Magical stones in fiction usually act as MacGuffins. For example, in 'Harry Potter', the Philosopher's Stone drives the plot as everyone is after it. It creates conflict and danger. In 'The Lord of the Rings', the One Ring is the central object that shapes the whole story. Characters are either trying to destroy it or use it for their own gain, which leads to a series of adventures and battles.
In science fiction, superpowers are a major factor in plot development. They can be the cause of a character's isolation if their power is feared or misunderstood. This can then lead to a journey of self - discovery and acceptance. On the other hand, superpowers can also bring characters together. A group of super - powered individuals might form a team to fight a common enemy. Their combined powers and how they interact with each other then becomes an important part of the plot. For example, in the Avengers, each member has their own unique superpower, and how they work together to protect the world is a central aspect of the story.
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.
They can drive the plot forward. If a character takes an oath to find a powerful magical artifact, then the whole story can revolve around that quest. It gives a clear goal and motivation.
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.
Well, there are quite a few. For instance, the Moonstone in 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins. It's a large yellow diamond with a mysterious history and is said to bring bad luck. The Ka - stone in 'The Gods of Mars' by Edgar Rice Burroughs is another. It's a magical gem that has a connection to the Martian religion and gives special powers to its possessor.
Companies in science fiction influence the plot in multiple ways. In 'Resident Evil', Umbrella Corporation's experiments with the T - virus are the root cause of the zombie outbreak. Their attempts to cover up and control the situation just make things worse. This leads to the heroes having to fight against hordes of zombies and the corrupt elements within the company. Another example is Stark Industries in the 'Marvel Cinematic Universe'. While it starts as a weapons manufacturer, Tony Stark's change of heart and the company's shift towards clean energy and superhero technology play a major role in many storylines. The company's resources and inventions often provide the means for the heroes to fight villains and save the world.
Evil books in fiction can function as a source of corruption. Take the 'Book of Eibon' in some horror literature. It spreads its evil influence over those who read it, causing them to commit immoral acts or become possessed by dark forces. This then sets off a chain of events in the plot where either the protagonist has to stop those influenced by the book or has to find a way to seal the book's power away. And in some cases, the book might be used to raise dark armies or summon demons, which directly impacts the direction of the plot as the characters have to deal with these new threats.