Dealing with Plot Holes

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So, a plot hole is like a little bump in the road of a story that doesn’t quite make sense. You know, when something happens that just doesn’t line up with the way things should work in the story’s world, or when a character does something that’s totally out of character for them. These little hiccups can happen for all sorts of reasons, like maybe the writer didn’t notice or maybe they changed their mind about something but forgot to fix everything.

When we come across a plot hole, it can be kind of confusing and make us scratch our heads, wondering what’s going on. Some plot holes are small and don’t really bother us too much, but others can be pretty big and make it hard to enjoy the story. That’s why it’s important for writers to be on the lookout for these inconsistencies and try to smooth them out to keep the story flowing nicely.

5 WAYS TO DEAL WITH PLOT HOLES

Rework the backstory: One way to fix a plot hole is by revising the backstory or character motivations to provide a logical explanation for the events in question. This may involve adding new details, removing inconsistencies, or fleshing out relationships between characters.
Introduce new information: Sometimes, a plot hole can be resolved by introducing new information or a previously undisclosed piece of the puzzle. This can come in the form of a twist, a revelation, or a new character who provides crucial insight. Just be sure this new information is consistent with the rest of the story and doesn’t create additional plot holes.
Remove or replace problematic scenes: If a scene or event is causing the plot hole, consider removing it from the story or replacing it with a different event that achieves the same narrative purpose. This may involve reworking surrounding scenes to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the story’s overall flow.
Strengthen foreshadowing and pacing: Sometimes, a plot hole can be the result of inadequate foreshadowing or uneven pacing. By strengthening these elements, you can provide readers with the necessary context to understand the events of the story better, making the plot hole less noticeable or even resolving it entirely.
Embrace the plot hole: In some cases, a plot hole can be turned into a feature of the story rather than a flaw. This approach works best when the plot hole is relatively minor and can be framed as a deliberate mystery or ambiguity for the reader to ponder. By drawing attention to the plot hole and providing clues for the reader to piece together, you can turn it into an engaging part of the narrative that adds depth and intrigue.

5 PLOT HOLES IN MOVIES

Toy Story (1995): Buzz Lightyear’s behavior – Buzz Lightyear believes he’s a real space ranger and not a toy, but still freezes like all the other toys when humans are around.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005): The maze task – In the maze challenge, the contestants are supposed to navigate through the maze to reach the Triwizard Cup. However, there’s no explanation as to why the contestants didn’t just use a simple spell like Accio to summon the cup to them.
Titanic (1997): Rose’s door – When Jack and Rose are in the freezing water, Jack tries to get onto the floating door but is unable to, eventually dying from hypothermia. However, fans argue that the door was large enough to support both of them.
Independence Day (1996): The computer virus – Jeff Goldblum’s character creates a computer virus that successfully takes down the alien mothership. It’s highly improbable that a human-made virus could work on an entirely alien technology.
Back to the Future (1985): Marty’s parents don’t recognize him – Marty goes back in time and interacts with his parents when they’re teenagers, but when he returns to his own time, they don’t seem to recognize him as the guy who brought them together.

These inconsistencies can confuse readers or viewers, making them question the believability of the story. Some plot holes may be minor and easily overlooked, while others can significantly impact the overall enjoyment and understanding of the story. It is essential for writers to identify and address plot holes to maintain a cohesive and engaging narrative.