werewolf

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marine

on Dec. 4, 2007

A plot twist is a change ("twist") in the direction or expected outcome of the plot of a film, television series, video game, novel or comic. It is a common practice in narration used to keep the interest of an audience, usually surprising them with a revelation. Some "twists" are foreshadowed and can thus be predicted by many viewers, whereas others are a complete shock - most are somewhere in the middle with some people foreseeing them and others not.

When a plot twist happens towards or at the end of a story, especially if it changes one's view of the previous action, it's known as a twist ending.

Revealing the existence of a plot twist may be enough to spoil a movie for some, as the time spent watching would be used to "search" for the twist itself.

A device used to undermine the expectations of the audience is the false protagonist. It involves presenting a character at the start of the film as the main character, but then disposing of this character, usually killing them.