Plot Devices and Character Agency

 

Plot Devices and Character Agency

The sources don't provide a direct definition of “plot devices,” a term often used to describe techniques that advance a story. However, the discussion of "plot" in Chapter 5 offers relevant insights into how novelists use various methods to structure their narratives and engage readers.

• Causality and Mystery: The sources emphasize that a plot hinges on causality – the relationship between events where one leads to another. A key distinction is made between a simple "story" (events in chronological order) and a "plot" where the reasons behind events take center stage. This focus on "why" instead of just "what" creates a sense of mystery. Devices like withholding information, introducing seemingly unrelated events, or hinting at connections can pique a reader's curiosity and keep them engaged.

• Contrivances and Surprise: The sources explore how novelists utilize "contrivances" – events that might seem unexpected but are carefully crafted to propel the story forward and impact characters. A well-executed contrivance should surprise the reader while still feeling natural within the narrative's flow. For instance, the sources discuss the example of Dr. Shrapnel's horse-whipping in George Meredith's Beauchamp's Career. This incident, though surprising, is rooted in the pre-existing tensions and relationships between characters, making its impact more profound.

• Plot Dominance vs. Character Agency: The sources also caution against plots that become too dominant, forcing characters into contrived actions merely to serve the plot's needs. This can result in characters feeling less believable or losing their individual depth. Thomas Hardy's novels are cited as examples where the emphasis on fate and external forces sometimes overshadows the characters' inner lives, diminishing their vitality. The sources argue that a successful plot should allow characters to "function as they liked" within the framework, maintaining a balance between narrative structure and believable character agency.

While the sources don't explicitly use the term "plot devices," the concepts they discuss – mystery, contrivances, and the balance between plot and character – align closely with what we typically consider plot devices. Analyzing how authors employ these techniques to structure their narratives and create engaging reading experiences is central to understanding the craft of novel writing.