plotapparaat

A plotapparaat is a term often used in discussions of storytelling, particularly within fiction, to describe a contrived or improbable device, event, or character that is introduced solely to advance the plot or resolve a difficult situation. The term itself is a portmanteau of "plot" and "apparaat" (Dutch for device or apparatus), suggesting a mechanical or artificial solution to narrative problems.

Plotapparaten are typically seen as weaknesses in writing because they strain credibility and can feel like a shortcut taken by the author. Instead of organically developing the story and its characters to reach a resolution, a plotappara is an external force that intervenes to push the narrative forward. Examples include a character suddenly remembering a crucial piece of information at the last minute, a previously unknown relative appearing with a solution, or a convenient natural disaster that eliminates an obstacle.

While often criticized, the effectiveness of a plotappara can depend on the genre and the audience's expectations. In some comedic or highly stylized narratives, the blatant artificiality of a plotappara might be embraced for its humorous effect or as a deliberate stylistic choice. However, in more serious or realistic fiction, plotapparaten are generally considered to detract from the story's immersion and believability. Skilled writers aim to ensure that plot developments arise naturally from the established characters, conflicts, and world-building of their narrative, avoiding the need for such artificial interventions.