ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Plot device

A plot device is a tool that writers use to make a story more interesting and exciting. It's like a special ingredient that goes into a favorite meal to make it tastier. Just like how a chef might use spices and herbs to bring out the flavors of a dish, a writer might use plot devices to bring out the best in a story.

One example of a plot device is foreshadowing. This means dropping hints or clues in a story about what will happen later on. Think of it like a treasure hunt where the writer leaves little breadcrumbs for the reader to follow. This can make the reader feel excited and curious about what will happen next.

Another plot device is a cliffhanger. This is when a story ends with a big event or a surprise and leaves the reader wondering what will happen next. It's like stopping a movie right before the most exciting part, and it makes the reader eager to keep reading to find out what happens.

Some other examples of plot devices are flashbacks, where a character remembers something from their past that is important to the story, and irony, where something happens that is opposite to what is expected. These plot devices can help to make the story more interesting and engaging for the reader.

Overall, plot devices are like tools that writers can use to make a story more exciting and enjoyable. Just like how different spices and flavors can make a meal taste better, different plot devices can make a story more interesting and fun to read.