5 Types of Plot Holes and How to Avoid Them

Hello, fellow writers and story enthusiasts!

We all know that writing a novel is like embarking on an epic journey, filled with twists, turns, and unexpected challenges.

But there’s one thing that can trip up even the most experienced authors: the dreaded plot hole.

Plot holes can leave your readers scratching their heads, or worse, rolling their eyes.

But fear not!

Today, we’re diving into five common types of plot holes and, more importantly, how to avoid them.

Whether you’re crafting a paranormal romance or a supernatural thriller, these tips will help you keep your plot watertight and your readers fully immersed in your story.

Let’s get started!

 

The ‘But Why Didn’t They Just…’ Plot Hole

Ever had a character make a decision that left your readers thinking, “But why didn’t they just…?” This type of plot hole happens when your character’s choices don’t align with the logic you’ve established in your world. Maybe your protagonist has the power to teleport but decides to walk across a dangerous landscape instead. Or perhaps they have a clear escape route but choose a more complicated, riskier one.

How to Avoid It: Always consider the simplest, most logical solution to a problem in your story. If your character doesn’t choose that option, make sure you’ve provided a compelling reason why. This will keep your readers from questioning their decisions and stay hooked on your story.

 

The ‘Forgotten Subplot’ Plot Hole

Subplots are a fantastic way to add depth and richness to your story, but they can also be tricky. If you introduce a subplot and then forget about it, your readers will notice. Maybe you hinted at a mysterious backstory for a side character but never resolved it. Or perhaps there’s a budding romance that just fizzles out without explanation.

How to Avoid It: Keep track of all your subplots and ensure they’re either fully resolved or intentionally left open with a reason. A subplot tracker or even just a quick re-read of your draft can help you spot any loose threads.

 

The ‘Inconsistent Rules’ Plot Hole

This one’s especially common in fantasy, paranormal, and supernatural fiction. You’ve created a world with its own unique rules—maybe your werewolves can only transform under a full moon, or your ghosts can only haunt one specific place. But then, mid-story, you break those rules without explanation. Readers who’ve been paying attention will definitely notice!

How to Avoid It: Establish the rules of your world early on, and stick to them. If you do need to bend the rules for the sake of the plot, make sure you provide a solid in-story explanation that fits within the logic of your world.

 

The ‘Too Convenient’ Plot Hole

Ever read a story where everything just falls into place a little too perfectly? Your hero finds the exact clue they need right when they need it, or a character suddenly has knowledge they shouldn’t have. This type of plot hole can make your story feel contrived and pull readers out of the narrative.

How to Avoid It: Avoid coincidences that are too convenient. Instead, lay the groundwork for these moments earlier in your story. Foreshadowing is your best friend here—if your hero finds a crucial clue, make sure you’ve hinted at its existence earlier on.

 

The ‘Character Amnesia’ Plot Hole

Characters who conveniently forget important information or skills are a quick way to lose your readers’ trust. Maybe your protagonist suddenly forgets they can perform a spell that would solve the current crisis, or a character is oblivious to a danger they’ve encountered before. This can make your story feel inconsistent and frustrate your readers.

How to Avoid It: Stay true to your characters’ knowledge and abilities. If they must fail to remember something for plot reasons, show that they’re distracted, stressed, or otherwise preoccupied. Make it believable, so your readers stay invested.

 

Ready to Patch Those Plot Holes?

There you have it—five common types of plot holes and how to avoid them.

Plot holes can happen to the best of us, but with a little careful planning, you can ensure your story stays solid from start to finish.

Your readers will thank you, and they’ll be all the more eager to dive into the world you’ve created.

 

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Happy writing,