The discovery that the entire world the characters live in is a simulation. In a short science - fiction story, the characters are going about their normal lives until they start to notice glitches in the world around them. As they dig deeper, they find out that their whole existence is just part of a complex computer - generated simulation, which turns their understanding of reality upside down.
One effective plot twist could be a character's true identity being revealed. For example, the seemingly friendly neighbor turns out to be a long - lost criminal on the run. Another is when the purpose of an object is completely different from what was initially thought. Say a mysterious box that everyone thought contained a treasure actually held a dangerous weapon. And a third one could be a sudden change in the setting. For instance, the idyllic town the story was set in is actually a post - apocalyptic wasteland that has been hidden from the main character until a certain moment.
Plot twists can enhance short stories in multiple ways. Firstly, they create suspense. When a reader anticipates one thing but then a plot twist occurs, it builds tension. For instance, if a story is about a detective hunting a serial killer and the twist is that the detective's partner is the killer. This not only adds shock value but also makes the reader re - examine the entire story. Secondly, plot twists can add depth to characters. A character who seems weak but then has a sudden moment of strength in a plot twist becomes more complex and interesting. Finally, they can give a new meaning to the story as a whole, making it more thought - provoking.
Plot twists in short stories are important as they add excitement. They can suddenly change the direction of the story, making it more engaging for the reader. For example, in 'The Gift of the Magi', the plot twist at the end shows the selfless love of the couple in a very unexpected way.
Another aspect of the plot twists is the setting. Christie often uses the setting of the story to create surprises. For instance, a seemingly idyllic small town may hide many dark secrets. The closed - in environment, like a country house in some stories, can both limit and enhance the possibilities of the plot twists, as the number of suspects is relatively small but the relationships among them can be very intricate.
Well, a great plot twist could be that the library itself is not what it seems. Maybe it was built on an ancient burial ground, and the bodies are being 'called' there by some supernatural force. Or perhaps the librarian, who seems like an innocent bystander, is actually the mastermind behind it all, using the library's resources to carry out a series of murders and disposing of the bodies in a way that would make it seem like a mystery.
To write good plot twists in a short novel, you need to build up suspense throughout. Drop subtle hints without giving too much away. Also, make the twist logical yet surprising at the same time.
Think about subverting expectations. For instance, if you've been building up a character as a clumsy fool, make them suddenly reveal extraordinary skills at a crucial moment. It catches the reader off - guard.
One of the best plot twists is in 'The Sixth Sense' where it's revealed that the main character is actually dead. This completely changes the viewer's perspective on all the previous events in the movie.
A plot twist could be that the character finds out that they are on the run not because of something they did, but because they have some special ability or knowledge that others want to keep secret. So, instead of being a victim of false accusations, they are now in a situation where they have to protect this secret while still evading capture.