They can also change the direction of the story. Consider Cersei Lannister in 'A Song of Ice and Fire'. Her manipulations in the political arena of Westeros constantly shifted the power dynamics. She used her position as a woman in a male - dominated world to her advantage, often through underhanded means, and this had a huge impact on the overall plot, causing wars, alliances, and betrayals.
Manipulative women can create conflict. In 'The Great Gatsby', Daisy Buchanan was somewhat manipulative. Her indecisiveness and her way of leading Gatsby on while being married to Tom created a lot of tension. Her actions led to Gatsby's downfall and ultimately the tragic end of the story.
One of the most famous manipulative women in fiction is Scarlett O'Hara from 'Gone with the Wind'. She used her charm and wits to get what she wanted, like manipulating Rhett Butler into marrying her. She was manipulative in the sense of trying to secure her own future and the future of Tara, her family's plantation, during a very difficult time.
They can act as catalysts for conflict. For instance, if a woman in a story is constantly lying, it will create mistrust among the other characters and lead to arguments and further plot twists. The other characters will then have to deal with the consequences of her actions, which drives the story forward.
The convention of historical accuracy in setting can limit or guide the plot. If the story is set in a time of war, like World War II, the plot has to work within the constraints of that era, such as rationing, bombings, and military operations.
The stakes drive the plot forward. High stakes create tension. For instance, if a character's life is in danger in a literary work, it forces the character to take action, which in turn moves the story along.
In many stories, narcissistic characters create conflict. Mr. Collins in 'Pride and Prejudice' causes embarrassment and annoyance for the Bennet family. His narcissistic pursuit of Elizabeth disrupts the family's harmony and also affects Elizabeth's own journey in finding true love. His self - centeredness adds a comical yet also somewhat frustrating element to the plot.
The rules of fantasy fiction can greatly affect the plot. For instance, if the rule is that magic has limitations, the plot will revolve around characters finding ways to work within those limitations. If there's a rule about a certain race being more powerful in certain situations, it will influence the strategies in battles or quests in the plot.
They can make readers feel sad. For instance, when reading about the difficult lives in 'The Grapes of Wrath', readers may feel sympathy and a sense of heaviness. It makes them more aware of the hardships in life.
They can have different effects. For some, it might be a shock and make them more aware of the darker aspects of human nature or society. For example, after reading 'A Clockwork Orange', readers might think more about the concept of free will and how society tries to control individuals.
Science fiction books often make us think outside the box. They can inspire curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, which in turn activates different areas of the brain. They might also help us cope with fears and uncertainties about the future by presenting fictional scenarios and potential solutions.
They create suspense. For example, if a character goes back in time to prevent a disaster, the audience wonders if they'll succeed. In 'Back to the Future', Marty has to make sure his parents fall in love or he'll cease to exist. Time travel theories also allow for character development. When a character experiences different time periods, they learn and grow. In 'Doctor Who', the Doctor's many time - traveling adventures shape his complex personality.