plotmoving

Plotmoving is a term used to describe the act of intentionally manipulating or altering the narrative elements of a story to achieve a desired outcome or to facilitate a specific plot progression. This can involve introducing new characters, events, or information that may not have been foreshadowed or organically developed. The term often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the narrative is being forced or contrived rather than flowing naturally.

Authors might resort to plotmoving when they find themselves in a narrative dead end or when they wish to steer the story in a particular direction for thematic or commercial reasons. This can manifest in various ways, such as sudden revelations that explain away inconsistencies, deus ex machina resolutions that conveniently solve complex problems, or character actions that seem uncharacteristic but serve the plot's needs.

Critics of plotmoving argue that it can undermine the credibility of a story and its characters, leaving readers or viewers feeling manipulated. A well-constructed plot typically relies on internal logic and consistent character development, where events arise as natural consequences of previous actions. Plotmoving, in contrast, prioritizes the destination over the journey, potentially sacrificing the integrity of the narrative for the sake of reaching a predetermined end. While some degree of authorial control is inherent in storytelling, overt plotmoving is often seen as a sign of weak writing.