Unpacking Plot Holes: What They Are and Why They Matter

Plot holes are among the most talked-about elements in storytelling, whether they are found in books, movies, TV shows, or even video games. They can frustrate audiences, confuse viewers, and sometimes ruin the experience of an otherwise well-told story. But what are plot holes, and why do they matter so much in the world of fiction? Why should they matter to you as an author?

What Are Plot Holes?

In simple terms, a plot hole is a gap or inconsistency in a story’s narrative that disrupts the logical flow of events. I despise them because they mark a point where the storyline falls apart or fails to make sense. When a character suddenly acts in a way that contradicts their established traits or when an unexplained element leaves me scratching my head, it’s a red flag in the story.

Plot holes are usually unintended oversight by writers, creators, or editors who didn’t notice the flaw in the story. However, in some cases, what might initially seem like a plot hole can actually be intentional. In such cases, the author may have designed it as a means to provoke thought or create mystery. I’ve seen that done well, but it is an exception to the norm.

Common Types of Plot Holes

There are several types of plot holes. Some are more obvious than others, but they all share one key feature: they break the internal consistency of the narrative. Here are a few common examples:

• Character Inconsistencies
  This is one of the most avoidable ones. As an author, you should know your characters, and it’s jarring when one behaves in a way that is totally out of line with their previous development. For instance, if you have a hero with a calm, rational demeanor who makes an irrational, reckless decision without explanation, it can and will confuse the audience.

• Unexplained Solutions
  Sometimes, a story presents a problem, but the solution to it appears out of nowhere without proper buildup or explanation. This is what I characterize as “out of left field.” Deus ex machina, or the “god outside the machine,” is a classic example. For example, a character might suddenly have access to a tool or ability that was never previously mentioned and solves a critical issue in the plot. Please, don’t do that.

• Unanswered Questions
  When a story introduces a major plot element but never explains it, this can be a plot hole. Develop your story. For example, a mysterious object is found by the protagonist early in the story, but its significance is never addressed, leaving audiences puzzled. If you are writing a series and the next books address it, that’s fine. But realize that it’s still technically a plot hole, and you may hear about it from readers.

• Continuity Errors
  These are the moments where something changes between scenes or episodes that breaks the story’s flow. Teleportation isn’t possible outside a fantasy or science fiction novel. If you are writing a historical romance, and a character suddenly arrives in a different location without explanation, or a major event happens without any indication that it would, that’s a continuity error that any respectable editor should have highlighted.

Why Plot Holes Matter

Readers are usually forgiving, especially with fictional works. But don’t take that for granted. At their core, plot holes break the ever-important suspension of disbelief. When someone is reading a story, they want to be immersed in that world. If a plot hole is glaring enough, it can shatter that immersion, pulling them out of the narrative and leaving them questioning the internal logic of the entire story.

• Disrupting Immersion
  When something doesn’t make sense, readers begin to think critically about the story. Imagine diving into a mystery when, halfway through, the detective suddenly figures out the case without any clues. A head-scratcher, right? It’s jarring and can detract from the emotional impact of the novel.

• Damaging Character Development
  This is my personal pet peeve. Plot holes that involve character inconsistencies can be especially annoying. When a character’s actions or decisions make no sense, they seem less relatable or believable. It’s the easiest of fixes. Consistent character development is key to making the audience care about a story, so don’t mess with that. When a protagonist or antagonist does something out of character without reason, it diminishes that connection with the reader.

• Audience Frustration
  Sometimes, plot holes are just so blatant or frustrating that audiences can’t help but point them out. The best case scenario is a personal email to you. Worst case, it leads to online discussions in a public forum. Yes, publicity is good, but this isn’t the preferred way to get attention. You don’t want prospective readers to think you are careless or inconsistent in your storytelling.

Filling Plot Holes

Not all plot holes are necessarily the downfall of a story after it has been published. Some authors manage to address these inconsistencies in a creative manner. I’ve done it once or twice myself, albeit with minor details. Here’s how plot holes can be handled:

• Retconning (Retroactive Continuity)
  Ugh. I hate when an author changes previously established facts to fix a plot hole. While this can feel like an easy way out, when done well, it can make the story feel more cohesive without feeling forced. It’s rarely well done.

• Explaining Later
  Some plot holes might not be immediately explained but are later addressed in subsequent books. For example, a mysterious character might not make sense at first but is later revealed to have a hidden connection to the protagonist, making their earlier appearance more logical.

• The Ambiguous Ending
  Sometimes, a plot hole is simply left unexplained, leaving the audience to interpret the events for themselves. This can create a sense of mystery, though it can also backfire if the audience feels that their questions were never given satisfactory answers. Honestly, you are rolling the dice with this approach.

• Humor or Parody
  In some cases, plot holes are embraced or even intentionally exaggerated for comedic effect. Think of a parody movie that draws attention to the ridiculousness of certain plot devices—this can be a clever way of playing with tropes and avoiding taking itself too seriously. This obviously doesn’t work with some genres.

Not All Plot Holes Are Bad

It’s important to remember that not every unresolved or seemingly contradictory element is necessarily a plot hole, but they can be construed that way. Authors sometimes make deliberate storytelling choices meant to provoke thought or encourage fan speculation. In other cases, it’s simply a matter of interpretation. The boundaries of what’s considered a plot hole can be fuzzy, and sometimes, they can even be part of a story’s charm. However, if you are a new author, tread lightly with this.

Conclusion

Plot holes are an inevitable part of storytelling, but they don’t always spell doom for a narrative. When handled properly, plot holes can lead to more creative solutions, deeper storytelling, or even fan engagement. However, when left unresolved or ignored, they can diminish the quality of a story and disrupt the audience’s immersion. As creators, understanding and minimizing plot holes helps to craft a more engaging, believable, and memorable story, keeping the audience invested from start to finish.

So, the next time you spot a plot hole, remember it’s not the end of the world—it’s just a sign that even the best stories sometimes trip up along the way.