Plot Twist Story Prompts: Give In

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, Going Too, here.

For today's prompt, have a character give in to something or someone. For instance, the character could give in to temptation, exhaustion, or some other feelings they've been trying to hold in check (could even be happiness). Or the character could give in to someone's persuasion or demands.

(5 Ways to Increase Conflict in a Story.)

This plot twist only works if the character who finally gives in was previously making a strong attempt at another course of action. An example might be that a character used to get drunk and unruly, but they made a change in their life and swore off alcohol forever. However, a moment of weakness (maybe caused by a low or high point in their life) sets the stage for them to give in to one drink (that probably turns into many and a big scene for good measure).

Once the character gives in, the possibilities of the story are unlocked. The character may regret their decision immediately and try go back to normal (which may or may not be possible). However, the character may decide this is the new normal. And the new normal could mean several different things.

As with most plot twists, the decision to give in likely impacts more than just the character who gives in. There may be friends, family members, and even enemies who are impacted for better or worse by the change in actions. A good example of this can be found in A Christmas Carol when Ebenezer Scrooge's decision to finally give in to a charitable spirit saves and enhances the lives of people around him (and, of course, himself).

So have a character give in to something or someone and see where it takes your story.

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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.