Surprises, often called plot twists, turning points, or events, are crucial in storytelling. My favorite term is “reversal,” highlighting the shift from buildup to surprise. Regardless of genre, a well-crafted reversal shares structural similarities. It’s not just about a sharp turn; the story must accelerate from one direction to its opposite.
Reversals: The Essence of Surprise
Definition and Structure:
- Surprises in a story, often termed as plot twists or turning points, are crucial for creating an impactful narrative.
- The term “reversal” highlights the transition from one state to its opposite, essential for a well-crafted surprise.
- Both light comedies and serious dramas utilize similar structures for these surprises.
Example from “L.A. Confidential”:
- Antagonist Dudley Smith manipulates Bud White by showing a picture of White’s girlfriend with Ed Exley, inciting White’s violent temper.
- White attacks Exley, but in a crucial moment, chooses growth over violence, leading to a dramatic shift in the scene’s dynamics.
Variety of Opposites:
- Effective surprises stem from expectations and setups in a scene.
- Opposites can vary: a character seeking an apology might end up giving one or face unexpected demands.
- Surprises must feel organic to the narrative to avoid confusing the audience.
Surprise Comes from Expectation:
- Surprises are built on frustrated expectations, not random events.
- Example: In “True Romance,” a character being tortured chooses to provoke pain, defying conventional expectations.
Three Rules for Surprises:
- Expectation should happen.
- Frustration could happen if the surprise is plausible.
- Expectation is strongest just before the climax.
Application in Realistic and Nonrealistic Stories:
- Realistic stories must adhere to real-world logic and psychology, making unique character traits essential for surprises.
- Nonrealistic stories, like fantasies, can set unique rules, allowing for more creative surprises.
Character and Characterization:
- Surprises often stem from deep character traits or surface-level characteristics.
- Example: Han Solo’s name implies self-reliance, making his decision to help Luke a deeper, impactful surprise.
Special Case: No Change at All:
- Surprises can also come from the absence of expected actions, like a romance where characters don’t have sex on the first date.
- Setting up clear expectations is crucial for these surprises to be effective.
Subtle Setups and Execution:
- Subtle setups throughout a story, as seen in “The Sixth Sense,” create powerful reversals.
- Repeated viewings of favorite movies can reveal the craftsmanship behind effective surprises.
Mercurio, Jim. The Craft of Scene Writing: Beat by Beat to a Better Script. Linden Publishing.