia

This ancient plot twist is derived from Greek tragedy plays and is technically the turning point of the story. This is typically applied to a character who is locked into a predetermined belief or destiny, only for a twist of fate to change the entire narrative of the story.

The most iconic use of Peripetia is in the ancient story of Oedipus. In the Greek tragedy, Oedipus is a prince who is sent away to be killed by his father, the king. His father ordered his death, because there is a prophecy that Oedipus will kill his father and marry his mother. However, Oedipus manages to survive and is adopted by another king. The prince lives his life believing he is the biological son of the king who adopted him. Years later, he goes on a journey and gets into a very bad argument with his biological father. During the confrontation, he slays his father, and later on marries the king’s wife and becomes the king of the country. All is well and good, that is, until the details are finally revealed to him that he slew his father and married his own mother.

5. Deus ex machina

This is a literary device that comes in the form of a person or an event that comes out of the blue and provides a response to a difficult event. This was usually used in Greek and Roman dramas and is meant to represent as an act of God.

The plot twist of Deus ex Machina in H.G. Well's War of the Worlds is a good example. Throughout the events of the story, the human race is being beaten by the Martian invaders. No weapon is capable of fighting off the aliens. The human race is at the point of defeat, and utter decimation is at hand. That is, until the aliens start to get sick and start to die. The Deus ex machine of the story is that the aliens did not count on the biological aspect of their invasion, and the earth fell to infections from the pathogens in the earth’s atmosphere.
In the ending of William Golding’s book, The Lord of the Flies , a deus ex machina was used. The story takes place on a deserted island where a group of students were marooned. The group is soon split in two. The main protagonist chooses to side with the more even-tempered and civilized group of boys. The other group soon descends into chaos, and they slowly murder the protagonist’s group of friends. At the end of the novel, the protagonist is hunted by the feral group. As they were about to catch him, he was rescued by a naval officer. This act of salvation is considered a deus ex machine moment.
In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets , Harry is cornered by the Basilisk, a mythical giant snake. Harry has no way of fighting back until Fawkes the Phoenix arrives and hands him the sorting hat. The hat actually holds Godric Gryffindor’s sword, which allows Harry to fight the basilisk. This is often counted as a Deus Ex Machina ending.

6. Eucatastrophe

The eucatastrophe is a term that was coined by J.R.R.Tolkien and is a sudden turn of events at the end of the story. The event acts as a kind of safety net that stops the protagonist from meeting a terrible end.

Seeing as J.R.R Tolkien was the one who coined the term, it is fitting to use his work as an example. In Tolkien’s much loved classic, The Hobbit , Bilbo Baggins, and the last survivors in the battle of five armies are surrounded by their enemies. Thorin has fallen in battle, and many men, elves, and dwarves have fallen to the goblins. All hope seems lost. That is until the timely arrival of Beorn and the eagles. With the shape-shifter and the giant bird’s help, the alliance of men, dwarves, and elves were able to triumph, and stop a disastrous event from happening.
C.S Lewis was a close friend of J.R.R. Tolkien, and he also used Eucatastrophe in his Chronicle of Narnia books. This is especially evident in his final Narnia book, The Last Battle . When all the main characters were surrounded by their enemies, the Calormens, all seemed lost, until they all died and were transported to Aslan’s real world. This end was all destined to happen, and acts as a safety net for all the heroes in the story.

Plot Twist Ideas

If you want to learn how to effectively use plot twists in your work, here are some general plot twist writing ideas that you could use. By using these ideas, you could add a sense of unpredictability to your writing.

1. The hero was working for the villain all along

This plot twist idea is to let the audience believe that the protagonist was aligned with a beneficent group, only for the group to turn out evil later on. The protagonist and the audience are usually blown away by this revelation. This discovery soon prompts the protagonist, to take the organization down from within.

In The Incredibles , the main protagonist, Mr. Incredible, unknowingly works for his archenemy. He is a renowned superhero who is forced to retire from hero work. That is, until a secretive organization hires him to do hero work again. Little does he know that the head of the organization is an old enemy.
The protagonist is working for a pharmaceutical company dedicated to curing a dangerous new disease. He later finds out that the disease was engineered by the company all along.

2. The protagonist was dead all along

The main concept of this plot twist, is to have the audience believe that the protagonist is a living, breathing person, only to be revealed later that he or she was dead all along.

The protagonist is tasked with capturing a killer who has killed multiple people. He conducts a manhunt for the killer, alongside a strange new partner. They soon catch the killer, but it is soon revealed to the protagonist that his partner is a psychic who can see dead people, and he himself is already dead. The protagonist was killed by the serial killer during an earlier tussle, and he is fulfilling unfinished business before he crosses over to the other side.
In the hit psychological thriller The Sixth Sense , the protagonist, Malcolm Crow, was tasked with helping a young boy named Cole Sear. The boy is in distress because he saw a ghost. Later in the movie, it is revealed that Malcolm is actually a ghost as well.

3. Unexpected relations between characters

This is a favorite for many writers because it shocks the readers and also creates a new dynamic amongst the characters.

In Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back , the main protagonist, Luke Skywalker is fighting the main villain, Darth Vader. Luke is holding his own during the lightsaber duel. However, as the fight drags on, he is cornered and beaten. However, the villain does not finish him. Instead, he declares that he is actually Luke’s biological father. This is still one of the most shocking plot twists to this day.

4. The mentor is the protagonist’s future self

This plot twist entails you creating a mentor character who helps the protagonist throughout most of the events in the story. The mentor seems to know key aspects of the protagonist’s life. The mentor also seems to know the key traits of the protagonist’s family.

The audience is led to believe that the mentor is either a long-lost parent or an old family friend. Later on, the mentor is revealed to be the protagonist’s future self, who goes back in time to change key events in the past.

The protagonist is faced with a moral dilemma. He just found a big bag of money, and he wonders whether to keep it or turn it over to the authorities. He decides to keep the money and live a life of luxury. An old man approaches him a few moments later. He seems to know the protagonist very well and cautions the protagonist not to keep the money. It is later revealed that the old man is in fact the protagonist’s future self, and he is trying to stop his younger self from going down a path of self-destruction.

5. The shock value

This plot twist is all about shocking the audience in the most intense way possible. This means killing the main character in the first few chapters of the story, or having an unforeseen and unbelievable event come to pass. When it comes to shock value, the more abruptly the event happens, the better it will be.

The shock value plot twist is a constant in the Game of Thrones book series. Various main characters were killed off to shock readers. This is masterfully done, because George R.R. Martin writes very well-crafted and memorable characters.
In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, The Great Gatsby , the main character, Jay Gatsby is murdered when he is just about to achieve his ultimate goal in life. This is shocking because he is such an enigmatic yet beloved character, and his swift death really caught readers by surprise.
The story is set during the First World War. It follows a group of British soldiers who are sent in to retake a trench from the enemy. One character in particular is considerably more important than others in the story. He has the most connections to the other characters, and he seems to be the hero of the story. However, as the operation commences, he is abruptly torn to shreds by machine gun fire. This abrupt death would usually have the audience wondering who the real main character is.

6. Is this the real world?

The main intent of this plot twist is to have the audience wonder whether the events in the story are real or if it is all an illusion that the protagonist’s mind came up with.

In the story of Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland , the protagonist Nemo is whisked off on an adventure wherein he is sent to Slumberland. A world ruled by Morpheus, the King of Slumberland. In Slumberland, he becomes a playmate to the princess, and in the course of the adventure, he saves Slumberland. However, throughout the whole story, the reader is made to wonder if the events are taking place in the real world or just in Nemo’s dreams.
The protagonist is a 90-year old man who, in the last few moments of his life, is given the chance to go to an alternate world and live life as a young man again. He takes the chance and goes on many grand adventures and lives the life he has always wanted. He lives a full life in that alternate world and dies a happy man. At the end of the story, though, his consciousness is brought back to the start of the story. He is still a 90-year old man, on the verge of death. So the main question arises. Did he really go on that adventure? Or were they the last thoughts of a man on the verge of death?

Here are some more examples of plot twists that you could use to come up with your own plot-twist. These come in the form of short snippets, and act as more of a prompt, than a fully-fledged story.

The battle is won, and everyone is celebrating. Yet another enemy comes out of the blue.
The case is solved, and the protagonist is celebrating with his friends. However, an object in his friend's clothing causes him to believe that the case is not over.
The chef is just about to send out a new dish. However, a close friend of hers is sabotaging the food. What is this friend’s motive?
Old rivals are marooned on an island, and the audience expects them to hate each other. They surprisingly became close friends.
A man who has always believed and loved that he was Irish is found out to be British.
A boy is constantly thwarted by a girl from his class. He feels that she hates him. However, the girl is in fact in love with him.
A man who is constantly bullied by his roommates fights back and beats them. He is actually a former boxer.
Your character takes part in an underground fighting competition. He expects the best fighter to be a massive and powerful man. He finds out the best fighter is a petite 18-year-old girl.
A Roman senator is voting on an issue in the senate. His allies all voted against him. He is about to lose the vote. All of a sudden, his most bitter political rival takes up his cause.
Miners are going out of a mine that they just recently dug up. All of a sudden, an explosion erupts and the entrance is blocked.
A marathon is about to start. All of a sudden, a very heavy downpour starts.
A normal office worker is walking home when, out of nowhere, an ancient relic appears in front of him.
A boxer accidentally killed his opponent, and now he is charged with murder.
The protagonist has been married to the woman of his dreams for years. It is a perfect marriage. That is, until a message from an unknown person threatens their perfect life together.
A rich woman has been living a very extravagant life until her ex-husband sues her for everything she owns. Now she has no house, no money, and no job experience.
A bird comes out of nowhere and invites the protagonist on a trip to another world.
The main characters are about to jump into the water, but the oldest and most courageous member of the group is hesitant. He does not know how to swim.
The bully in the story is actually a coward and hides a deep love of animals.
A middle-aged man is about to retire from his job, but his son got into a financial issue. Now he has to find a way to make a lot of money.
The star player on a basketball team gets injured before their most important game. The team’s bench warmer is tasked with playing, and he shows incredible skills.
A businessman who has put in 20 years of his life into a business just achieved success. However, this is short-lived because the country’s economy collapses, and this makes all forms of money irrelevant.
The protagonist idolizes his father, who is a wealthy environmental lawyer. His beliefs are threatened when he finds out his father takes bribes from various companies.
A rebel leader is about to lead a mass rebellion through various regions in his country. The night before the rebellion, he is betrayed and killed by his lover.
A writer is given a chance to publish his work. However, the credit for his work is given to another writer.
The main villain is defeated, and the main characters relax. However, one of the main characters is a double-agent, and he attacks the others.
The main character believes that he is on another world, only to find out that he is an alternate version of Earth.
A young girl moves to a new school, and she is befriended by a nice girl from a rich family. Things seem good at the start. However, her new friend seems to hide a sinister nature.
A flashy young man shows up on the party scene and makes new friends. He seems rich and well-read. However, he is in fact a swindler who takes advantage of his new rich friends.
The UN peace summit is going well, and the conflict between the two nations has been concluded. That is, until one of the sides fires a nuclear missile on its enemy.
A young man is going to meet his best friend in a park. He is going to confess his feelings for her. However, he receives the sad news that she died from an accident earlier that year.
The main protagonist is a superb athlete and will achieve his dream of competing in the Olympics the next day. These plans are thwarted when he slips on the bathroom floor, and breaks his leg.
An old man has been saving up his life-savings to go on a trip around the world. The night before he departs, his house is burgled and his money is taken from him.
A great warrior leaves for a quest and is given a newly forged sword by his wife. In the final battle, he uses the blade, and it breaks. His wife purposefully chipped the sword so that it failed in battle.
A young woman is about to graduate and start her professional career. This is put on hold when she finds out that she is pregnant.
A group of teenagers finds a gun, and they play around with it. One of them gets careless and accidentally shoots one of his friends.
A young boy lives with his older sister. He soon finds out that she is actually his mother, and she had him at the very young age of 15.
A group of people are on the run and hiding under a bridge. A stranger appears out of nowhere and offers his help. Should they accept it?
A lawyer starts a law firm with his friend. They had planned to do this since they were in law school. This plan is ruined when his friend starts a separate law firm instead.
Two rival tribes are fighting an epic battle when a huge meteor lands amidst the battle.
A vain young man tries out an experimental facial cream. He is very proud of his skin. The cream is very volatile, though, and has caused him to develop very severe acne.
A young archeologist is funded to go on an underwater venture to check the wreckage of a sunken Spanish galleon. The organization that funds him is a plunderer, and they plan to kill him and take whatever sunken treasure is found on the wreck.
A young man experiences the saddest day of his life, but later wakes up and realizes it was just a dream.
A reclusive college boy meets a very interesting young woman in his dorm room. The young woman is actually a ghost haunting the dorm.
A retired pool player is forced to take part in an underground pool competition. He beats all comers until he is faced with his brother, who is also an ace pool player. Only the winner gets to leave alive.
A lonely old farmer is shocked to find a trail of dead wolves around his farm. He finds out that his little Chihuahua was responsible for killing the wolves.
A cowboy in 1895 is guiding his cattle when he discovers the corpse of a cow. It has been drained of all blood. It was a vampire. What is a vampire doing in the Wild West?
A high school basketball game is drawing to a close when a gang fight starts outside the gym.
A hardened mafia member leaves his gang and joins the priesthood.
The new school year starts and a group of friends are looking for their smallest member. They found that he had grown 10 inches over the summer.
A despondent young man imagines that he beats up all the bullies in his school. It is all in his imagination, though.
A young man comes back to his old hometown for the first time in ten years. He left because his childhood friend had died because of an accident. He is shocked to find his childhood friend alive and well.
A well-known street racer breezes through his competition—that is until a new racer comes to the scene and wins the race. Who is this new racer?
A mysterious stranger comes to a town asking questions. He is in fact an angel, and the town holds the last humans left on earth since the rapture. He will judge who goes to heaven, and who stays on earth.
A librarian in a small library finds an ancient copy of a book on sorcery. It is said to hold secrets that an ancient organization will stop at nothing to keep secret.
An old man travels the world with his son, and they live reclusive lives. The little boy is in fact an immortal that has lived for thousands of years.
A toy maker has disappeared for over five months. His neighbors think he has retired and gone somewhere quieter. In truth, the toy maker is imprisoned by his toys that have gained sentience.

Final Thoughts

If you are thinking of writing a great story, you should know how use the unexpected to both surprise and entertain your audience. This is where plot twists come in handy. By knowing the different types of plot twists, and using these plot twist ideas, you will be able to give your writing a sense of flair and unpredictability.

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25 Plot Twist Ideas That’ll Keep Your Readers Guessing

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on Published: September 7, 2022 - Last updated: January 5, 2024

Categories Writing , Inspiration , Storytelling

If you’re looking for a way to keep your readers engaged, consider adding a plot twist. A plot twist can be anything from a character’s secret revealed to a shocking turn of events. When done well, it can leave your readers guessing until the very end. This blog post will discuss some plot twist ideas that will keep your readers glued to your story!

25 Plot Twist Ideas to Spice Up Your Storytelling

A good plot twist can make or break a story. Whether it’s a subtle shift in the character dynamics or a jaw-dropping reveal, a well-executed twist can elevate your tale from predictable to unputdownable.

Here are 25 plot twist ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

The villain is revealed to be the protagonist’s long-lost sibling.
It turns out that the protagonist is a clone of the real protagonist, who died years ago.
The love interest turns out to be married/engaged/ otherwise unavailable.
After finally achieving their goal, the protagonist discovers it’s not what they wanted.
Midway through the story, the POV character dies, and another character takes over the narrative.
The antagonist is an alternate version of the protagonist from a parallel universe.
It turns out that the story’s events have been taking place inside the protagonist’s dream/ hallucinations/ coma dream.
After defeating the villain, the protagonists discover that there was an even bigger villain pulling the strings all along.
The story is revealed to be a prequel/ sequel/ retelling of another story that the reader is familiar with.
The magical object/ person everyone has been searching for is an ordinary object/ person with no special powers whatsoever.
It turns out that none of the story’s events happened and was just a figment of the protagonist’s imagination.
The supporting character who has been helping the protagonist all along turns out to be working for the enemy/ is secretly evil/ has ulterior motives of their own.
Suddenly, previously unimportant side characters start playing major roles in advancing the plot towards its climax.
Characters thought to be dead turn out to be very much alive and have been affecting events from behind the scenes this entire time.
The Protagonist is the Antagonist: In this type of plot twist, the reader discovers that the character they’ve been rooting for throughout the story is the bad guy. This is a great way to keep your readers on their toes and leave them guessing until the very end.
The Love Interest is Dead: This is a classic plot twist that has been used time and again in literature, film, and television. In this type of plot twist, the reader or viewer thinks that the protagonist will end up with one person, only to find out that person is dead. This can be a great way to create suspense and tension in your story.
The Object of Desire is Evil : In this plot twist, the thing the protagonist has been chasing after turns out to be evil or harmful. This is a great way to create an element of surprise in your story and keep your readers guessing.
The Villain is Revealed to be the Hero : In this type of plot twist, the reader discovers that the villain they’ve been rooting against throughout the story is the hero . This can be a great way to subvert expectations and turn your story on its head.
The Hero Dies : This is a classic plot twist that often leaves readers feeling shocked and surprised. In this type of plot twist, the protagonist dies just before achieving their goals. This can be a great way to add an element of tragedy to your story and make your readers feel invested in the characters’ journey.
The World Ends : In this type of plot twist, the world as we know it comes to an end. This can be a great way to create suspense and tension in your story and make your readers think about what could happen if things go wrong.
The Protagonist Loses Their Memory : In this type of plot twist, the protagonist loses their memory and doesn’t remember who they are or what they’re doing. This can be a great way to create confusion and suspense in your story and leave your readers guessing until the end.
The Love Interest Turns Out to Be Related to the Protagonist: In this type of plot twist, the reader discovers that the love interest is related to the protagonist in some way (e.g., they’re siblings, cousins, etc.). This can be a great way to create family drama or conflict in your story and make your readers think about what could happen if two related people fall in love.
The Object of Desire Turned Out to Be Fake : In this type of plot twist, it turns out that the thing that everyone was chasing after was fake or not what it seemed. This can be a great way to reveal that something isn’t always as it seems and make your readers think about what could happen if people believe something that isn’t true.
The Villain Gets Away With Their Crime : In this type of plot twist, even though it looks like justice will be served, the villain gets away with their crime in the end. This can be a great way to frustrate your readers and make them think about what could happen if villains are never brought to justice.
All of These Things Happen, but It Was Just a Dream : In this type of plot twist, it turns out that everything that happened in the story was just a dream. This can be a great way to confuse and frustrate your readers and make them question what is real and what isn’t.

4 Ways to Write a Plot Twist Your Readers Will Never See Coming

Here are four things you need to remember to ensure that your plot twists are hits with your audience:

Don’t Be Too Clever

While you want your plot twist to be unexpected, you also don’t want it to come out of left field and make no sense within the context of your story. A good plot twist is clever without being contrived; it should surprise your readers while still feeling like it fits within the world you’ve created.

Set It Up Early On

Writers often mistakenly do not plant the seeds for their plot twist early enough. If you’re going to have a character reveal that they’re an alien, for example, there should be small clues throughout the story that hints at this big reveal-otherwise, your twist will feel unearned and cheap. By planting little Easter eggs along the way, you can ensure that your plot twist will be satisfying for your readers rather than confusing.

Pay Off on Promises Made

When writing your story, you’ll likely make all sorts of promises to your reader, revealing who killed someone by the end of the book or finally resolving a will-they-won’t-they romantic subplot. Whatever promises you make, big or small, be sure to pay them off in your ending; if you don’t, your readers will feel cheated.

Kill Off a Few Characters

If you’re looking for a surefire way to shock your readers, one guaranteed method is killing off popular characters, especially if those deaths aren’t signposted earlier in the story. This can be a controversial move, but if executed well, it can pay off big time and leave your readers positively reeling from all the feels. Just be sure that any character deaths serve a purpose beyond simply being shocking; otherwise, you risk frustrating and alienating your audience.

How to Build a Plot Twist Into a Short Story

Set up the story, so the plot twist feels like a natural progression.

The best plot twists are those that make sense in retrospect. This means you need to plant the seeds for the twist early on in the story. For example, if your story is about a woman who discovers her husband is cheating on her, you might want to include a scene where she finds his phone and sees a text from another woman. This small moment sets up the larger plot twist later in the story.

Keep the Plot Twist Close to the Beginning of the Story

If you want your readers to be truly surprised by the plot twist, it’s best not to wait until the end of the story to reveal it. A good rule of thumb is to have the plot twist occur no more than halfway through the story. This way, there’s still plenty of time for things to unravel and for additional twists and turns to be added before the story comes to a close.

Be Careful Not to Overdo It With Multiple Plot Twists

While a well-placed plot twist can add excitement and intrigue to your story , too many plot twists can leave your readers feeling confused and frustrated. If you’re going to include multiple plot twists in your story, make sure each one serves a specific purpose and furthers the story in some way. Otherwise, you run the risk of losing your readers entirely.

Writers and Filmmakers Who Create Excellent Plot Twists

JK Rowling in the Harry Potter series

Alfred Hitchcock – think of Marion Crane in Psycho

Agatha Christie

Examples of Great Plot Twists

Sixth Sense

Darth Vader in Star Wars

Tyler Durden – The Narrator in Fight Club

The Usual Suspects

Why Plot Twists Matter in Crime Fiction

Plot twists are an essential component of crime fiction storytelling.

Suspense is one of the most important elements of any good crime fiction novel. Suspense keeps readers turning the page, anxious to discover what happens next. A plot twist is the perfect way to keep suspense levels high throughout your novel.

Plot Twists in Romance Writing

There are many different types of romantic plot twists, but some of the most common include:

Revealing that a character is not who they seem to be.
Introducing a new character who changes everything.
Killing off a main character.
Revealing that the two characters are related.
Having a character remember something important from their past.

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Plot Twist Ideas: 8 Great Ideas for Writers

Sarah Oakley

What is a plot twist, 3 tips on how to write a plot twist, 8 plot twist ideas:, how prowritingaid can help you write good plot twists.

If you’re anything like me, you love a story that has a surprise plot twist that makes you wonder how the writer tricked you so easily.

As writers, a plot twist is one of the best devices we can use to build tension, reveal character details, and switch up the direction of the plot. Adding your own plot twist to a story or novel is no easy feat; readers aren’t easy to trick.

You’re probably wondering, “How do I write a great plot twist readers won’t see coming?”

In this article, you’ll learn how to write your own plot twists, which types are best for different stories, and some plot twist examples.

A plot twist is an unexpected plot point that changes the direction of the story. It doesn’t need to appear in any specific part of the plot, but it needs to be set up correctly. A good plot twist is something a reader doesn’t see coming.

While your twist needs to be a surprise, it needs to be inevitable. If your reader goes back through the story so far, they need to be able to identify the clues you cleverly hid in the details.

We expect plot twists in certain genres, such as mysteries, thrillers, and crime stories. Writers in these genres use twists to keep the reader guessing about who the criminal might be and whether the protagonist will beat the antagonist at the end.

However, plot twists aren’t limited to only crime genres. You’ll find incredible twists in romance, fantasy, and literary novels. Beth O’Leary used a plot twist in her romance novel The No-Show to reveal an important character detail, which surprised readers, but it was crucial to the plot.

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Types of Plot Twists

There are three types of plot twists that can appear in any genre type. These types are the revelation, unexpected consequences, and misdirection.

In a revelation twist, the writer presents new information that changes the direction of the plot from that moment. Your character might discover they have been betrayed. An unreliable narrator could realize they’ve been naive and start seeing the world differently.

Unexpected consequences mean your character enters a key scene expecting the events to go one way, but then something completely different happens. A great example is in The Picture of Dorian Gray . When Dorian goes to check the painting, thinking he has redeemed himself, he discovers the painting looks even worse than before.

Misdirection is a great twist that tricks your reader into believing the main characters have resolved their conflict, but then something shows the assumption was wrong. This is great for mysteries when the killer appears to be caught, and then the actual murderer appears.

In order to write a good plot twist, there are some important tips to follow that will ensure you’re keeping your readers surprised and satisfied.

Tip 1: Build Your Twist From the Beginning

Building your twist into the entire story from the beginning means it’ll have the impact you’re aiming for. A great example of this is Fight Club , where we are introduced to Tyler Durden from the opening scene in the book, when we’re given the first set of clues that set up the revelation.

Don’t let your great plot twist idea appear out of nowhere. When the reader discovers the big reveal, you want them to kick themselves for not noticing sooner.

If you want your twist to be a random act of God, a change of fate, a natural disaster, or that a part of the story was a dream, you need to make sure your setup is perfect to ensure the reader accepts it as plausible.

Most writers who want to include a plot twist will write the plot backward from that moment when planning the story. This allows the story development to feel natural.

Tip 2: Bury Your Plot Twist Clues

Plot twists need to be a surprise, otherwise they’re just not going to impress anyone. You’ve just created the list of clues that need to be included for your twist to make sense. Now you need to bury them in the writing until you’re ready for the reader to find them.

Action scenes are perfect places for you to drop in clues because your reader is distracted by what’s happening in the scene. The details might seem irrelevant, but they’ll become important at the moment of the plot twist.

You can also use misdirection to lead the reader toward the wrong assumption, but you’ll need to make sure the deceit isn’t obvious. Also, don’t send your reader to too many dead ends, or they’ll give up guessing.

Tip 3: Avoid Using Cliché Twists

If there’s something worse than a twist that doesn’t make sense, or that we saw coming a mile off, it’s a twist we’ve seen a million times.

The best plot twists are impressive and memorable the first time we read them. Therefore, it’s so easy to spot them if someone else is gearing up to use it in their writing. Readers develop a sixth sense about twists, so you can’t fool them.

Some examples of cliché plot twist ideas include:

The antagonist was really the protagonist’s father.

None of it ever happened because it was just a dream.

There was only ever one hero that could save the day, and it turns out it’s the protagonist.

Someone faked their death and returned later to save the day.

Here is a list of eight plot twist ideas you can use for plot twists.

1. Your Protagonist Is Betrayed by Their Close Friend

A betrayal will test your main characters’ relationships. You can drop hints that the friend has their own agenda, but no one thought they would do something as horrible as this.

2. A New Character Appears

New characters can challenge your protagonist and ruin the plans they’ve set up in the story so far. The character can’t magically appear, so it’s best to have another character mention them in a previous scene before the surprising reveal, when they show up in person.

3. The Antagonist Announces Their Love for the Main Character

A new love interest can be a twist in most stories, but if it’s the protagonist’s enemy, it’s going to surprise everyone. To make this one work, try using an unreliable narrator who makes the antagonist appear to be someone with a bitter heart who could love no one.

4. The Main Character Makes a Mistake

Mistakes happen, so this is a realistic plot development, but the importance is making sure the stakes involved are huge. What does the mistake cost the main character? Despite all their efforts, were they destined to make this mistake the entire time?

5. The Main Character Fails to Defeat the Antagonist

If it looks certain your protagonist will defeat the antagonist, you can build a twist at the midpoint of your story to create a false defeat. You can even use this twist to create a tragic ending to the story, as most readers will expect a happy ending.

6. A Flashback Reveals an Important Detail to the Reader

You could write a flashback scene that reveals details only the reader gets to see, but the protagonist is none the wiser. This creates tension for the reader as they wait to see when the protagonist will find out that information.

7. The Criminal Gets Poetic Justice

Poetic justice is something your reader expects the antagonist to get, but it could be a surprise when it happens if you set it up correctly.

8. A Minor Twist Is Followed by a Bigger Twist

You can use a small twist, such as the revelation of some key information, to distract the reader from a bigger twist.

For example, in a thriller, your protagonist could find out the killer’s DNA belongs to her best friend’s husband (small twist). When she tries to call her friend's phone to warn her, the husband answers the phone in the same room as the protagonist (big twist).

Poor writing can undermine all your hard work to create great plot twist ideas. You don’t want your reader distracted by a spelling mistake or a sentence that doesn’t sound right. You can use ProWritingAid to fix these issues in your writing.

ProWritingAid has 20+ writing reports you can use for editing your story. You can set which writing style and genre your story is before you run the reports. This will ensure you see suggestions relevant to your genre.

Use the Readability report to ensure you’re not overcomplicating your writing to hide your clues. Just because your plot twist is clever, it doesn’t mean you need to write hard-to-read sentences.

The Echoes and All Repeats reports will help you identify how often you have included certain words and phrases. If they are key clues for your plot twist, you might not want them to appear too often, as your reader will pick up these phrases, and it’ll ruin the surprise.

I hope you enjoy writing your unexpected plot twists and editing your story with ProWritingAid.

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21 Plot Twist Ideas You’ll Never See Coming

Plot twist ideas can help you transform a story from boring to interesting. Discover some books worth exploring.

If you find yourself stuck in the world of writer’s block, one of the best ways to get out of it is to study some short story writing prompts. Many of these have plot twists in them. A good plot twist can get you out of a rut and make your work more interesting and engaging.

A plot twist is part of the story development that the reader does not expect. It is often shocking or transformative, changing the story’s path. For a plot twist to work, it can have some foreshadowing, but it must be unexpected and make sense at the end of the story, fitting the tale’s narrative. Find out more about what is a plot?

Often, the right plot twist idea gives a story power. As we describe in our what is a plot twist guide, the right one can make a mundane story engaging and thrilling to the reader. The best mystery writers regularly employ this device. If you are looking for ways to add a twist to your work, here are some plot twists that have a great impact.

1. The Usual Suspects Are Wrong

2. a revealed family connection, 3. an unknown fear, 4. a blocked passage, 5. an unexpected death, 6. a big reveal, 7. an unexpected friendship, 8. the good guy is bad, 9. an unexpected gift, 10. a natural disaster, 11. it was me, 12. the hero makes it worse, 13. wait, there’s another big bad, 14. it was all a dream, 15. the villain didn’t die, 16. the setting is the problem, 17. a gasp-worthy surprise, 18. the unreliable narrator, 19. the villain is a twin, 20. the protagonist is from the past, 21. it’s all a memory.

One of the best plot twists that makes a great story is when you create a mystery, then set up the usual suspects. However, through a turn of events, the reader discovers that an unexpected person is the real culprit, and the usual suspects are all wrong.

Agatha Christie is famous for using this plot twist idea . After many clues that were often red herrings, she sent her detectives only to discover that the real murderer was someone genuinely unexpected at the end of the story.

One of the most famous lines in the Star Wars franchise comes from the villain Darth Vader. When the masked man says, “No, I am your father,” and reveals that Luke’s arch-enemy is actually his father, it changes the whole idea behind the rivalry.

You could add this story twist to your own storyline, as long as you keep the readers unaware of the connection. This plot twist works best when you don’t offer much foreshadowing of the person’s true identity until the big reveal.

Another good plot twist is to have your main character reveal some unknown fear previously unknown to the reader. When the fear gets exposed, it becomes clear how that fear drove the actions up until that point.

This plot twist works well if the fear comes at a pivotal point in the story. For example, the writer could set up a scenario where the main characters need to jump out of an airplane with parachutes on, only to find out that one main character suffers a debilitating fear of heights, making this action nearly impossible. Paula Hawkins successfully played on fear of the unknown in one of the best plot twist books of recent years: Girl on a Train .

If your characters are going on a journey, you could throw a plot twist at them that discusses some blocked passage. For instance, they could get to the endpoint of their journey, only to find the final cave they need to pass through has a giant boulder in front of it.

What makes this work is that the story writing builds up to a climax, only to find that there is something impossible that the characters must pass to get through that climax and finish the journey. For this story twist to work, it must be unexpected.

Having the main character meet a sudden demise with no foreshadowing can take the storyline of your book and send it in a completely different direction. In some genres, like science fiction, death can also become a resurrection which further changes the story.

To make this plot twist emotionally compelling, try to choose a character in which the reader gets emotionally invested. This will make the death more impactful and allow it to redirect the story’s path.

The movie The Sixth Sense uses a big reveal at the end of the story to create a severe plot twist. In this movie, the therapist works with a young boy who claims he can see dead people. As he helps the child work through this special gift he has, the movie slowly reveals clues about the true nature of the therapist.

It isn’t until the end of the movie that the film expressly says that the therapist himself is, in fact, a ghost. When people re-watch the movie, they can see the signs that were there the entire time, but the first viewing comes as a complete surprise for most people.

Taking enemies, then working on character development throughout the story, only to show that they need each other somehow, is a great plot twist. In the end, it can create meaningful connections between the characters and even turn a “bad guy” into a “good guy.”

The Toy Story movies are an excellent example of the enemies-to-friend trope. In the beginning, Woody, the sheriff, hates Buzz Lightyear, the space hero. Yet by the end of the first movie, they have become buddies, and in the sequels, they are best friends.

A twist on the unexpected friendship is the thought of taking your protagonist and revealing, slowly or at once, that he is, in fact, the bad guy. This is a great plot twist idea because the reader spends much of the story rooting for the protagonist, only to find that he was the antagonist the entire time.

This type of plot twist makes for a terrific story. It plays with the reader’s mind and emotions and provides many opportunities for red herrings. However, to make this story satisfying, you need to resolve something the reader can agree with, building some sympathy for the actual protagonist by the end so the reader is not angered.

An unexpected gift can be a significant plot twist in your story. It could be something the protagonist needed the whole time but didn’t know, or it could change the plot’s trajectory by adding new information.

One way to twist this even further is to make the gift seem like a good thing at first, only to turn it into a source of trials. The myth of Midas does this well. Midas’s magical touch seems impressive at first, but eventually, it causes him to lose everything, meaning it was the source of his tragedies.

A fire, flood, tornado, or another natural disaster can quickly change the trajectory of a story. To make this into a plot twist, you need to ensure it is unexpected. If there are a lot of spoilers that indicate the disaster is coming, the plot twist won’t work well.

Also, making a natural disaster into a compelling plot twist must significantly impact the storyline. The combination of impact and unexpectedness makes it work well.

The “it was me all along” plot twist happens when the main character realizes their worst enemy was themselves. This twist differs from turning the good guy into the bad guy because the protagonist remains the protagonist, but his main enemy is from within.

The Agatha Christie novel The Murder of Roger Ackroyd does this well. The narrator, Dr. James Sheppard, spends the book watching Hercule Poirot investigate the murder. In the end, he reveals that he is the murderer.

This plot twist takes a cut-and-dried tale and twists it to have a more engaging storyline. For example, the story could move toward a particular climax; everything seems as if it ends well, then suddenly, you realize the hero’s actions made the problem worse.

The story of Ender’s Game is an excellent example of this twist. When the main character successfully finishes his war simulations in his war training, he feels like he has done well. However, the writer reveals that the simulations were real battles against the aliens, and the main character committed genocide.

In many video games, the big bad boss is the climax of a level or game. When you beat him, you win. Many books and movies use this same idea, but they can throw a twist by revealing there is another “final boss” after what the reader thought was the main one is defeated.

In the Marvel movie Iron Man 3 , Tony Stark discovers the Mandarin he has been fighting was a hired bad guy that was nothing more than a decoy. The movie must continue as he fights Aldrich Killian to succeed.

Having a big reveal that shows that the entire story was nothing more than a dream can be an engaging plot twist. After some major disaster or other concern occurs, the reader suddenly discovers that it’s nothing more than a dream.

One of the most classic examples of this plot twist is the movie Inception . This movie leaves the watcher wondering if it was all a dream or not. The still-spinning top at the end hints that the main character could be stuck in an eternal dream and leaves the watcher wondering if the meaning is something else.

Nothing is quite as satisfying in a story as seeing an evil villain meet his demise, yet it is an exciting plot twist to discover the villain wasn’t quite as dead as you thought. This twist works exceptionally well if the villain was still doing his dastardly deeds, only without the hero’s knowledge since he thought he was dead.

In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , Harry discovers that Peter Pettigrew, who he thought was dead, was still alive and masquerading as Ron’s rat. This revelation turns the whole direction of the story.

In most stories, a character is the main antagonist creating drama for the main characters, but sometimes it’s the setting, not a feeling. This idea can be a plot twist when the people in the story suddenly realize they aren’t where they thought they were. When the reveal occurs, the main characters see that the setting is actually what they were fighting against.

Planet of the Apes is an excellent example of this trope. In the original movie, a team of astronauts thinks they crash-land on a planet with a society of intelligent, talking apes and dumb, non-speaking humans. Yet, the scene reveals they are actually on earth, just many years in the future at the movie’s end.

It can be quite the plot twist when the writer inserts something worthy of a giant gasp. It may be a dramatic event, a sudden violent act, or a surprising reveal, but the key is that it draws a startled reaction from the reader.

The Wizard of Oz does this well. As the entire book plays up the power and mystery of the wizard in the land of Oz, the reader expects it to be a powerful creature. Yet, in the end, the writer reveals the powerful wizard is nothing more than a middle-aged man.

The unreliable narrator is a final plot twist that can make for an exciting ending to a story. With this twist, the narrator seems to be telling an engaging, true story, only for the reader or watcher to discover at the end that the narrator was lying all along, often out of a desire to misrepresent what happened.

Life of Pi is an example of this. Pi Patel seems to be telling the story about survival on the open sea with his tiger as his companion. The reader eventually discovers the real reason behind the story may have been to discuss the plight of zoo animals, not to tell a survival story.

We’ve heard of stories where the villain turns out to be related to the protagonist (we’re looking at you, Darth Vader,) but what about an evil twin? There is no greater plot twist than finding out that the villain is closer to the protagonist than we think, so how mind-bending it would be to discover that they are twins.

Not only would this be a good plot twist, but it would also open space for more hijinks and adventure in the plot. With twins on opposing sides of good and evil, there is an opportunity for character switching, creating an entertaining and thrilling scenario.

Time-bending is a common trope in many novels and movies. However, we don’t often encounter it as a surprise twist. Perhaps your protagonist can be from the past, but readers don’t discover until near the end of the story.

With this twist, there is ample opportunity to work in a great “A-Ha”!” moment. Consider factors like whether your protagonist could visit for a specific purpose. He might be living in the future on a secret mission or even searching for answers.

One of the most heart-wrenching twists is the memory trope. As readers follow along with a story, it could be a romance or thriller, and the end scene reveals that readers are living in one of the protagonist’s memories.

This is a good plot twist for a romance novel where the reader could follow along with the beginning of a budding romance and see the beautiful life two partners create. Only to discover at the end that one of them has died, and they are reliving the memories they once shared.

If you want to get paid to write short stories , we’ve got it covered.

Meet Rachael, the editor at Become a Writer Today. With years of experience in the field, she is passionate about language and dedicated to producing high-quality content that engages and informs readers. When she's not editing or writing, you can find her exploring the great outdoors, finding inspiration for her next project.

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180 Plot Twists to Surprise Your Readers

A plot twist is an unexpected development in a story, a sudden and unforeseen turn of events that subverts the expectations of the audience. It's that moment when a narrative veers off in a direction that is both surprising and, in hindsight, makes perfect sense. These twists challenge our perceptions, keep us engaged, and often lead us to reevaluate the entire story up to that point.

In an age of sophisticated audiences who have been exposed to countless stories through books, movies, TV shows, and other media, unpredictability has become an essential tool for writers. The ability to surprise one's audience not only adds depth and complexity to the narrative but also fosters engagement, ensuring that the reader remains hooked. A well-executed plot twist can be the difference between a forgettable story and one that lingers in the mind, prompting discussion and reflection long after the last page is turned.

Plot twists can be broadly categorized based on their function in the narrative. Some twists revolve around character revelations, where identities are mistaken or hidden motives come to light. Others might be based on narrative shifts, which play with the structure or chronology of the story. Then there are twists that arise from the resolution of mysteries, providing answers in the most unexpected ways.

Character-based twists

Character-Based Twists refer to unexpected revelations or developments related to a story's characters that subvert the audience's established perceptions or expectations. These twists might unveil hidden identities, previously concealed relationships, unforeseen betrayals, or undisclosed motivations. The power of a character-based twist lies in its ability to deeply challenge or reshape the audience's understanding and emotional connection to a character, thereby driving the narrative in new and engaging directions.

Hidden identities

The meek schoolteacher is revealed to be a former elite spy, hiding from her past and the enemies she made.
The city's most notorious crime lord is the same person as the city's beloved philanthropist, using one identity to clean the money of the other.
The seemingly ordinary pet cat is an enchanted prince, cursed to live as an animal until a specific deed is done to reverse the spell.
The homeless man often seen around town is the estranged father of the protagonist, keeping his distance due to a complex history.
The protagonist's best friend, believed to have perished in an accident years ago, has been living under a new identity due to memory loss.
The mysterious new hire at the corporation is actually the CEO's child from a secret relationship, trying to understand the business undercover before being announced as the successor.
The popular novelist, known only by a pseudonym and never seen in public, turns out to be a group of different writers working under a single name.
The town's librarian, always engrossed in ancient texts, is revealed as an immortal being from another age, hiding in plain sight and guarding age-old secrets.
The rival athlete competing against the protagonist is their long-lost twin, separated at birth and raised in a different country.
The quiet, reclusive neighbor is a witness protection program member, hiding from a dangerous past and the criminals she testified against.

Betrayals and double agents

The protagonist's mentor, who trained them in everything, is actually working for the enemy, using the protagonist to relay false information.
The bride-to-be, days before her wedding, is revealed to be an undercover detective investigating the groom's family for organized crime.
The trusted family butler, present for generations, has been selling the family's secrets and is responsible for their declining fortune.
The main character's confidante, to whom they tell everything, is a journalist using the information for a tell-all book.
The team's medic, responsible for healing everyone, has been slowly poisoning one of the team members due to a personal vendetta.
The humble farmer aiding the rebels is discovered to be planting trackers on their supplies, leading the king's army to the rebel bases.
The child whom the spy has been tasked to protect is actually an enemy assassin, trained from a young age to be the ultimate weapon.
The detective's partner, always the first on the crime scenes, is the serial killer they've been chasing, using his position to mislead the investigation.
The ambassador brokering peace between two nations is profiting from the war and is subtly sabotaging the peace talks.
The software engineer hired to bolster a company's cybersecurity is the same hacker who previously orchestrated major breaches against them, now playing both sides for profit.

Unexpected alliances or relationships

The sworn enemies from rival kingdoms secretly share a bond of kinship, being cousins separated in childhood.
The protagonist's fiercest competitor anonymously funds the protagonist's project, respecting their passion despite their rivalry.
The evil sorcerer and the wise old sage were once lovers, their fallout being the true cause of the conflict in the land.
The hero's sidekick and the main villain are siblings, leading to a tense dynamic as loyalties are tested.
The feared pirate captain and the righteous navy admiral grew up as best friends, their current enmity a result of a tragic misunderstanding.
The guardian angel guiding the main character is revealed to be the spirit of their future child, ensuring their parent's survival for their own existence.
The two main characters, seemingly from different worlds, discover they shared a past life as spouses, explaining their inexplicable bond.
The ruthless CEO of a mega-corporation secretly supports the grassroots movement trying to limit corporate power, driven by guilt from their past actions.
The princess and the leader of the rebel uprising secretly meet as allies, sharing the goal to overthrow the corrupt council exploiting the kingdom.
The detective and the mob boss have an unspoken agreement, collaborating to eliminate a third mutual threat that endangers both law and crime.

Secrets from a character's past

The jovial town baker was once a feared gladiator, having escaped the arena and started a peaceful life in hiding.
The leading neurosurgeon had previously caused a fatal car accident in their youth, driving their commitment to saving lives in their profession.
The school principal, known for her strict demeanor, used to be a renowned rock star before seeking a quieter life.
The gentle gardener, with an uncanny ability to communicate with plants, is revealed to have been raised by forest spirits after being abandoned as a child.
The stern military general is discovered to have deserted his post years ago during a crucial battle, living under a false identity ever since.
The town's historian, with vast knowledge of ancient rituals, was once part of a forbidden cult, escaping when they foresaw its dangerous end.
The charismatic politician rose from poverty, not through merit as claimed, but due to a secret benefactor with their own shadowy agenda.
The children's book author, writing tales of adventurous escapes, was a former spy who encoded real mission details into their stories.
The renowned artist, known for their haunting portraits, paints from memories of their past life during a tragic era.
The monk with unparalleled martial skills was once the assassin of a fallen empire, seeking redemption in seclusion and peace.

Characters with secret goals

The charitable town mayor is discovered to be collecting artifacts under the guise of community improvement, aiming to unlock an ancient power.
The protagonist's mentor, seemingly training them for self-defense, is preparing them for an underground competition.
The reserved librarian is found to be gathering and protecting certain books to prevent the knowledge within from falling into the wrong hands.
A renowned explorer's journeys are revealed not to be for discovery's sake, but to find a lost civilization's treasure.
The schoolteacher, seemingly passionate about her job, is actually recruiting gifted students for a secret society.
The diligent detective isn't just solving cases out of duty but is searching for clues to a personal mystery only they know about.
The celebrated chef isn't just cooking for the joy of cuisine but is seeking a particular taste they encountered once and can't forget.
The artist creating public murals around the city is discovered to be embedding them with coded messages for a select group of viewers.
The tech tycoon funding space missions isn't just aiming for exploration but believes there's an artifact in space linked to their destiny.
The environmentalist fighting to preserve a specific forest is actually searching for a mythical creature they believe resides there.

Twists of genuine vs. feigned emotions

The seemingly heartless business tycoon genuinely weeps when a particular old tree is cut down, revealing a depth of emotion not seen before.
A character who always laughed off danger is found silently crying, showing their genuine fear and vulnerability.
The school bully who appears to despise a particular student is revealed to be masking deep admiration and envy.
An impassive soldier, thought to be numb to violence, is discovered to write poignant poetry expressing sorrow for every life taken.
The comedian, who always seems jovial and carefree on stage, is shown to suffer from intense bouts of melancholy when alone.
A parent who's always been strict and unyielding breaks down, admitting their approach was a façade to hide their own feelings of inadequacy.
The therapist, always composed and empathetic with clients, struggles with expressing genuine emotion in personal relationships.
The perennially cheerful neighbor, who always offers help, is revealed to be seeking connections to combat deep loneliness.
A coach renowned for his tough love approach is discovered to secretly celebrate each player's successes with a quiet moment of pride.
The stoic captain of a ship, always distant and reserved, is found to have kept mementos from every journey, highlighting cherished memories with the crew.

Hidden beneficiaries of certain actions or events

The town's new dam, believed to aid the community, is revealed to be strategically placed to increase property values for an anonymous landowner downstream.
While a law is passed supposedly for environmental protection, it inadvertently gives mining rights to a shadowy consortium.
The sudden restoration of an old mansion, thought to be a cultural project, draws tourists and unexpectedly boosts sales for a once-struggling nearby café.
A festival organized for "community spirit" serves as a distraction, allowing unnoticed renovations at the local museum where rare items are discreetly replaced with replicas.
The removal of a city monument, supposedly for safety reasons, leads to a surge in business for a nearby attraction that was previously overshadowed.
An initiative to "clean up" the city's streets by removing vendors indirectly benefits a chain store that then faces less local competition.
A well-publicized wildlife conservation effort, while preserving nature, also discreetly routes trekking paths towards businesses owned by an undisclosed party.
A campaign against screen addiction, leading to reduced device usage, inadvertently promotes sales for a board game company that's been on the brink of bankruptcy.
The sudden renovation of a park, portrayed as a community enhancement, actually makes it a prime spot for a reclusive millionaire's annual events.
An awareness campaign about a rare disease, while educating the public, leads to skyrocketed sales for a niche book written by an unknown author on the topic.

Narrative shifts

Narrative Shifts are plot twists that pivot the structure, perspective, or chronology of a story, offering a fresh lens or altered understanding of the unfolding events. These twists can manifest as sudden shifts in time, unexpected changes in point of view, or revelations that challenge the very fabric of the story's reality. By playing with the way the narrative is presented, such twists keep the audience constantly reassessing what they know, ensuring sustained engagement and intrigue.

Unreliable narrators

The protagonist, who has been recounting a traumatic event, is revealed to have imagined the entire scenario as a coping mechanism.
The narrator's depiction of another character as villainous stems from their own jealousy, skewing the true nature of events.
Throughout the story, events seem supernatural, but it's later unveiled that the narrator suffers from hallucinations, casting doubt on all occurrences.
The diary entries the story is based on are discovered to be fictional stories written by the narrator, not real experiences.
The narrator's claims of heroism and bravery are contrasted by intermittent chapters from other perspectives, showing their exaggeration and self-aggrandizement.
The narrator, who seemed to be a third-party observer, turns out to be a central character with a hidden agenda, manipulating the reader's perception.
It's revealed that the narrator has been selectively omitting crucial events, leading to a misguided understanding of the story's progression.
The childhood memories the narrator relies upon are shown to be implanted or altered, revealing a different backstory than previously believed.
The narrator's accounts of their close relationship with another character is contrasted by that character's perspective, showcasing the narrator's delusion or obsession.
Throughout the story, the narrator insists they are innocent of a crime, but subtle hints and the final revelation expose their guilt.

Shifts in time or setting

What appears to be a historical drama set in ancient Rome suddenly introduces advanced technology, revealing it's a theme park in the distant future.
The remote island where characters are stranded, believed to be uninhabited, is discovered to be the private hideaway of a reclusive billionaire.
A narrative set during the Renaissance, focusing on art and intrigue, climaxes with the unveiling of a modern city skyline, indicating the characters are part of a reenactment community.
The gritty detective story, seemingly set in 1940s New York, transitions to a bustling spaceport, suggesting Earth's history is an attraction for interstellar tourists.
A story set on a ship at sea during the Age of Exploration reveals at the end that it's a high-stakes corporate team-building exercise in the modern day.
Characters believed to be pioneers trekking the American West come upon the ruins of modern cities, indicating they are survivors of a societal collapse returning to simpler ways.
What seems to be an ordinary 21st-century high school setting takes a twist when it's revealed the students are older individuals, undergoing a second youth as part of a societal ritual.
The medieval-like kingdom, complete with castles and knights, is unveiled as a massive stage play performed for an audience of the distant future.
Amidst a story centered on ancient Egyptian rituals and politics, characters stumble upon remnants of advanced technology, hinting at a forgotten advanced civilization that once thrived.
A tale set in the Victorian era, filled with romance and gaslit streets, concludes with characters boarding a high-speed train, revealing a steampunk-inspired alternate development of technology.

Revealing it was all a dream or hallucination

After overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles, the protagonist wakes up in a hospital bed, realizing the adventure was induced by a fevered state.
A detective, after solving the perfect crime, discovers that the entire mystery was a hallucination caused by a toxic substance in their drink.
A character who believes they've won the lottery and lived a life of luxury wakes up holding a losing ticket, facing their unchanged mundane reality.
After forming deep bonds with characters during a transformative journey, the protagonist awakens to recognize them as representations of facets of their own psyche.
A musician believes they've written the perfect symphony, but upon waking finds it was a dream, though they rush to transcribe the melody before it fades.
After escaping a labyrinthine mansion filled with puzzles and threats, the character awakens at the entrance of a real-life escape room, realizing the prior events were a nervous slumber.
A soldier, believing they've survived a brutal war and returned home a hero, wakes up on the battlefield, the war still raging.
An individual experiences a whirlwind romance and heartbreak with a stranger, only to awake and later meet that very person for the "first" time.
Someone journeys through a haunted forest, facing their deepest fears, only to wake up during a therapy session, realizing it was a guided visualization exercise.
After a tale of survival in the wilderness, battling nature's harshest elements, the protagonist awakens in their urban apartment, the sounds of a nature documentary playing in the background.

Alternative realities or universes

Characters discover that what they believed was the Earth is just one of countless simulations run by an advanced species for study.
The protagonist finds a mirror in their home that, upon touching, swaps them with a version of themselves leading a drastically different life.
The city that serves as the story's setting is unveiled to be a mere replica on an alien planet, where inhabitants live out "human" experiences as entertainment.
Amidst a war, soldiers find out that their enemies are not from another country, but from a parallel Earth vying for resources.
A character with the ability to see "auras" discerns that some individuals glow oddly, eventually realizing they're visitors from a neighboring dimension.
The world's greatest minds gather as they detect an encroaching reality, realizing they need to stabilize the borders between their universe and the intruding one.
The protagonist, known for their perfect life, stumbles upon a portal revealing countless other versions of their life, each with its own set of challenges.
Animals begin displaying human-like behaviors, and it's revealed they're from a parallel world where they are the dominant species, observing humanity for insight.
Amidst a seemingly normal political election, a candidate is exposed as a representative from a parallel universe, aiming to merge the two realities for mutual benefit.
The sudden appearance of doppelgängers around the city causes panic, leading to the discovery of a tear in the fabric between two parallel universes.

Mysteries and revelations

Mysteries and Revelations plot twists pivot on concealed or enigmatic elements within a narrative that are eventually unveiled, drastically altering the audience's understanding of the story. These twists, central to suspense and detective stories, thrive on building anticipation and curiosity. As events unfold and clues accumulate, the ensuing revelation—whether it's a hidden motive, an undisclosed backstory, or the solution to a central puzzle—serves to shock, satisfy, or provoke thought in the audience, reshaping their perspective on earlier events or characters' intentions.

The truth behind a longstanding mystery

The legendary haunted house in town is discovered to have hidden chambers, which are revealed to be remnants of an ancient sanctuary, not a site of malevolence.
The constant lullaby sung by the protagonist's mother is found to be a coded message, detailing the location of a long-lost family heirloom.
A mysterious recurring dream shared by inhabitants of a village is traced back to an old, buried artifact emitting a unique frequency, affecting their sleep.
The strange annual migration of birds away from a mountain isn't due to natural factors, but a deep, harmonic sound produced by wind channels in the mountain itself.
The city's unexplained nightly glow isn't from any modern source, but a peculiar bio-luminescent fungus in the old, underground sewer network.
A century-old unsolvable cipher, once believed to detail treasure, when decoded, narrates a poignant love story between historical figures.
The reason for a forest's perpetual autumn-like state isn't a curse but a rare species of tree whose leaves change colors rapidly due to a unique photosynthesis process.
Disappearing ships in a sea region are not due to mythical sea creatures, but a submerged ancient city's mirrored surfaces causing disorienting reflections.
The annual disappearance of a lake's water isn't due to evaporation, but an intricate underground aqueduct system built by a forgotten civilization.
The mysterious whispering winds in a canyon are decoded to reveal they eerily match patterns of an old, lost language, hinting at its origins.

Unmasking of villains

The town's beloved philanthropist, seen as a beacon of hope, is unveiled as the head of an underground crime syndicate.
The quiet librarian, always engrossed in ancient texts, is exposed as a dealer of forbidden dark arts.
The school's star athlete, idolized for sportsmanship, is unmasked as the orchestrator of various sabotage attempts against rival teams.
The charismatic politician promising change is revealed to have ties to oppressive regimes, seeking control over the nation.
The famed wildlife protector, known for saving endangered species, is found to be a poacher, using conservation as a façade.
The city's leading doctor, known for miraculous cures, is discovered to be conducting forbidden experiments on unsuspecting patients.
The successful entrepreneur, admired for building a business empire, is unmasked as having achieved success through blackmail and espionage.
The acclaimed chef of a renowned restaurant, loved for unique dishes, is exposed for sourcing ingredients through illegal and unethical means.
The child prodigy, celebrated for a high IQ, turns out to be the mastermind behind a series of elaborate cyber-attacks.
The unassuming gardener, adored for beautifying the town, is caught cultivating rare, toxic plants for malevolent purposes.

Unexpected connections between seemingly unrelated events

Simultaneous power outages in multiple cities worldwide are found to be synchronized with the blooming patterns of a newly discovered deep-sea coral.
The rise in a rare butterfly species' population is directly correlated with a remote town's decision to adopt a specific color in their annual mural painting festival.
A worldwide decline in songbirds singing corresponds with an increase in the production of a particular brand of noise-cancelling headphones.
Every time a reclusive author releases a new book, a specific volcano becomes active, later found to be due to a unique sound frequency used in the printing machines.
The consistent rains in a desert region, previously attributed to climate change, align perfectly with the rehearsals of a traveling orchestra playing a specific symphony.
Multiple tech companies reporting glitches in their devices trace back the anomalies to the moment a historical bell is rung in a distant monastery.
The global rise in people's dreams about flying correlates with the broadcast times of a niche radio show discussing bird migrations.
Each appearance of a rare comet corresponds to a significant rise in the birthrate of twins in a particular remote village.
Whenever a specific coral reefs glow, several world-famous painters, unknowingly, start using a particular shade of blue in their artworks.
A significant drop in global coffee production is linked, inexplicably, to the frequency of a rare frog's croak in a specific rainforest.

Endings and resolutions

Endings and Resolutions plot twists are the climactic turns and revelations that reframe a story's conclusion, subverting audience expectations about how events should culminate or how character arcs might resolve. These twists provide a fresh perspective on preceding events, often casting them in a new light or redefining the overarching narrative's meaning. While some endings validate the journey and offer closure, others leave readers questioning, challenging their assumptions or provoking deeper thought. Whether through a surprising last-minute decision by a main character, a sudden revelation that reshapes the narrative's foundation, or an unexpected outcome to a central conflict, these twists ensure that the story lingers in the audience's mind long after the final page is turned.

Death and resurrection

The hero believed to have perished in a cataclysmic event emerges from the shadows, having been saved and healed by a previously antagonistic tribe.
A side character, mourned after a tragic accident, is discovered alive, having lost their memory and lived under a different identity.
The ancient prophecy claiming the death of the queen at the hands of an enemy is subverted when she's resurrected by the same elements that were believed to kill her.
After a key character's public execution, rumors spread about sightings of them in distant lands, and it's revealed they had a twin who now seeks justice.
The ghostly figure haunting the protagonist turns out to be a loved one, not dead, but trapped in a liminal space between life and death, seeking a way back.
A notorious villain, whose death was celebrated, returns, revealing that what had been killed was merely a decoy or a clone.
The wise old mentor, whose death motivates the protagonist's quest, is later revealed to have faked their demise to go undercover and aid the mission secretly.
Years after the tragic death of the king in battle, he emerges from a cursed sleep spell, placed upon him by a rival magician to remove him from power without bloodshed.
The heroine, sinking in a shipwreck, is later found alive on a remote island, having been saved and transformed by a mythical sea creature.
The mystical forest, believed to die and wither every winter, is found to come alive at night, its spirits and entities dancing under the moonlight, proving its eternal life.

Reality vs. perception

A seemingly haunted house's mysterious sounds and movements are actually due to its unique architecture and the changing weather patterns.
A desert mirage, instead of water or oasis, repeatedly shows a town that's identical to the protagonist's hometown, suggesting psychological, not physical, thirst.
The coveted treasure map everyone's been following actually represents a song's notes, leading not to gold, but to a lost musical legacy.
A common beverage in a city is found to have properties that make colors look more vibrant, explaining its citizens' unparalleled artistry and their perception of the world.
Residents of a coastal town think they witness the sun setting twice in one evening, only to realize they're seeing a rare astronomical event.
A protagonist remembers a major event in history differently than everyone else, leading to the discovery of a widespread gas causing short-term memory alterations.
People worldwide report seeing the same figure in their peripheral vision, only to find out it's due to a shared optical illusion phenomenon in human eyesight.
The constant "curses" that plague a village are deciphered as coded messages, not warnings, altering the villagers' perception of their history and legacy.
A society worships a mountain deity because of its occasional "roars" and "smoke signals", but later find out it's an active, uncharted volcano.
An island thought to be enchanted because objects randomly disappear is discovered to have magnetic fields causing objects to sink or become invisible under specific conditions.

Unexpected sacrifices or decisions

On a spaceship running out of oxygen, the captain voluntarily goes into stasis, allowing the crew to survive the journey, despite earlier claims of prioritizing self-preservation.
The kingdom's staunchest warrior chooses to lay down arms in the final battle, advocating for peace talks instead, stunning both sides.
A CEO, known for profit-driven decisions, dissolves a lucrative but environmentally harmful arm of their corporation, prioritizing the planet over profits.
At a pivotal political summit, a world leader tears up a previously agreed-upon treaty, proposing a radically generous alternative to stunned attendees.
A famous artist destroys their most acclaimed piece during an exhibition, revealing a stance against the commercialization of art.
A detective, after years chasing a thief, chooses to let them go in the final confrontation, valuing redemption over retribution.
A society on the brink of civil war finds peace when both sides' leaders choose exile, putting their people's harmony above personal power.
In a post-apocalyptic setting, a group votes to share their last resources with a rival group, emphasizing collaboration over competition in the new world.
A renowned surgeon, in a dire situation, prioritizes saving the life of an unknown child over a world-famous personality, valuing every life equally.
A famed athlete, at the peak of their career, walks away from a championship match, advocating for mental health and sparking a global conversation.

Circular endings

After an epic journey to find a new world, explorers end up discovering their original homeland, now transformed and unrecognizable.
A protagonist spends a novel escaping a relentless pursuer, only to find they've been running in circles, arriving back where they began.
In a quest for enlightenment, a monk travels the world, only to return to his home temple and find the wisdom he sought was there all along.
A scientist invents a machine to travel to the start of time but arrives at the end, realizing time is cyclical.
After searching for a mythical artifact, adventurers discover it's been in their hometown's museum all along, overlooked and mislabeled.
A team of rebels fighting an oppressive regime eventually topples it, only to inadvertently set up a new regime with eerily similar rules and structure.
After decades apart, childhood sweethearts reunite in their old age, realizing they've lived parallel lives in different cities, and choose to spend their final years in their childhood town.
A writer struggling with writer's block finally writes a bestseller, only to realize it's the exact story of their own life up to that point.
A detective, after chasing leads worldwide, realizes the criminal's pattern is leading them back to the first crime scene for the final heist.
A family, torn apart by a feud, separately embarks on quests to find a legendary healer for reconciliation, only to discover that the healer is a metaphor for forgiveness, leading them back to each other.

Crafting a memorable plot twist is no easy feat, but when executed with precision, it can elevate a story to new heights, leaving readers in awe of the narrative journey. Always remember, the best plot twists are those that, in hindsight, feel both unexpected and inevitable. As you embark on your storytelling adventure, may your twists captivate and your narratives be ever-engaging.

Header image by Anne Nygård .

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Plot twists: master the art of shock and surprise, we take a look at archetypal plot twists and popular examples of them to learn how to craft them for our stories..

Haley Joel Osment and Bruce Willis in the 1999 film, The Sixth Sense.

TL;DR: Plot twists are narrative devices that can take a story from good to "I can't believe that just happened!" But, they have to make sense to the story you're telling. Understanding archetypal plot twists and proper situational setup can help you craft them with ease so you can pack a surprise punch into your plot.

There are few things more exciting in fiction than a plot twist that jerks the characters in an unexpected direction or reveals something that changes the entire meaning of the story.

Writing a good plot twist and avoiding the pitfalls of a bad one can be challenging, but the results are worth the effort.

In this article, we will explore:

What a plot twist is.
3 common types of plot twists.
How to pull off a good plot twist.
How to avoid writing a bad plot twist.

What is a Plot Twist?

A plot twist is a literary device used to surprise the audience. It can be a sudden change in the direction of a narrative, an unexpected event that alters the scale or scope of the story, or a revelation that all is not as it seemed.

One of the most famous and well-known plot twists occurs in the film The Sixth Sense . After being shot by a former patient, a child psychologist works with a young boy who claims to see ghosts that don’t realize they’re dead. The twist at the end is that the psychologist is a ghost and didn’t realize it!

Three Common Types of Plot Twists

If you’re looking for plot twist ideas, there are several archetypal plot twists you can use as jumping-off points.

1. Unreliable Narrators

An unreliable narrator is a great way to hide the truth from the reader.

In this setup, the character telling the story is not being honest about what has happened or who they are, but the reader doesn't necessarily know this, and the ending twist reveals the truth.

Make sure they have a reason to obfuscate reality that correlates with their motivations. The lies should feel like they are coming from the character, not the author!

Atonement by Ian McEwan is a great example of this. The main character, Briony, wrongfully accuses her friend Cecilia’s lover, Robbie, of sexual assault. Later in the book, the couple reunite and Briony works to exonerate Robbie. The ending reveals that Robbie and Cecilia actually died during World War II—they never reunited—and Briony wrote their happy ending in her diary to atone for her actions.

Other popular examples of unreliable narrators in media include:

Louise Banks in Arrival .
Dominic Cobb in Inception .
Lorraine Broughton in Atomic Blonde .
Cadence in E. Lockhart's We Were Liars .
Mary Katherine "Merricat" Blackwood in Shirley Jackson's We Have Always Lived in the Castle .

2. Baddy Turned Good

Sometimes, a character set up as the villain turns out to be anything but. This is often used as a red herring to draw the audience’s attention away from the true villain or, they could exist to add an extra layer of suspense.

Upon the reveal of the twist, this character might be a bystander or even a benefactor aiding the protagonist from the shadows.

In other cases, a villain is revealed to be working toward a noble goal. If one believes the ends justify the means, they might not be a villain after all.

The big moment reveals that what they have been doing all along, no matter how despicable, was necessary to prevent an even greater evil. This should not be confused with the relatable villain , who is still a villain in every sense despite their glowing personality.

Examples of the Baddy Turned Good plot twist include:

Ozymandias in Watchmen.
M'Baku in Marvel's Black Panther .
Mab in Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files.
Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada.
Sir Thomas Sharpe in Guillermo Del Toro's Crimson Peak.

3. Goody Turned Bad

On the other side of the coin, sometimes the good guy turns out to be the villain . They seem like nice people on the surface but are actually monsters, or they deceive the protagonist as part of their nefarious schemes.

Examples of the Goody Turned Bad plot twist include:

Dr. Yueh in Frank Herbert's Dune .
Nolan Booth in Netflix's Red Notice .
Stormfront in Amazon Prime's The Boys.
Charrington in George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four.
King Taravangian in Brandon Sanderson's The Stormlight Archive.

How to Pull Off a Good Plot Twist

Writing a good plot twist can be one of the hardest things to pull off for an author. Your narrative structure needs to be set up just right in for the moment to feel like a natural part of the story and for the payoff to really hit home. Following a few guidelines can help ensure your big moment shines.

Reveal the Hidden Truth

A good plot twist ending might completely change the tone or meaning of a story. In speaking to Jake Hamilton about writing a good ending, renowned master of the plot twist M. Night Shyamalan said ,

Dennis Lehane did this with his novel-turned-movie, Shutter Island . The book starts off as a detective mystery, with the protagonist, Teddy, sent to a hospital for the criminally insane to track down a missing patient who was incarcerated for drowning her children.

While there, Teddy hopes to find the prisoner on the island who murdered his wife.

This straightforward mystery twists into an exploration of mental illness when it’s revealed Teddy is living a fantasy to escape the fact that his wife drowned their children, he killed her in a rage, and he is an inmate of the facility.

Foreshadow the Twist

While you want the twist to surprise the reader, you also want them to stop, slap their forehead, and say, “Oh, I should have seen that coming!”

Foreshadowing, or leaving clues for the reader, is essential to setting up a good plot twist. The big moment needs to make sense, so there needs to be smaller moments in the narrative that build toward it.

The 1999 film Fight Club lays out so many subtle clues that when we finally learn the narrator is actually Tyler Durden, it’s hard to believe we missed that all along!

Similarly, Andy Weir's The Martian makes use of scientific crises to foreshadow every event that astronaut Mark Watney has to face stranded alone on Mars by asking, "What could go wrong (or right)?" The story benefits from plot twist after plot twist after plot twist to drive the narrative in this way.

Use Red Herrings

While foreshadowing your plot twist is vital, you don’t want to leave an obvious trail of breadcrumbs that reveals what is coming.

Using red herrings, or false clues, is a great way to keep the reader guessing or even misdirect them.

A passing bit of dialogue or an innocuous item on a table might lead to the truth, but something more drastic like a hidden gun (that’s never been fired) or a bloody knife (that the butler cut himself with while preparing hors d'oeuvres) can throw the reader off the scent.

The Sixth Sense is a fantastic example of this plot device.

Subvert Expectations

Your audience will already have baked-in expectations based on the media they’ve consumed in the past.

Examining popular media, like successful films, can give you an idea of what these expectations might be. You can take advantage of pre-existing assumptions to set up your plot twists.

Take superhero movies, for example. We go into these expecting the heroes to win. They always win, right? Well, in Avengers: Infinity War , the heroes lost, and it had a devastating impact because we went into the film expecting there was no way that could possibly happen.

How to Avoid Writing a Bad Plot Twist

The hardest part of writing a good plot twist is avoiding a bad one. There are several things to evade if you want to make sure your expected gasp of amazement doesn’t turn into a groan of annoyance.

Don’t Break the Rules

As you write your story, you’re establishing rules for how the story is supposed to work. This is especially true for speculative fiction, which often goes more into depth regarding how the world of a story works, from magic to technology.

When you’re planning a plot twist, you can’t suddenly change the rules . If your wizard only performs feats of telekinesis and precognition throughout the story, don’t have them suddenly conjure an army of demons to save the day during the climax.

This applies to how characters behave, as well.

Don’t make your characters break character. They can have a change of heart, but it still needs to fit their motivations and their character arc needs to build to that moment.

Take the same guy and have everybody he tries to help betray him; then he might become paranoid and think everybody is the enemy. It has to make sense.

Avoid Deus ex Machina

Speaking of saving the day, avoid moments of Deus ex machina , where some outside force appears out of nowhere to solve a problem.

An allied army appearing on the horizon with no setup might turn the battle, but it will feel like the heroes’ agency has been taken away.

This plot twist would be much more satisfying if the characters spent time convincing the King of Rohan to ride to Gondor’s aid.

Don’t Show Your Hand

Something I see all the time in editing jobs during the setup for a plot twist is when the point-of-view character discovers something pivotal, but the author hides the details about it from the reader.

Say the detective discovers a letter that clearly reveals the identity of the murderer based on their reaction, but the reader doesn’t get to see what the letter says.

I call this the “hand of the author,” and it breaks the immersion into the story. Readers can see right through this and they may become frustrated by it.

If your point-of-view character senses or is aware of something, the reader needs to be, as well.

What a Twist!

Remember to leave clues for the reader , both leading to the twist and throwing the reader off the trail, but be subtle about it.

Don’t make it obvious that you’re hiding something, and don’t throw something into the story with no setup.

Most important of all, ensure that the plot twist is an integral part of your characters’ journey!

With some careful planning and remembering the "make it make sense" rule, you can make a mind-boggling plot twist the highlight of your next story.

100 Creative Plot Ideas Organized by Genre

by GetPublished | Sep 17, 2019 | Blog , Writing

Table of Contents

Here are one-hundred plot ideas for when your mind is feeling frazzled and the noggin empty. Some of the plot ideas here are completely out of this world while others are down to earth. From dystopia to romance, to the cliché and outlandish, this list is sure to kickstart your imagination!

Overcome Writer’s Block With Some Fresh New Plot Ideas for Your Genre

Fantasy plot ideas.

First off, we have some fantasy plot ideas for all your magical needs!

A mortal has been accidentally placed onto Olympus.
Everyone is born with three wishes in life that they are not allowed to use until (input age here).
A contest for the queen after the sudden death of said queen from a magical realm.
The bridge between the realm of the fae and mortal shrinks with each day while tensions run high.
You are the first and last person to discover the fountain of youth.
You have lived for (insert time) but have run into the option to finally be set to rest, but (blank) makes you question what you truly want.
You have lived many lifetimes, always in an endless cycle of birth and death, you finally find someone the same though.
Each night you are woken by the shouts of sailors and deckhands, the ringing of bells, and the light. But no one else has seen or heard such things.
Luck has become a hereditary trait.
Imaginary friends have gone too far, now that friend is real… but something is totally off.
“Familiars” play pivotal roles in society, the strength of said creature determines your fate.

Live your fantasy writing dream, or find a genre that you should write for !

Romance Plot Ideas

Maybe love will always find a way with these romance plot ideas. Or will everything go down in flames?

She’s a world-class thief, he’s the lead investigator. At each crime scene, there’s a note left just for him.
He’s rich beyond anyone’s wildest dreams and no one has ever been able to get close to him. All he cares about in life is perfection which he always is looking for in artwork and whatnot. But then an unruly, perfectly imperfect girl bumps into him, ruining the vase he’s bought while at a show.
She has no care for love, all she cares about is ruling with an iron fist, making her the fearsome but prosperous boss nationwide. Her newest hire has all the skills needed and perfect in every aspect, but then she’s discovered to be sent by her rival… what will she do?
She’s motivated by blood and money and will take nearly any contract if there’s enough cash involved; he is to be the victim. But when one contract killer is trying to kill the other, what will occur?
In his kingdom, it is to be a queen that always rules. However, when both his parents are murdered, to keep some unpleasant relatives off the throne he must change his entire identity to be the new queen. This includes marrying the prince of another kingdom…
He ensures that everyone finds their soulmate, sometimes through much trial and error. All he’s ever done is watch idly by, but when he falls in love with a mortal meant for someone else, what is he to do?
She’s a writer, one that writes about love and death. One night she gets a call from someone who says and acts exactly as one of her characters did… alarmed she continues to contact this person. Soon enough she finds herself in love with the character…
She expects and wants everything to go exactly like all the fairytale stories she heard when she was younger, always with expectations high whilst being often the laughingstock. But then, she meets him…
Everyone knows their fate, hers is quite bleak. She has no motivation and low expectations because of it, but then she is mistaken for someone else. And when she is mistaken to be who she’s not, he comes into her life and finds herself with everything she was never supposed to have.
His father is quite literally (some well-known character that would cause problems, ex: the devil, Frankenstein/ doctor Frankenstein, Vampire/Werewolf, etc.), making him a total outcast. When a new girl who heeds no warnings approaches him, what will he do?
Their relationship was fake or at least supposed to be anyhow.
She began getting strange letters in her mail, they were yellowed and very old looking, but somehow well preserved all the same even though appearing to be from centuries ago. She eventually decides to write one back, and he receives it. They’re centuries apart but sure they’re soul mates.

Mystery Plot Ideas

What’s been stolen, who’s dead, what’s the motive? So much to ask for these mystery plot ideas.

You can’t figure out whether you’re awake or asleep.
You have woken up after a terrible accident, at least that’s what everyone has told you. No one seems to be willing to give any details and you can’t remember the last year of your life…
You could’ve sworn that someone tapped you on the shoulder, but no one was there. As well you feel watched, and then you receive a letter.
A few months ago, you began to sleepwalk, but it’s not only you, but it also seems the entire town is as well.
As you’re restoring a painting you notice something strange, an engraving and the details seem to be changing.
A crime has occurred, more specifically a murder. The victim was found poisoned at the scene and as if they were sleeping, next to a bitten apple… and they were dressed as snow white. Will more follow?
A picture is worth a thousand words, or at least that’s what they say. This one was certainly worth more than that.
A box of pictures fell onto you as you bumped a shelf, it showed a person in each and seemed to go back quite a long time… but in each, the same cat sat.
People believed to be dead or lost for years have started to show up as if they never left with no recollection of where they went either.

Pro Tip: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook—don’t let distractions keep you from writing your first novel! Use different online writing tools to get the most out of your writing sessions.

Dystopian Plot Ideas

Suffering and injustice, the bread and butter of dystopian society, plenty of that in these dystopian plot ideas!

People are now able to quite literally bet their lives when gambling now.
In a desperate hope to cut down on crime and population, those convicted are now entered into a lottery of sorts, the prize? Death. Those with more convictions or worse crimes have a higher likelihood of being chosen.
No one remembers why the walls were built, no one wishes to leave either though.
Black Friday has turned into a “game” for the rich. They throw trinkets and cash to the crowds of those poorer to watch the bloodbath that ensues.
Due to the high-cost and overcrowding of prisons, the government has sent prisoners to man-made islands of which there is no escape. Each island is for a certain level of prisoner, they are left to create their own society or kill each other, whichever works, I guess.
It is now rare for twins to be born, and when they are born it most often is due to one that is meant to stop the other.
A very rare few are born without emotions; it is possible though for others to donate emotions for a time.
Physical traits are achieved through personality. Over time good deeds will create beauty.
Reincarnation is a real thing, and there are bounty hunters to track down these people. They may have been lovers, criminals, etc.
The ability to see color is a privilege of the aristocratic.
Only the smart, strong, and stunningly gorgeous survive. Everyone else is put to death to control the population.
Sometimes news stations find themselves lacking, that’s why you were born. You’re what they call a Joker, your entire purpose is to do all that will make for a great story.
It is now possible to entirely swap bodies with someone else. Of course, this always results in the death of who you’re swapping with.
It is illegal to look outside from the time 11:07 pm to 6:07 am. Each person is required to enter a windowless room for those times in which the government has the ability to lock and unlock the door.
The earth turns out to be a sanctuary for an endangered species, humans. Today is the first day they are to be introduced back into the wild.

Hunger Games, Divergent, The Maze Runner—what do all of these books have in common? They are dystopian novels turned blockbuster movies! Read more about the best—and worst— movie adaptations of all time .

Horror Story Plot Ideas

Clowns with red balloons and masked killers, don’t go into the haunted house! Here are some horror story plot ideas!

As an assassin with a sixth sense, you seek vengeance for the restless souls.
You’re a sleepwalking murderer, but when you wake up, you’re a well-known and renowned detective. You’re hunting yourself and others.
In the future virtual reality is more prevalent and even realistic than it’s ever been, an entirely new world and life. It’s often used on high profile criminals to make them live what they did from the victim’s view or their worst nightmare.
You’re finally meeting your “soulmate’s” parents, thrilled and full of glee. But as they close the door behind you, they lean in to whisper, “I’m sorry” / “Forgive me”.
You’ve been noticing strange things when you awake, new marks or stains, objects moved, new, or even missing. So, you set up a camera. After a few weeks of going over the footage, there’s something strange and unnerving.

~Idea to further this: You wake up, get out of bed, and look into the camera… and then you die. (You kill yourself, duplicate comes in, etc.), Then someone who looks like they could be an exact clone comes in and drags out the body, cleans up, and slips back into bed.

She never seems to be able to get it right. She can’t seem to find “the one”, or someone even close to that. Little does she know it’s been the same… creature, a shapeshifter who at all costs will have her.
Each night you heard a tapping on the glass or shrill noise. One night it was too loud to ignore and persisted… soon you realized it was coming from the…
It’s 3:33 am, a blaring siren comes from your phone with an official notification: Do not look at the moon, do not even glance at it. As well there’s an unbelievable amount of texts and posts on social media saying in some way that it’s a must-see, stunningly beautiful, once in a lifetime view.
“The human mind is truly the most horrifying and gruesome thing of all.”
The crow counting rhyme: One for sorrow / Two for mirth / Three for a wedding / and Four for a birth / Five for silver / Six for gold / and Seven for a secret not to be told. There are also many variations of this rhyme that you could use instead, sets up for an interesting and creepy story though.
The last thing I saw was the glow of my alarm clock, 3:00 am, and then (something scary, death, creature, etc.) ex: its long and sharp rotting nails slowly tore through my neck, its other “hand” muffling my screams. I then woke up in a cold sweat and glanced at the clock, 2:59 am… and that’s when I heard a creaking and smelled of rot.
It is now possible to know some details of your past lives, how many, how long you lived, etc. As well it’s been linked that some of your phobias are how you died…
You’re on edge, a few weeks ago you there would be some weird occurrence. Then it was a note with messy and illegible writing. Now you can hear shrill noises, screams, shouting, indistinct. Now at seemingly the source of a scratching noise etched is a clear warning.
An anonymous admirer letter was slipped under your door at your college. It would seem cute and sweet if it hadn’t been from your closet.
I found a dead body in my trunk today… I could’ve sworn that I had more than that in there just yesterday.
Every night you visit me, sometimes in a dream, sometimes in my nightmares.
I kissed my wife and darling daughter goodnight… and then I awoke in a white padded room with a straight jacket on. They told me it was all just a dream.

Plot Twist Ideas

There are some real turnarounds in this list of plot twist ideas!

The princess saves the prince.
Write a story where one of your characters either from the start or at some point in the book are dead or presumed dead. Then have it be that they never were to shake up the story.
A character that keeps telling outlandish things, but it turns out they’re right.
A main character or “essential” character killed out of nowhere.
Have a very guilty and easy to hate a character in your story, have it be a double-cross or frame job.
A character who is mistaken for someone else but goes along with it.
A character is revealed to not be what they or the audience had thought.
An important character throughout the plot is revealed to never have truly existed.
Some devastating occurrence is caused by those whose entire goal was to fix it or keep it from occurring.
A character believed to be unimportant to quite bland turns out to be essential and far from.
Something the character has been searching for or desperately needed was right in front of their eyes the entire time.
Have it turn out to be that the entire time some blackmail has been the cause for nearly all of a character’s actions.
A character who is absolutely in love/ obsessed/ or infatuated with another learns it’s for the wrong reasons/ that they’re not at all what they seemed/ etc.
It turns out the character or group of characters have been led to helping the enemy.

Other Creative Plot Ideas

Here are the last fifteen plot ideas, hopefully you’ll find some other creative plot ideas as well here!

Make a hero or protagonist that most will hate, vice versa for an antagonist or villain.
Truth or Dare, your character has a secret, or a truth. What are they willing to say or do to keep said truth secret.
“I love you.”, “Lying isn’t a good look for you.”
A bunch of short stories that end on major cliffhangers, but a final one. Once you’re done writing those maybe have them somehow all connect or give the ending to each.
Everyone ages up until a certain age (ex: 18, 21, etc.) and will remain that age until they meet their soulmate. (Could be used as someone avoiding finding theirs to reign forever, or accidentally aging, or finding you aren’t aging even when with someone.)
A high school group can’t agree on the meaning and interpretation of Romeo and Juliet , so of course they split into two groups. But then, one person from one group falls in love with the other. Even though it seems nearly every Shakespeare is going on in the group at the same time.
The retelling of Snow White, if she truly had lips red as a rose, hair black as ebony, and skin white as snow.
A world where everyone is born with a unique tattoo that gives a hint to fate, personality, each person they love their tattoos will begin to form somewhere on them. These tattoos cannot be removed and will not go away, though they can be hidden and covered. They will receive a tattoo or mark for each love they have, it does not matter if they no longer do or what happens.
A customer-service worker (retail, support, etc.) who quits their day job to deal with demons, ghosts, and whatnot.
A story on vampires, but not all are the usual sophisticated, well mannered, well spoken, and so on. Instead, they do their best to not seem outdated, may mercilessly mix multiple slang from way to many different eras, or talking in laughable applications of slang and references, etc.
Vampires, but for once there are those who’ve been turned other than around nineteen or twenty. With some being turned as a child or while elderly.
A world where all the mythical creatures or monsters, etc., exist and try to coexist. Each with their own job, talent, and so on. Trying to live “normally”.
Cinderella went to the ball to murder the prince. Retellings of well-known fairy tales.
A “superhero” and “villain” who are roommates and nemesis. (Could be they don’t know about the other so both are lying, they both know but don’t want to give away themselves, so on)
A twist on the changeling stories. A mother caught a fair attempting to switch the child with a changeling soon after the arrival of her child. So she is unable to tell them apart, raises both. Both twins are exactly identical in voice and appearance.

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Writing Prompts

42+ Short Story Ideas With a Twist

Everyone loves a good plot twist! The moment where everything changes unexpectedly in your story. But as writers, it’s not always easy coming up with remarkable plot twists that will amaze your readers. So to help you out, here are over 40 short story ideas with a twist that will shock your readers. You might also want to read our post on how to come up with good story ideas for further help and inspiration.

We also recommend viewing our weekly short story challenge . It’s free to enter, and can inspire you to write a great story.

Over 40 Short Story Ideas With a Twist

When you’re staring at a blank page or just need something to brighten up your current story or piece of flash fiction , just add in any of these fun and wacky plot twist ideas:

An evil warlock who sets out to destroy the world, but ends up saving it.
A superhero who catches the bad guy, but actually helps the “real” bad guy get away or escape.
An everyday boy walks up from a coma to discover the world has been taken over by aliens – But is this all a dream?
You wake up one day to realise that you can talk to dogs. But it turns out that you have been turned into an actual dog. More doggy prompts on our writing prompts about dogs post.
In a war between humans and aliens, you lose your best friend. However, he/she is really alive and working with the aliens.
Life is good, life is perfect until you realise everything is a hologram and the real world is a dark and broken place.
The hero of your story realises that they were the villain all along. It was their actions that made the villain the evil person they are today.
After years of not believing, you find out that Santa Clause was actually real. More Santa prompts on our Christmas writing prompts advent calendar post.
The hero of your story finds out that their best friend was the real bad guy all along.
You realise that your whole life was a dream and you only just woke up now.
A zombie who wants to become a vegetarian – Now that’s a strange combination!
The hero of your story dies before the final battle scene and a new hero is revealed.
It turns out dragons are real and all along they have been living deep underground. It turns out that they are the real cause of global warming and heat waves everywhere. Read our post on fantasy writing prompts for more magical stuff.
To your surprise, the birthday wish you made actually comes true.
In a futuristic world, humans are fighting against robots to keep their race alive. However, it turns out that everyone is a robot anyway and the true human race died out years ago.
A random natural disaster like an earthquake or a hurricane happens, giving your hero another extra thing to worry about.
Your main character is a werewolf hunter, but it turns out that he himself is a werewolf (see our werewolf name generator for some cool name ideas).
An evil conman (or any other type of villain) turns out to be your hero’s only saviour.
Your main character is the good guy and the bad guy in your story, as they have a rare split personality disorder.
All your life you knew your best friend. But one day you find out that your real best friend passed away years ago and was replaced by a robot.
Things have been getting stolen around town and your main character has to solve the case. However, it turns out that your main character was the thief all along. They probably didn’t know it because they were sleepwalking.
Your character has been keeping a secret, which is only unveiled at the very end of your story – Possibly ending your story with a cliffhanger!
All your life you have been told not to leave your house, as you will turn to stone if you do. But the real truth is that the witch that cursed you, is the one who will turn to stone if you leave. You might want to read our post on fairytale ideas for more inspiration.
Your parents have told you to avoid the deep forest at all costs, as a deadly monster lives there. But you actually find out that the monster is a made-up story told by the townspeople to keep you from leaving town.
After reading a magical book, you gain some magical powers. However, it turns out that you always had these magical abilities inside of you. And the magical book is just an ordinary storybook with no magical abilities whatsoever.
A teen girl in high school is being bullied only to realize that the bullying is really being done by a group of aliens and that she is the only human on the planet.
The main character finds a journal hidden in their home. Inside the journal, they discover that their whole life has been planned from the very beginning, as written exactly in that journal.
The main character wakes up one morning and everything’s backwards.
The main character of one story is secretly in love with the main character of another story.
A boy (or girl) wakes up after being in a coma and discovers that they are actually a famous actor and are being watched over by the secret service agents who put them in a coma.
A family goes on a camping trip and something goes terribly wrong. In the woods, they encounter an old cabin that they find out has been vacant for a long time. They go inside and find out that the cabin is where they grew up and they find out that their parents have been hiding a very dangerous secret from them all along.
A group of teens get lost on a camping trip and find out they are actually in a dimension where they are ghost hunters, and they have to hunt their other selves (who are the ghosts).
The main character wakes up one morning to discover that their reality is a computer game and that they have been playing it for years.
The main character finds out that their family is not their real family. They discover that they were adopted and that their real mother is a famous actress and singer.
The main character wakes up one morning to discover that they have been asleep in a coma for years and that they have been dreaming about their life for years.
A family moves back into their old family home which is now haunted by ghosts. it turns out those ghosts are the younger versions of the family.
A famous actor who is now a ‘has been’ discovers that he was actually kidnapped, and forced to be a star. Otherwise, he was just an ordinary office worker.
A teenager is part of a strange cult that believes in aliens living on Earth. It turns out the teenager is an alien herself and is actually brainwashing humans.
The main character discovers that they are actually being controlled by aliens in outer space for a bigger master plan.
The main character takes a vacation to a remote island. There, they discover a group of people who have been faking their own deaths for years.
A man’s best friend, his dog turns out to be his real best friend who passed away years ago.
An alien creature comes to Earth to escape his prison sentence on his home planet. Soon he discovers that he is actually doing his prison sentence on Earth.
A teenage girl starts to read an encyclopedia in which she discovers that all of her childhood memories are actually written in this book.
A shy teenager is kidnapped by aliens who promise to let her live in exchange for her writing scary stories. It turns out the whole story is actually told by an alien mother to her alien child.
The main character is forced to perform in a play they know they will fail in. During the play, they discover that it is actually their job to stop an alien from taking over Earth.

Take a look at this guide on how to write one-shot stories or this in-depth guide on how to write a story for children for more inspiration.

What do you think of these short story ideas with a twist? Are they twisty enough for you? Let us know in the comments below.

Marty the wizard is the master of Imagine Forest. When he's not reading a ton of books or writing some of his own tales, he loves to be surrounded by the magical creatures that live in Imagine Forest. While living in his tree house he has devoted his time to helping children around the world with their writing skills and creativity.

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Creative writing, story development, story structure, narrative science.

How to Write Plot Twists

Writng a good plot twist requires two things:

Coming up with an unexpected change in direction of your plot that alters the course of your story.
Keeping that information from your readers until just the right moment to reveal it for maximum surprise.

As a technique, it is far easier to build a plot twist on your existing plot than to imagine one as a lone outlier and then try to connect it to the main.

To begin, suppose we have a story about a Marshall in an old west town who must overcome a notorious gang.

Rather than trying to invent a twist out of nowhere, ask a question you haven’t answered yet about your plot.

How does the Marshall first find out about the gang’s activities?

Now, let your Muse run wild and come up with as many potential answers as she can – from the sublime to the ricidulous

1. The gang rides into town hootin’ and hollarin’ (pretty typical)

2. He is told about the situation, right after he accepts the job and pins on the badge. (minor twist)

3. He saw a newspaper account of the town’s gang problem and came there on his own to get the job to clean up the gang. (minor twist)

4. The gang sends a telegram to the marshall’s home to taunt him by letting him know they are in town shaking it down. (uncommnon twist – not major, but unexpected)

Okay – none of these are particularly “oh, wow!” but this is just the first step in the technique. Now, you want to pick one of those scenarios (which has added to your plot) and ask another question to advance the potential of your plot twist into even more surprising growund.

For example, let’s pick the following to develop from our initial answers to the initial question:

Answer 3: He saw a newspaper account of the town’s gang problem and came there on his own to get the job to clean up the gang.

Now ask questons about that answer, as you did before, but this time you’ll be farther along your plot thread, giving it even more of a twist.

1. Where was he when he saw the newspaper?

2. Has he done this kind of thing before?

3. Why does he want to interfere?

4. What makes him think he is qualified to do anything about the problem?

5. Does he notify the town’s mayor or governing body before he shows up?

Then, you repeat the second “creative” step with your Muse and provide answers.

Question 2. Has he done this kind of thing before?

1. Yes, he is independently wealthy and does this all the time as a hobby.

2. Yes, one time. His family was killed when he was a child and in his first adventure, he read a newspaper account of a child who was made an orphan due to a gang’s violence in a town in the East. He brought the gang to justice and found a foster home for the child. It was so fulfilling, his ordinary job has been miserable since, and this new article has made him realize he needs to step forward to give his live meaning.

I could go on and on, but you get the idea.

Now, through this exercise, what twists have we created for our story? Perhaps these:

1. A scene showing the Marshall as a young boy when his family was killed (by who and how and where can all be figured out using the Creative Two-Step).

2. A scene showing the Marshall see the first article and decide to get involved.

3. Several scene, perhaps in a montage or in a scrapbook of how that first adventure went.

4. A scene of him encountering this new newspaper article and how it affects him.

5. A scene of him quitting his job (how much he needs the money, what kind of job, and so on can be created using the two-step)

6. A scene of him arriving at the town.

7. How he gets the job (again, use the two-step to come up with ideas for this)

8. His first encounter with the gang (casual, antagonistic, high or low tension, anybody get hurt?, did the gang know he was the Marshall when they first encounter?)

The benefit of this technique is that by asking a questions, then providing multiple potential answers, then asking another question about the one you chose, your plot grows and twists at the same time, suggesting new scenes, new characters, and new thematic issues along the way.

Bottm line – don’t get mired in a random process of trying to force yourself to invent a startling plot twist. Simply apply this technique and let the plot twists suggest themselves.

Melanie Anne Phillips Creator, StoryWeaver Co-creator, Dramatica

Here are some links to some good stuff for writers:

My main website for writers – https://storymind.com

A library of the hundreds of writing tips I’ve penned – https://storymind.com/blog

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57 Short Story Ideas With An Unexpected Twist

Who doesn’t love unexpected plot twists ?

Just when you think you know what’s coming…

BOOM!

A devastating secret or unknown danger comes to light.

And everything changes.

The way forward is no longer clear.

The stakes have gone up.

Or maybe the twist comes when things look darkest.

Suddenly it seems possible (though not at all certain) that our hero might triumph.

Creating good plot twists is an art form in itself.

So, how do you create your own?

What Makes a Good Twist for a Story?

How do you write a twist short story , funny short story ideas with a twist, scary short story ideas with a twist, hero short story ideas with a twist, short story ideas with a twist ending.

One of the best things about reading a well-crafted plot twist is being able to tell yourself, “Aha! I knew it wouldn’t be that easy….” or “Oh, wow! I knew something was coming, but not that !”

It feels like you and the narrator have had a moment. And with the big reveal, they wink in your direction as if to say, “I know you felt a twist coming. Good instincts. High-five!”

So, how do you create a plot twist with that kind of power?

Stop anywhere in your story and ask at least five “What if” questions;
Make them as outlandish as you want. Ditch the filter and just jot down whatever;
Play with one of your favorite ideas and see how far you can take it;
Ask a friend/ beta reader for plot twist ideas they might have (you never know);
Read stories with surprising plot twists and ask yourself why they surprised you.

Effective twists have the following in common:

Something shocking happens or is revealed;
The twist is unexpected but makes sense;
The rest of the story quietly sets the stage for it.

Stage-setting can include foreshadowing, which leads to that “aha!” moment you want your reader to have. To them, it feels like a reward for noticing something that, when they read it, felt like a minor but vaguely important detail.

On some level, they knew it meant something.

As you read the short story twist examples in the list below, keep in mind these ideas are just the skeleton of the story. They tell you what happens. But only you can make it worth your reader’s time.

57 Short Story Ideas with a Twist

Some (even many) of the plot twist ideas in the list below will probably sound familiar because they use popular tropes. But like even the most well-loved tropes, they can only tell you what happens in the story.

1. A teenager uses magic to help his crush win a competition when he suspects someone of sabotaging her. The suspect knows something he doesn’t.

2. You’ve won an award for your giant pumpkin, but then you learn the surprising secret behind its unusual growth.

3. You wake up able to understand your cat and eventually realize you’ve been turned into one.

4. One Christmas, you pretend Santa is real for your nephew, who believes. It turns out he’s right to believe.

5. You wake up to a completely different life and realize the life you knew was an illusion created by your parents.

6. Your birthday wish comes true and wreaks havoc. And your nightmare becomes your only hope of survival.

7. You have a knack for magic tricks that backfire in spectacular fashion. Today’s birthday surprise is only slightly different.

8. The new student your hero befriends turns out to be their missing cat, which explains the attitude.

9. You find a work-from-home roommate who’s tidy, considerate, responsible, and a fantastic cook. Then the neighbors start disappearing.

10. You invent a beverage that eliminates the need for sleep, with a side effect that seems manageable at first.

11. You create a successful hybrid of two beloved houseplants, only to discover its blooms have a distinct and overpowering scent.

12. The story begins with the protagonist asking someone, “What are you doing in my house?” It ends with the other character asking the same question.

13. The hero finally locates the perfect anniversary gift for their partner—one that reveals they knew about their partner’s murder attempt.

14. A blind teenager has a gift for drawing faces based on witness descriptions. Her latest drawing looks exactly like her mother.

15. You’re raised to believe an alien race is hunting you. Eventually, you learn they’re trying to rescue you—from your “family.”

16. You have no idea why you woke up in a forest until you become the center of a murder investigation.

17. You befriend a killer’s last would-be victim, only to discover they’ve been the killer all along. And you’re the endgame.

18. The city’s new gardener has a secret, which she reveals when her finished garden opens to the public.

19. The next-door neighbors moved in during the night, and they practically live in the backyard pool. Your mc discovers why.

20. Your new coworker is always bringing you fresh coffee. Then, one morning, you wake up married to them.

21. A couple learns their adopted daughter has a twin with dangerous gifts. The twins eventually meet, and truths come out.

22. A wolf shifter marks the home of his “future mate,” not realizing she has no idea she’s a wolf.

23. An intergalactic explorer is rescued by aliens who warn them about Earth: a toxic wasteland with few humans left.

24. Aliens find a spaceship with an abandoned child; little by little, they mine her memories to reveal a devastating truth.

25. The main character (mc) is convinced they’ve attained their success without anyone’s help, but a new friend slowly reveals the humbling truth.

26. A dreaded break-up goes surprisingly well, and you pursue a sudden and irresistible opportunity, not knowing who’s behind it.

27. The hero saves the life of their crush using magic without realizing they were noticed by someone who has a crush on them.

28. The hero’s gift turns people into supersoldiers, giving Earth an advantage and turning people into the creatures they’re fighting.

29. The hero wakes up in the care of a nation’s leader and becomes their closest ally until they learn the truth.

30. The hero takes pride in their skill at hunting demons until they learn the truth about their own parentage.

31. The hero makes an example of a school bully—only to find out the real threat is the friend he was protecting.

32. The hero is a highly-skilled hacker whose skills avert a global crisis and whose reward looks a lot like punishment.

33. The hero’s parents have kept a secret; to save his life, they’ll have to tell someone who wants him dead.

34. The hero is a dragon shifter whose twin has an agenda: be fruitful and multiply, starting with the hero’s girlfriend.

35. Your hero receives a magical book and discovers why they have a knack for it—and what it will cost.

36. You receive an heirloom that is supposed to reveal your sacred gift at midnight. You are your family’s doom.

37. A well-established hero is also a well-established villain, and no one is aware.

38. A family of heroes fosters a teenager, who happens to be a vigilante currently foiling all of their plans.

39. The queen bee at your hero’s school just happens to be their mother, who became a vampire after a difficult childbirth.

40. The hero is determined to win a chance at courting the princess. He knows something the other contestants do not.

41. The heroine is determined to run away when a new servant divulges a secret about her royal parents.

42. Overnight, the richest kingdom on earth becomes a haven for every species but humans. Only the cats know why.

How to Create Plot Twist Ideas for Screenplays

Screenwriting is a delicate dance between storytelling and audience engagement, and one of the most exciting moves a screenwriter can make is creating compelling plot twist ideas. Also, a well-crafted plot twist has the power to captivate, shock, and elevate a screenplay to new heights. In this article, we will delve into the art of creating plot twist ideas, exploring the essential elements that make them effective and discussing how they can transform a story.

Understanding the purpose of plot twists:, plot twist ideas #1: foreshadowing, plot twist ideas #2: character motivations, plot twist ideas #3: timing is everything, plot twist ideas #4: subverting tropes, plot twist ideas #5: emotional resonance, the sixth sense (1999), fight club (1999), the usual suspects (1995), the prestige (2006), memento (2000).

At its core, plot twist ideas is a narrative device that excites the audience’s expectations as well as introduces a surprising turn of events that reshapes the direction of the story. While they may seem like gimmicks at times, plot twists serve crucial purposes in storytelling. They can deepen character development, add layers to the narrative, and also keep the audience engaged by defying their predictions.

Essential Elements of a Successful Plot Twist Ideas:

The key to creating a successful plot twist lies in the subtle art of foreshadowing . Dropping hints and clues throughout the screenplay allows the audience to look back and realize that the twist was intricately woven into the fabric of the story from the beginning. This not only enhances the credibility of the twist but also provides a sense of satisfaction for attentive viewers. Here are the reasons why foreshadowing matters:

Foreshadowing lends credibility in creating plot twist ideas by establishing a connection between the unexpected turn of events and the storyline’s foundation. Also, it transforms the twist from a mere surprise into an integral part of the narrative, earning the trust of the audience.

By planting seeds of anticipation, foreshadowing actively engages the audience in the storytelling process. Viewers become active participants, piecing together the puzzle and speculating on the possible outcomes. This engagement heightens the impact of the eventual twist.

A well-executed plot twist ideas reward attentive viewers who have picked up on the subtle hints laid throughout the screenplay. The satisfaction of connecting the dots adds an extra layer of enjoyment, making the viewing experience more fulfilling.

Memento (2000) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers

Creating plot twist ideas should be driven by the characters’ motivations and actions. Furthermore, by aligning the twist with the established traits and goals of the characters, the narrative maintains its integrity. This connection ensures that the twist doesn’t feel forced or out of place but rather a natural progression within the story.

At the core of every character lies a set of desires, fears, and aspirations, collectively known as motivations. These inner forces propel characters forward, steering the narrative in unexpected directions. When harnessed effectively, these motivations can serve as the driving force behind plot twist ideas, turning a story on its axis and leaving audiences captivated. Here are the reasons why character motivations matter:

Character motivations are the foundation upon which personalities are built. They provide a window into the inner workings of characters, allowing the audience to empathize and connect with their struggles, making them more than just players in the story.

Creating successful plot twists ideas are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, flowing naturally from the characters’ motivations. When the twist aligns with these intrinsic driving forces, it becomes not just a surprise but an organic progression of the story.

Character motivations are closely tied to emotions. When a plot twist idea is driven by these emotional undercurrents, it resonates more deeply with the audience. The shock and awe are not merely surface-level; they tap into the emotional core of the viewers.

The timing of a plot twist is critical. Placing it at just the right moment – neither too early nor too late – maximizes its impact. A well-timed twist can leave the audience in suspense, eager to discover what happens next, while an untimely one may risk losing their interest.

In the intricate dance of storytelling, the element that orchestrates the surprise and delight of a plot twist is none other than timing. Like a perfectly choreographed dance, the revelation of unexpected turns in a narrative hinges on the well-calibrated clock of storytelling. Let’s unravel the significance of timing and why it stands as a linchpin in crafting plot twists that linger in the minds of audiences. So why does timing matters?:

Timing allows storytellers to build anticipation and suspense. Also, by strategically placing a plot twist at just the right moment, audiences are kept on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the revelation.

A well-timed plot twist disrupts the natural rhythm of the narrative, as a result, it’s preventing audiences from predicting the story’s trajectory. This unpredictability adds an element of excitement and keeps viewers engaged.

Timing plays a crucial role in ensuring that the emotional impact of a plot twist is maximized. Whether it’s shock, joy, or sadness, hitting the audience with the twist at the perfect moment enhances the overall emotional resonance of the story.

Avoiding clichés and subverting traditional storytelling tropes can breathe fresh life into a plot twist. When the audience expects one outcome but receives another, it creates a memorable and thought-provoking experience. Originality is key in creating a plot twist ideas truly stand out.

Tropes , while familiar and comforting, can sometimes lead to predictability. Moreover, subverting them involves taking a sharp turn away from the expected, injecting a dose of originality that keeps audiences guessing and engaged. It’s akin to flipping the script, offering a delightful twist that defies conventions. Here are the reasons why subverting tropes matters:

Tropes often create a roadmap for the audience, leading them to anticipate certain story beats. By subverting these tropes , storytellers inject an element of surprise, as a result, it’s preventing narratives from becoming predictable.

When audiences encounter a story that subverts tropes , it piques their interest. It challenges preconceived notions, keeping them actively engaged as they navigate uncharted narrative territories.

Subverting tropes has the potential to create moments that linger in the minds of the audience. As a result by defying expectations, storytellers carve out memorable scenes that stand out in the vast landscape of storytelling.

The most powerful in creating plot twist ideas are emotionally resonant. They evoke strong reactions from the audience, whether it be shock, sadness, or joy. Connecting the twist to the characters’ emotional journeys ensures that it lingers in the minds of viewers long after the credits roll.

Imagine a tale that not only unfolds before your eyes but also tugs at the strings of your heart. Emotional resonance in a plot twist is like the melody that lingers, creating an immersive experience for the audience. Let’s find out why emotional resonance matters:

Emotional resonance strengthens the bond between the audience and the characters. When viewers care deeply about the characters, plot twist ideas become more than a narrative device; it becomes a personal journey.

An emotionally charged twist has a more profound impact. Whether it’s joy, sorrow, or a mix of both, the heightened emotions amplify the significance of the twist, making it memorable.

Plot twists that resonate emotionally have a lasting effect on the audience. Viewers remember not only the unexpected turn of events but also the emotional rollercoaster that accompanied it.

Top 20 Best Movie Plot Twists of the 21st Century (So Far)

Examples of Iconic Plot Twists:

M. Night Shyamalan’s masterpiece is renowned for its groundbreaking twist that redefines the entire narrative. By carefully concealing the truth about the protagonist , Shyamalan delivers a twist that not only surprises but also reshapes the audience’s perception of the entire film.

David Fincher’s adaptation of Chuck Palahniuk’s novel is celebrated for its mind-bending twist that challenges the viewer’s understanding of reality. The twist is seamlessly integrated into the storyline, as a result, it turns the film into a thought-provoking exploration of identity and societal norms.

The unexpected revelation about the true identity of Keyser Söze. The brilliance of this plot twist lies in its ability to manipulate the audience’s perception. Also, the unreliable narrator and the intricate storytelling keep viewers on the edge, and the twist is a masterclass in narrative deception.

The revelation of the true nature of Borden’s (Christian Bale) magic trick. Christopher Nolan’s “The Prestige” is a film about illusion and sacrifice. The twist is not just a narrative surprise but a thematic revelation that resonates with the movie’s exploration of the costs of obsession and the pursuit of perfection.

The revelation of the reversed timeline and the protagonist ‘s condition. Christopher Nolan’s “Memento” is unique in its narrative structure. The twist not only adds a layer of complexity but also immerses the audience in the protagonist ‘s fragmented perspective, making it a compelling and innovative storytelling device.

Mastering the art of creating plot twists requires a delicate balance of foreshadowing, character development, timing, originality, and emotional resonance. Also, aspiring screenwriters can learn from the successes of iconic films that have seamlessly incorporated plot twists into their narratives. By carefully crafting unexpected and compelling turns of events, screenwriters have the potential to elevate their storytelling and leave a lasting impact on audiences. Embrace the challenge, experiment with your narratives, and let your creativity flourish as you weave tales that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

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Debut Novel by Emily Ruth Verona ’12 With Nods to Cinema

The New York Times describes Midnight on Beacon Street as “an impressive debut.”

Congratulations to Emily Ruth Verona ’12 for her debut novel, Midnight on Beacon Street (HarperCollins).

The work bridges both Verona’s majors at Purchase—Creative Writing and Cinema Studies.

“With its feverish pacing and startling plot twists, this is an impressive debut.” — The New York Times “4 New Horror Novels That Are as Fresh as They Are Terrifying”

Cover of the debut novel Midnight on Beacon Street by Emily Ruth Verona '12

“In this dazzling debut novel, Emily Ruth Verona moves back and forth in time, ratcheting up suspense and tension on every page. Chock-full of nods to classic horror films of the seventies and eighties, Midnight on Beacon Street is a gripping thriller full of electrifying twists and a heartwarming tale of fear and devotion that explores our terrors and the lengths we’ll go to keep our loved ones safe.” — HarperCollins.com

Verona won the Pinch Literary Award in Fiction in 2014, was a Bram Stoker Award nominee, and a Jane Austen Short Story Award Finalist.

Read more about Verona’s previous publications and accolades .

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More From Forbes

Ai and the author: how ai is transforming book writing.

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Miles Rote is the Chief of Author Strategy at KAA, empowering authors through book writing, editing & publishing navigation. See our books.

Many people want to write a book, but few actually do it because of how difficult the process can be. I’ve interviewed thousands of business professionals and thought leaders about their books, and consistent themes resonate through them all.

It’s not a lack of desire or inspiration that keeps them from doing it. It’s lack of time, unfamiliarity with the industry, and the intimidation of a blank page. But in the age of generative AI and modern publishing, the arduous journey from a blank page to a published book is no longer what it used to be.

How To Use AI To Enhance The Book-Writing Process

Many of the titles we know and love are ghostwritten by other people. That doesn’t mean the book isn’t from the author or isn’t their words. On the contrary, a talented ghostwriter amplifies the author’s voice.

AI can do something similar: Help us extract the ideas we have in our head and piece them together for a book. AI's role is therefore less about writing the book and more about enhancing the ability to start and finish one.

Why You Should Stop Sending Texts From Your iMessage App

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Can it replace high-quality ghostwriters or editors? No, but here are a few strategies to use AI to help with the book-writing process.

• Ideation: AI can help overcome the dreaded blank page syndrome. By inputting a theme or a basic premise, AI can suggest creative ideas, character arcs or even entire story outlines to kickstart the creative process.

• Structuring: Organizing a book can be daunting. AI can help in outlining chapters, suggesting narrative structures and even advising on pacing and plot progression.

• Research: AI can swiftly summarize relevant information, provide historical context or even suggest thematic material, significantly reducing the time spent on research. It can also review your writing and poke holes in your arguments.

• Language And Style: For those struggling with grammar, sentence structure or stylistic elements, AI tools offer real-time suggestions for improvement, enhancing the readability and professionalism of the text.

• Character And Plot Development: Especially in fiction, crafting compelling characters and plots is vital. AI can suggest character traits, plot twists or even dialogue options, enriching the narrative.

AI Tools To Help Write Your Book

The market has become saturated with AI writing aids, each offering unique features. You can do some online research to discover many more, but I'll focus on three of my recommendations below.

Use Perplexity For Research

While Perplexity AI utilizes a combination of its own proprietary and existing AI models to power its services, its real strength is providing the most current information available, making it akin to having an up-to-date news reporter at your disposal. It’s like having a team of virtual assistants Googling and researching on your behalf.

• Pros: Fast and reliable research with citations, real-time information, contextual understanding, versatility.

• Cons: Content creation, rewriting, chain prompting.

Use ChatGPT For Writing

The paid version of ChatGPT continues to be a leading tool for a variety of writing tasks. It’s easy to use and is the most popular tool, in part because of its Custom GPTs feature.

• Pros: Content creation, ideation, rewriting, plot structure, chain prompting, custom GPTs.

• Cons: Can’t analyze large amounts of text, not great at research.

Pro tip: Check out the Creative Writing Coach custom GPT to assist with fiction writing.

Use Claude For Analysis

Claude is unique in that it has a very large context window, allowing you to enter more than 5X the information compared to ChatGPT. This means you can reference significant portions of your manuscript for consistency, coherence and plot holes so you can make improvements on pacing and structure. Claude can also analyze large PDF files (think ebooks) to assist with research.

• Pros: Analyzing large chunks of text, analyzing PDFs, character development, consistency.

• Cons: Content creation, rewriting, less well-known.

Tips for Using AI To Help Write Your Book

Get good at prompting..

The quality of your prompt will define the quality of the output. The better you get at prompting AI with the right questions, the better answers you’ll receive.

Blend AI suggestions with your creativity.

AI tools provide suggestions; it's your job to select, refine and integrate these into your book. Use AI-generated ideas as a springboard for your creativity, not a replacement.

Maintain authenticity.

While using AI, it's essential to retain your voice and ensure the story reflects your vision. AI should augment your narrative, not define it. When overused, generative AI tends to flatten your voice, not enhance it.

Integrate with traditional writing practices.

AI tools are most effective when used in conjunction with human intuition, creativity and editorial judgment. Regular writing routines, feedback from peers or mentors and personal reflections are just as crucial in the writing process as AI assistance.

Embracing AI As A Collaborative Partner In Writing

AI in book writing offers a new way to enhance your creative process, break through barriers and bring about more efficiency. However, the heart of your book—its message, emotion and connection with readers—comes from you, the author.

Over-reliance on AI can lead to homogenized content that doesn’t interest or help readers. Even when used appropriately, it’s still important to work with professional editors to elevate your manuscript from good to great. Looking ahead, AI's role in writing is poised to grow. We can anticipate more sophisticated AI tools that offer even more nuanced suggestions and insights. However, the essence of storytelling will still remain a profoundly human endeavor.

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Plot Twist Ideas: 7 Examples and Tips for Twists
How to Write Incredible Plot Twists
How to Write a Good Plot Twist: 5 Writing Tips (With images)
22+ Short Story Ideas With a Twist
9 Plot Twist Ideas for Writers
Short Story Prompts with Unexpected Twists for Middle School Kids

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COMMENTS

70+ Plot Twist Ideas and Examples To Blow Your Readers Away
70+ Plot Twist Ideas and Examples Guaranteed to Blow Your Mind Away. As R.L. Stine once said, "Every story ever told can be broken down into three parts. The beginning. The middle. And the plot twist.". The legendary plot twist is a staple in almost every genre and medium of storytelling — one that's fun to read but hard to write.
101 Great Plot Twist Ideas to Elevate Your Script
An otherwise straightforward drama leads into science fiction territory. Plot Twist #101. The writer looking for plot twist inspiration had a revelation that led to an even better plot twist not mentioned above. Bend and shape these plot twists to fit and elevate your stories — and share them with your writing peers.
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Shake things up with these 25 plot twist ideas and prompts for writers to help make getting from the beginning to the end more of an adventure for the reader and the writer. ... Author and creative writing teacher Steve Almond shows why the "show don't tell" rule is sometimes not the best way to tell a story. By Steve Almond Apr 9, 2024.
45 Plot Twist Ideas to Amp Up Your Storytelling
The story is revealed to be all a dream, and the protagonist wakes up to find themselves in a completely different reality. 4. The protagonist realizes they have a split personality and have been unknowingly causing havoc as their alter ego. 5. The villain turns out to be a victim of circumstance and not truly evil. 6.
37+ Unexpected Plot Twist Ideas for Creative Writers
The Best 37+ Plot Twist Ideas (to use for your own story!) WARNING: Spoilers ahead for the plot twist examples below! 1. The Unreliable Narrator. The character telling the story has been lying or withholding crucial information. This twist can create a sense of unease and distrust, making readers question everything.
80 Plot Twist Ideas and Examples for Writers
5. Deus ex machina. This is a literary device that comes in the form of a person or an event that comes out of the blue and provides a response to a difficult event. This was usually used in Greek and Roman dramas and is meant to represent as an act of God. Examples: The plot twist of Deus ex Machina in H.G.
25 Plot Twist Ideas That'll Keep Your Readers Guessing
Here are 25 plot twist ideas to get your creative juices flowing. The villain is revealed to be the protagonist's long-lost sibling. ... Plot Twists in Romance Writing. There are many different types of romantic plot twists, but some of the most common include:
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5. The Main Character Fails to Defeat the Antagonist. If it looks certain your protagonist will defeat the antagonist, you can build a twist at the midpoint of your story to create a false defeat. You can even use this twist to create a tragic ending to the story, as most readers will expect a happy ending. 6.
Announcing 40 Plot Twist Prompts for Writers!
He's the author of 40 Plot Twist Prompts for Writers: Writing Ideas for Bending Stories in New Directions, The Complete Guide of Poetic Forms: 100+ Poetic Form Definitions and Examples for Poets, Poem-a-Day: 365 Poetry Writing Prompts for a Year of Poeming, and more. Also, he's the editor of Writer's Market, Poet's Market, and Guide to Literary ...
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5 Tips for Writing a Killer Plot Twist: Types, Examples, and Techniques. Here's something you'll never hear a reader say: "That mystery went exactly as I predicted, and that made me happy.". On the contrary, readers want big surprises as a reward for reading further. These surprises are commonly referred to as plot twists. Here's ...
21 Plot Twist Ideas You'll Never See Coming
1. The Usual Suspects Are Wrong. One of the best plot twists that makes a great story is when you create a mystery, then set up the usual suspects. However, through a turn of events, the reader discovers that an unexpected person is the real culprit, and the usual suspects are all wrong.
180 Plot Twists to Surprise Your Readers
A plot twist is an unexpected development in a story, a sudden and unforeseen turn of events that subverts the expectations of the audience. It's that moment when a narrative veers off in a direction that is both surprising and, in hindsight, makes perfect sense. These twists challenge our perceptions, keep us engaged, and often lead us to reevaluate the entire story up to that point. In an ...
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The main character, Briony, wrongfully accuses her friend Cecilia's lover, Robbie, of sexual assault. Later in the book, the couple reunite and Briony works to exonerate Robbie. The ending reveals that Robbie and Cecilia actually died during World War II—they never reunited—and Briony wrote their happy ending in her diary to atone for her ...
17 Unexpected Plot Twist Ideas + Tips and More!
Before your students start diving into the specific unexpected plot twists ideas, they are going to need to know how to write a plot twist and intertwine it into their existing storyline. Here are three plot twist tips will help students of all ages with writing an engaging and interesting plot twist: Write an important character out of the story.
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Dystopian Plot Ideas. Horror Story Plot Ideas. Plot Twist Ideas. Other Creative Plot Ideas. Here are one-hundred plot ideas for when your mind is feeling frazzled and the noggin empty. Some of the plot ideas here are completely out of this world while others are down to earth. From dystopia to romance, to the cliché and outlandish, this list ...
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The key to a good plot twist is the element of surprise, but also of inevitability. You want the reader to be satisfied and thrilled with the twist, and thinking I should have seen this coming! You don't want the reader to throw your book at the wall and grumble about it being shock value or unearned, or thinking this was obvious from page ...
42+ Short Story Ideas With a Twist
42+ Short Story Ideas With a Twist. May 7, 2020. Everyone loves a good plot twist! The moment where everything changes unexpectedly in your story. But as writers, it's not always easy coming up with remarkable plot twists that will amaze your readers. So to help you out, here are over 40 short story ideas with a twist that will shock your ...
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Short story ideas with a twist. 1. A detective is trying to solve a string of murders, only to discover that the killer is a ghost seeking vengeance for past injustice. 2. A woman who can see the future is forced to make a decision that will change the fate of humanity. 3.
How to Write Plot Twists
Answers: 1. The gang rides into town hootin' and hollarin' (pretty typical) 2. He is told about the situation, right after he accepts the job and pins on the badge. (minor twist) 3. He saw a newspaper account of the town's gang problem and came there on his own to get the job to clean up the gang. (minor twist) 4.
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Funny Short Story Ideas with a Twist. 1. A teenager uses magic to help his crush win a competition when he suspects someone of sabotaging her. The suspect knows something he doesn't. 2. You've won an award for your giant pumpkin, but then you learn the surprising secret behind its unusual growth. 3.
How to Create Plot Twist Ideas for Screenplays
Plot Twist Ideas #1: Foreshadowing. Plot Twist Ideas #2: Character Motivations. Plot Twist Ideas #3: Timing is Everything. Plot Twist Ideas #4: Subverting Tropes. Plot Twist Ideas #5: Emotional Resonance. Examples of Iconic Plot Twists: The Sixth Sense (1999) Fight Club (1999) The Usual Suspects (1995)
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Some of the ideas take a turn of events and have good plot twists, while others delve more into suspense, science fiction, or fantasy stories. Pick one or loads of them and happy story writing! 30 Short Story Ideas with a Twist. Write a story about a famous mythical creature or person—that turns out to be much more than a myth.
Creative Writing Prompts: Plot Twist Ideas
Try including a plot twist; something that happens very unexpectedly in a story. This keeps the reader engaged and on the edge of their seat! See if some of these plot twist ideas inspire your writing. Twinkl. Try adding a plot twist to your story to keep the reader guessing! These ideas might inspire you to come up with your own twists.
Debut Novel by Emily Ruth Verona '12 With Nods to Cinema
Congratulations to Emily Ruth Verona '12 for her debut novel, Midnight on Beacon Street (HarperCollins). The work bridges both Verona's majors at Purchase—Creative Writing and Cinema Studies. "With its feverish pacing and startling plot twists, this is an impressive debut.". — The New York Times. "4 New Horror Novels That Are as ...
AI And The Author: How AI Is Transforming Book Writing
AI can suggest character traits, plot twists or even dialogue options, enriching the narrative. AI Tools To Help Write Your Book The market has become saturated with AI writing aids, each offering ...

70+ Plot Twist Ideas and Examples Guaranteed to Blow Your Mind Away

What is a plot twist?

Which contemporary author are you?

50+ plot twist ideas in pop culture

I Am Your Father

It Was Me All Along

Will The Real Evil Guy Please Stand Up?

Love The Way You Lie

Nice Job Breaking It, Hero!

Oh Crap, That Wasn’t The Actual Final Boss

I Dreamed A Dream That This Dream Was Fake

Must Pretend Harder to Look Alive

Not Too Dead To Ruin Everyone’s Day

Bet You Thought You’d Seen The Last Of Me, Suckers

Damnit, Where’s Kansas?

Invisible Good People

Gasp Factor

This Herring Was More Salmon Than Red

10+ plot twist ideas for you

Now, over to you

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101 Great Plot Twist Ideas to Elevate Your Script

101 Plot Twist Ideas

Good vs. Evil Plot Twists

Timeline Plot Twists

Mind-Bending Plot Twists

Supernatural Plot Twist Ideas

Tech & Sci-Fi Plot Twist Ideas

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37+ Unexpected Plot Twist Ideas for Creative Writers

What are plot twist ideas?

The Best 37+ Plot Twist Ideas (to use for your own story!)

1. The Unreliable Narrator

2. Identity Reveal

3. Hidden Villain

4. Unexpected Ally

5. Betrayal/Double Cross

6. False Protagonist

7. Time Loop

8. It Was All A Dream

9. Flashback Twist

10. Prophecy Misinterpretation

11. The Reverse Double Cross

12. The ‘Nobody’ Twist

13. The Resurrection

14. Role Reversal

15. The Puppet Master

16. Revealed Identity

17. Time Illusion

18. All in the Mind

19. Hidden Motive

20. Unexpected Savior

What is a Plot Twist?

How to Use AI to Find Plot Twist Ideas

Final Thoughts on Plot Twist Ideas

Common Questions About Plot Twists

What is the most common plot twist?

What is a major plot twist?

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