What are some common plot devices in science fiction stories about a person being held captive?

The theme of a person being held captive immediately creates tension. It makes the audience wonder if the character will escape and how. For example, in the movie 'Alien', when Ripley is trapped with the alien, it amps up the suspense. It also allows for exploration of human nature. Will the captive break under pressure? Or will they find inner strength? This adds depth to the story.

One common plot device is the 'three wishes' concept. The character gets three wishes from the genie, and this sets up the main conflict and progression of the story. For example, they might wish for wealth, but it comes with unforeseen consequences.

One common plot device is DNA - based identity theft. In some sci - fi stories, a villain steals someone's DNA to access restricted areas or impersonate them. Another is DNA - linked diseases that are used to drive the plot, where a character has a unique genetic condition that holds the key to a larger mystery or conflict. And genetic memory stored in DNA is also a plot device, where a character can access the memories of their ancestors through their DNA.

Surveillance and lack of privacy are common themes. In this genre, the controlling power usually monitors every move of the captives. This can lead to stories about characters trying to outwit the surveillance systems. Also, the distortion of truth is a theme. The captors may manipulate information to keep the captives in line. For instance, they might spread false news about the outside world being even more dangerous. And finally, the theme of survival. Characters have to figure out how to stay alive in a world where they are at the mercy of a powerful and often cruel captor.

One common literary device in science fiction is world - building. Authors create entire new worlds with unique rules, cultures, and technologies. Another is the use of futuristic or alien concepts to make readers think about different possibilities. And time travel is also a popular device, which allows for exploration of different eras and how changes in the past can affect the future.

One plot idea could be that Percy is held captive by an ancient, forgotten sea deity who wants to use Percy's powers for its own dark purposes. Maybe this deity has the ability to manipulate water in ways that even Percy hasn't seen, and he has to find a way to outwit it using his wits and the limited power he can access while captive. Another idea is that he's held captive by a group of rogue demigods who believe Percy is a threat to their new world order. They try to brainwash him into joining their side.

In realistic fiction, the 'journey' can be a plot device. This could be a physical journey, like a character traveling to a new town to start a new life and facing various obstacles along the way. The 'obstacle' itself is another device. It can be something external like a difficult boss at work or internal like self - doubt. Also, 'flashbacks' are often used. A character might recall a past event that gives context to their current situation, like remembering a childhood trauma that affects their relationships as an adult.

One common literary device in science fiction is the use of world - building. Writers create entire new worlds, like the cyberpunk cityscapes in William Gibson's Neuromancer. Another is the concept of the unreliable narrator, which can add mystery and keep readers guessing. Also, foreshadowing is often used. For example, in Isaac Asimov's stories, there are often small hints early on that later lead to big revelations about the future technology or the fate of characters.

Well, often they have advanced propulsion systems like warp drives or hyperdrives. This allows them to travel at incredible speeds, faster than light in many cases.

There are also stories where people are held captive by powerful spirits in some folklore. For example, in some Asian folklore, a person might be held captive by a mountain spirit if they accidentally trespass into its territory. These stories often carry moral lessons about respecting boundaries and the unknown.