Plot Twist Story Prompts: Comeback Time

Plot twist story prompts aren't meant for the beginning or the end of stories. Rather, they're for forcing big and small turns in the anticipated trajectory of a story. This is to make it more interesting for the readers and writers alike.

Each week, I'll provide a new prompt to help twist your story. Find last week's prompt, Scandal, here.

For today's prompt, it's time for a comeback. Everyone loves a good comeback. That's why so many stories get to their lowest point right before the end. Yes, things seem hopeless, but that's exactly when your character makes their dramatic comeback.

(Why We Must Not Cede Writing to the Machines.)

A protagonist loses their job, their home, their family, and probably more than that. For instance, they may lose their confidence and self-respect before hitting what seems like rock bottom (or even lower than rock bottom). Then, your character works their way back.

However, don't forget that comebacks can work both ways. Many stories thrive off protagonists and antagonists coming back multiple times. The underdog team that had no chance works its way all the way to the championship game and has the lead...when suddenly, something goes wrong and the favored team retakes the lead and are about to win the championship...until, well, you know how this goes.

So have a comeback, and see what happens next.

*****

Have you hit a wall on your work-in-progress? Maybe you know where you want your characters to end up, but don’t know how to get them there. Or, the story feels a little stale but you still believe in it. Adding a plot twist might be just the solution.

Click to continue.