plot twist

Definition

A sudden, unexpected development or reversal in a narrative that fundamentally changes the audience's understanding of the story, characters, or motivations up to that point.

Example Usage

The movie's plot twist revealed that the detective was the killer all along.

Origin

Standard literary and film terminology, formalized in the 20th century as narratives became more sophisticated; 'twist' implies a turning or rotation of expectations.

Fun Fact

Effective plot twists require careful setup through subtle clues; poorly executed ones feel arbitrary or 'pulled out of nowhere' and can alienate audiences.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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