The allure of imaginary worlds and thrilling adventures is what draws readers to the realms of fantasy and science fiction. But even the most imaginative concepts can fall flat if plagued by plot holes. These inconsistencies or gaps in logic can yank readers out of the story and leave them feeling frustrated.
For fantasy and sci-fi writers, structure is paramount. It's the framework that supports your worldbuilding, character development and ultimately, the believability of your narrative.
The only difference between reality and fiction is that fiction needs to be credible. ― Mark Twain
Here are five common plot holes related to structure that can trip up even the most seasoned writers, along with solutions to help you craft a cohesive and compelling story.
Weak character motivation:
I see a lot of writers talking about this in some of the writing communities I’m in. They struggle with giving their character clear goals and motivations.
Our heroes and villains need compelling reasons to act. Don't just tell us they're the "chosen one" or have a generic desire for power. That’s surface-level stuff. Go deeper! Explore their desires, fears and past experiences.
Plot hole: The main character sets off on a perilous quest simply because a prophecy says they should.
Solution: Unearth the reason behind the prophecy. What does it mean for your character? What sacrifices will they have to make?
Example: In Lord of the Rings, Frodo Baggins, a simple hobbit, volunteers to destroy the One Ring. His motivation isn't just about fulfilling a prophecy, but about protecting the Shire, his home, and the people he loves. (I really wanna live the Shire… )
Predictable plot points:
Fantasy and sci-fi thrive on wonder and surprise. Tropes exist for a reason because they tap into universal themes and experiences that resonate with readers. But you shouldn’t rely on them. As a book druid (book coach), I think tropes can be powerful tools, but only when used creatively. The key lies in understanding the trope, so you can subvert reader expectations and keep them guessing.
Plot hole: The hero always escapes from danger at the last minute, just as the villain is about to win.
Solution: Raise the stakes. Let your characters face consequences for their actions. Create situations where escape seems impossible, forcing them to adapt and find innovative solutions.
Example: In Games of Thrones, major characters are not immune to death. This unpredictability keeps readers on the edge of their seats, unsure who will survive the next battle. (Note: I have dipped in and out of these books for as long as I can remember… the commitment ain’t there.)
Plot convenience:
A convenient plot device might seem like an easy fix, but it can cheapen your story. Avoid deus ex machina, where a sudden, unexpected event saves the day in an unbelievable way.
Plot hole: The hero discovers a magical sword at the very moment they need it to defeat the villain.
Solution: Establish the existence and limitations of this magical sword earlier in the story. Let the hero earn their victory through hard work, strategic planning and utilizing previously established skills and resources.
Example: In Ursula K. Le Guin's The Left Hand of Darkness, the main character, Genly Ai, uses his diplomatic skills and understanding of the alien culture to overcome a challenging situation. The solution isn't a magical device, but a testament to his character development and resourcefulness.
Inconsistent worldbuilding:
This is another topic I see being talked about often in groups. Fantasy and sci-fi worlds have unique rules and systems. Ensure your worldbuilding remains consistent throughout the story. Avoid introducing new concepts or abilities that contradict previously established laws.
Plot hole: The characters travel faster than light in one chapter, but then face limitations on travel speed later in the story with no explanation.
Solution: Develop a clear and well-defined set of rules for your world. Refer back to your notes and worldbuilding documents as you write. If you need to introduce a new element, explain why it exists and how it fits within the established framework.
Example: In Isaac Asimov's Foundation series, the laws of robotics play a crucial role in the story's conflicts. Asimov establishes these laws early on, ensuring consistency and allowing readers to understand the limitations and potential dangers of advanced technology.
MacGuffins with no emotional weight:
MacGuffins are plot devices that drive the story forward. But a simple "find the lost artifact" quest can feel hollow. Imbue your MacGuffin with emotional significance or tie it to your characters' motivations.
Plot hole: The heroes are searching for a magical artifact with no real connection to their personal journeys.
Solution: What does the MacGuffin represent? Is it a symbol of freedom, justice or a lost loved one? Connecting the MacGuffin to the characters' emotional core adds depth and meaning to the quest.
Example: In the Harry Potter series, the Horcruxes are not just magical objects, but fragments of Voldemort's soul. Destroying them is not just a task, but a deeply personal quest for Harry, as it is the only way to ensure Voldemort's ultimate defeat and achieve peace for the wizarding world.
Worldbuilding is an ongoing process. As your story unfolds, you may need to refine your initial concepts. That’s normal. Be flexible. The key is to ensure these refinements are logical and maintain internal consistency.
By avoiding these common pitfalls and focusing on crafting a strong structure, you can create a fantasy or sci-fi world that is not only imaginative but also believable and emotionally engaging for your readers.
Tip: Alpha readers, beta readers, critique partners and book coaches can be invaluable in helping you identify plot holes. As writers, we can be very close to our stories. Ask me how I know. Fresh eyes can spot inconsistencies you might have missed.
Take on the challenge of crafting a cohesive and compelling story. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can avoid these plot holes and transport your readers through the portals of your imagination.
I wanna hear from you! Share your thoughts! What are some of the biggest plot challenges you’re facing as a fantasy/sci-fi writer? Leave a comment below with your experiences and let's brainstorm how to overcome them together.
PS: The Plot Potion Challenge is happening tomorrow! Grab your cauldron and join us.
xo
The Book Druid