Avoiding The Idiot Plot & More — Season 2 Episode 4

Avoiding The Idiot Plot and More — Season 2 Episode 4

When writing fiction, avoiding the idiot plot is highly advisable. What’s an idiot plot? When the reader or the audience can see clearly what the character(s) should also be able to see but don’t. Why? Among many possibilities, the author wanted to push the story in a certain direction.

For example, the characters can hear a growling, flesh-eating zombie in the next room and one of them says, “What’s that noise?” Then, they open the door to investigate (idiot move) because the story would be way better if he/she got eaten. That’s a good example of NOT avoiding the idiot plot.

When things like that happen, the reader or viewer gets yanked out of the fiction you’ve invited them into. As a result, they stop believing in the story. Now, instead of enjoying the story, movie, play, or TV episode, they’re stuck on how stupid or idiotic that last scene or scenes were.

Frustrated Reader/Watcher

As someone who finds myself screaming at the television or the book I’m reading, or biting my tongue in the movie theatre when watching an idiot plot unfold, I can tell you, it’s annoying. I feel as if the writer got lazy and let me down. By virtue of my reading or watching, I’ve agreed to enter into the fiction with the writer. But, when they cut corners or expect me to suspend my intelligence so they can get from A-Z with no letters in between, it bugs me. I don’t get mad, but I just think they ruined a great opportunity to make something really good and have me as a fan for life.

Here’s an excellent blog about the idiot plot that does a wonderful job explaining in detail the idiot plot: https://www.tckpublishing.com/the-idiot-plot/

I think writers have a responsibility to help the reader get from A-Z seamlessly by keeping them in the story, engaged and fully invested. Yeah, it might take more work to get that plot twist to work; but in the long run, I do believe it’s not only worth the effort but required.

Now, just because a writer makes the effort to make their twisty twist work doesn’t mean it will. But to insist a reader/watcher believe even the most stupid things because you think it’s cool and don’t want to try to make it believable, well, that’s not cool.

Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction

Also, while avoiding the idiot plot, one must remember that truth is stranger than fiction and people are human beings. Although you may have lifted an idea from a real-life happening it won’t save you from idiot plot status. Check out this week’s episode for more on this.

I’ve officially changed to another podcast host—Acast. I’m hoping it will be better than my previous host. It may take a bit for everything to populate through all the other streaming sites. If you have any trouble accessing episodes, please contact me HERE and I’ll do my best to see what’s up.

Don’t forget I have a Listeners’ Resource page HERE where you can find more info on particular topics I’ve talked about.