If your story is stuck or crawling at a snail’s pace, shake things up with an unexpected plot twister. A plot twist is an unexpected event that happens in a story to changes its fundamental direction.

Writing is a tricky craft. Sometimes getting a story started is the hardest part. Other times, it’s figuring out the grand finale. Then, when you have that all figured out, there are all the twists and turns between the beginning and the end. That’s where this post aims to help.

Writing plot twists is where a majority of the writing and the reading is done.  In fact, most stories worth reading take more than a few side paths and alleyways on their way to the end.

Real life is like the plot of a good novel. Awesome protagonists intrigue, mystery, and… unexpected twists. A story that makes the audience gasp, and brings a smile to their faces.

25 Plot Twist Ideas and Prompts for Writers

  1. Introduce an old acquaintance – Have an old acquaintance emerge from a character’s past.
  2. Focus on an unknown fear – Character reveals a previously unknown fear or phobia.
  3. Find an unexpected action – Character does something completely unexpected.
  4. Bring on a storm – The weather plays a role in the plot of the story.
  5. Interesting artifacts – Character finds an object from their past.
  6. Everyone loves animals – An animal makes an appearance in the story.
  7. Items lost – An item (or a person) goes missing.
  8. Interesting personalities – Character starts acting out of character.
  9. Feelings of the heart – Someone admits their true feelings about something or someone.
  10. Fabricate a tale – Character tells a story within the story.
  11. New characters – Insert a new person and see what happens.
  12. Break something – Whether it’s an antique or technology, break something.
  13. Accidently stumbling upon message – Character stumbles across an unintended message.
  14. Unexpected death – Whether nefarious or natural causes, someone must die.
  15. Unexpected match – Bring two characters together, whether they like it or not.
  16. Super powers – Reveal a new power for one of your characters.
  17. Magic act – Have something unexpected and uncontrollable happen.
  18. Monsters are real –  Release the kraken, the hounds, or toddlers.
  19. Sickness or injury – Have a character get sick.
  20. Add a hurdle – Throw a new hurdle in front of your protagonist.
  21. Flight – fight modes – It’s time to fight, whether with words, fists, or food.
  22. Disappear with no trace – Have a character leave without a trace.