Often, alchemy in fiction is related to power. A character who masters alchemy might gain great power over others. This power dynamic can create conflicts. For instance, a villain might use alchemical powers to oppress people, and the heroes must then use their own knowledge of alchemy or find a way to counter the villain's alchemical abilities.
One way is through the creation of elixirs. In some novels, an alchemist creates a special elixir that can grant immortality or superhuman abilities. This becomes the center of the plot as different characters fight to obtain it.
Amnesia is often used to create mystery. For example, in a detective story, when a witness has amnesia, it makes the detective's job harder and adds suspense as they try to help the witness regain their memory to solve the case.
Lingerie can be used as a plot device by creating a situation of anticipation. For example, a character is waiting to see their partner's reaction to a new lingerie set, which builds tension. It can also be used for misdirection. Maybe a character assumes another's intentions wrongly based on their lingerie.
Braces can be used to show a character's insecurities. For instance, a girl in a young adult novel might avoid social situations because she's embarrassed about her braces. This drives her character arc as she overcomes this insecurity.
Food can be poisoned to kill or incapacitate a character, which is a simple yet effective plot device. For example, in many classic crime stories, the poisoned cup of tea or a spiked dish is a common trope.
A loaded gun can be used to introduce conflict. If two characters are in a room and one discovers the other has a loaded gun, it immediately creates a power imbalance and a source of conflict. This can be the starting point for a tense and engaging short story plot.
Visine could be used as a poison in a mystery story. A character might put Visine in someone's drink, and the victim would start showing strange symptoms like excessive tearing, blurred vision, and nausea. This would then set off a chain of events where the detective has to figure out what's wrong with the victim and ultimately discover the use of Visine as the cause.
Well, conceit as a literary device in fiction serves to show the author's creativity. It can be used to make complex ideas more accessible. Say, an author might use conceit to compare a character's journey through life to a convoluted maze, which not only gives a clear image but also adds depth to the character's experience. It can also be used to set a certain mood or tone. If the conceit is dark and brooding, like comparing a city to a dying beast, it can create an atmosphere of gloom and decay.
The tone in a fiction can be set in various ways. For example, through the choice of words. If the author uses a lot of dark and gloomy words like 'dreary', 'bleak', 'forlorn', it might create a somber tone. Also, the way characters speak and their attitudes contribute. If the characters are constantly sarcastic, it can give the story an ironic tone.
The briefcase in Pulp Fiction is used as a great narrative device. It's like a thread that weaves through different storylines. For example, Vincent and Jules are tasked with retrieving it, which sets their story in motion. Then other characters get involved because of it. It creates suspense as the audience wonders what's in it and who will end up with it.
It can be used to create mystery. For example, if a character is seen fingering a strange mark on a wall in the school hallway, it can pique the curiosity of other characters and the readers, leading to an investigation within the story.