An idiot plot is a narrative driven by characters' consistent failure to recognize easily available information that would resolve the conflict. The term's origins are traced to Damon Knight, with Roger Ebert later popularizing its use in film criticism.

Examples from film and television illustrate how such plots rely on characters' obliviousness to maintain conflict, even when solutions are readily apparent. The article explores variations, including societal-level idiocy and the deliberate avoidance of easy solutions to keep protagonists in jeopardy. Different critics offer varying perspectives and examples of this narrative trope.

____

Here are the key characteristics that distinguish an "idiot plot" from other plot devices:

● The conflict arises solely from the characters' lack of intelligence or awareness. In an idiot plot, the characters fail to recognize or are not given crucial information that would easily resolve the central conflict. This lack of awareness is often implausible and contrived, making the characters appear foolish or "idiotic" for not grasping obvious solutions.

● The plot relies on the characters' persistent avoidance or ignorance of the obvious. Even when the solution is apparent to the audience, the characters remain oblivious, perpetuating the conflict unnecessarily. Their actions are driven by a lack of common sense or a deliberate refusal to acknowledge readily available information.

● The story could be quickly resolved, or even avoided entirely, if the characters acted rationally. The entire premise of an idiot plot hinges on the characters' inability to behave sensibly. If they were to act with even a modicum of intelligence, the conflict would dissipate, and the story would reach a swift conclusion.

The Wikipedia article also mentions a few related concepts:

● "Second-order idiot plot": This term, coined by science fiction author Damon Knight, describes a narrative where the entire society, not just the main characters, must be composed of "idiots" for the story to function.

● Mistaken identity plots: Film critic Roger Ebert argued that many stories relying on mistaken identity fall into the category of idiot plots. These plots often hinge on characters failing to recognize each other or clear up misunderstandings that could be easily resolved with basic communication.

● Protagonist-centric idiot plots: Some definitions focus solely on the protagonist's lack of intelligence as the driving force of the plot. In these cases, the supporting characters may be more aware but are somehow prevented from sharing crucial information with the protagonist.

___

What do you think?

PS, make sure to follow my:

Main channel: https://www.youtube.com/@swetlanaAI

Music channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Swetlana-AI-Music

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.