The plot in fiction is crucial. It decides the sequence of events, keeps the reader curious and interested, and leads to a satisfying conclusion. Without a good plot, a story might feel aimless and uninteresting.
Amnesia is often used to create mystery. For example, in a detective story, when a witness has amnesia, it makes the detective's job harder and adds suspense as they try to help the witness regain their memory to solve the case.
One way is through the creation of elixirs. In some novels, an alchemist creates a special elixir that can grant immortality or superhuman abilities. This becomes the center of the plot as different characters fight to obtain it.
Lingerie can be used as a plot device by creating a situation of anticipation. For example, a character is waiting to see their partner's reaction to a new lingerie set, which builds tension. It can also be used for misdirection. Maybe a character assumes another's intentions wrongly based on their lingerie.
Psychic abilities in fiction can be used to create mystery. For example, if a character has precognitive visions, it can lead to a search for the meaning behind those visions and how to prevent or cause the foreseen events.
Braces can be used to show a character's insecurities. For instance, a girl in a young adult novel might avoid social situations because she's embarrassed about her braces. This drives her character arc as she overcomes this insecurity.
The gun used in Pulp Fiction was quite important to the plot. It was involved in many of the crucial and tense moments in the movie. For instance, when the characters were in dangerous situations or making power plays, the gun was often present. It was a tool that the characters used to assert their dominance or to protect themselves. Without the presence of this gun, some of the key plot developments and the overall atmosphere of danger and suspense would not have been as effective.
Often, they're used to transport characters to different realms or times. This sudden shift can introduce new challenges and opportunities, like in 'The Chronicles of Narnia' where the portal to Narnia leads the kids to a world full of magic and danger, thus driving the plot forward.
Food can be poisoned to kill or incapacitate a character, which is a simple yet effective plot device. For example, in many classic crime stories, the poisoned cup of tea or a spiked dish is a common trope.
A loaded gun can be used to introduce conflict. If two characters are in a room and one discovers the other has a loaded gun, it immediately creates a power imbalance and a source of conflict. This can be the starting point for a tense and engaging short story plot.
Visine could be used as a poison in a mystery story. A character might put Visine in someone's drink, and the victim would start showing strange symptoms like excessive tearing, blurred vision, and nausea. This would then set off a chain of events where the detective has to figure out what's wrong with the victim and ultimately discover the use of Visine as the cause.