A plot twist is a change ("twist") in the direction or expected outcome of the plot of a film, television series, video game, novel, comic or other fictional work. 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.

When a plot twist happens near the end of a story, especially if it changes one's view of the preceding events, it is known as a twist ending.

Revealing the existence of a plot twist often spoils a movie, since the majority of the movie generally builds up to the plot twist.

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. It is a red herring.

Examples of Plot Twists

One of the most notable plot twists occurs in the Star Wars series. In the films, Luke Skywalker discovers that he possesses Jedi powers. He chooses to join a rebel group so he can save the corrupt galaxy from the evil empire. He believes he must eventually fight and kill the story's antagonist, Darth Vader. However, in the second film, Luke dramatically learns that Darth Vader is his father, and later, that Princess Leia is his sister. Following these revelations, Luke becomes conflicted with fighting Darth Vader and must decide whether to join his father's side or free the galaxy.

Another plot twist can be found in the Season three finale of the television series Lost. Before that finale, the TV series would tell its plot line in a form of present events that take place on the island, where all the characters were stranded, and in the form of flashback sequences which reveal information about certain characters' pasts before they were on the island. It was revealed at the end of the Season three finale that the flashback sequences of that episode were in fact not flashback sequences, but rather a flash forward into the future. Because audiences had gotten so used to Lost's form of storytelling, this plot twist was unexpected and unidentifiable until the very last scene when it was revealed that certain characters had finally gotten off the island.