Why Plot Flaws Happen – It’s About Problem Solving Part 2
Part 1
looked at the reason why plot holes occur, but how do you go about fixing
them?How do you close those holes, or
glue together the edges of narrative where inconsistencies appear? How do you
repair all those inconsistencies, without creating even bigger ones? Solving the Problem The key
here is to identify what the plot hole is in relation to the story and recognise
the cause of the problem. If you can understand the cause, then most plot
problems are relatively easy to fix. With the cause known, you can then work
towards a solution without creating further problems; otherwise you’ll
create a ripple effect. And you also have to ensure that it’s a satisfactory and
plausible solution. Most minor plot
holes are easy to fix. Usually they need a few lines of explanatory narrative,
an addition of a short scene or two or maybe you have a character say something
to another character by way of explanation, something that doesn’t sound like
contrived exposition. Complex plot
flaws, on the oth…