Literary Devices

Continuity

Continuity binds a story together through consistency of the plot, the characteristics of characters, objects, places and events. It maintains the laws of nature and the rational order of the facts, history, and the universe where the story takes place.

Sometimes errors and inconsistencies appear in a story’s continuity. Deliberate breaks in continuity are plot devices.

A Plot Hole is a gap in the storyline when the plot contradicts itself or leaves questions unanswered.

A Plot Dump is a technique used when a lot of information necessary to understand the story is given at once, typically in dialogue between characters.

Sunnydale Syndrome is a common challenge to suspension of disbelief when minor characters fail to notice unusual, even paranormal, things happening right in front of them.

Stormtrooper Effect is a reference to the apparent inability of minor characters (see also Redshirts) to seriously injure major ones, even when they have all the advantages.

Chuck Cunningham Syndrome refers to a plot twist (usually in episodic media) in which a major character is removed without a satisfactory explanation, or any explanation at all.