A mask can be used to create mystery. If a character is always wearing a mask, the readers will be curious about what's beneath it. This can drive the plot forward as the story unfolds to reveal the truth about the masked character.
In a short story, a mask can be a way to connect different storylines. For example, there could be multiple characters wearing masks for different reasons, and as the story progresses, the reasons behind their masks are gradually revealed, and these storylines start to converge. This can add depth and complexity to the plot structure of the short story.
Mask can introduce conflict. Suppose a character's mask is stolen or damaged in a short story. This could lead to a series of events where the character has to deal with the consequences of being unmasked, like facing their enemies or dealing with their own insecurities. Also, if a character uses a mask to deceive others, it can create tension when the truth is on the verge of being exposed.
It can create mystery. For example, if a character starts to have strange feelings towards a new acquaintance who looks like their parent, it can lead the reader to wonder what's going on. This draws the reader in.
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.
It can be used to create mystery. For example, if a character is seen fingering a strange mark on a wall in the school hallway, it can pique the curiosity of other characters and the readers, leading to an investigation within the story.
Soap can be used as a plot device in a Christmas story by creating a mystery. For example, a special soap that has a unique smell might be left at someone's doorstep on Christmas Eve. The characters then try to figure out who left it and why. It could lead to a heartwarming discovery about a secret Santa or a neighbor who is trying to spread Christmas cheer in an unusual way.
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.
An eruption could be used to create a sense of danger and urgency. For example, characters could be trapped on a planet during an eruption and have to find a way to escape while also dealing with other threats like enemy forces. It could also be a source of discovery, perhaps uncovering an ancient Sith or Jedi artifact buried beneath the volcanic surface.
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.
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.
They can be used to leave mysterious messages that drive the plot forward. For instance, the main character finds a pink sticky note with 'Meet me at the old oak tree' and it sets off a series of events to find out who left the note.