Plot Hole

A plot hole, sometimes called a plothole or plot error, is a form of narrative inconsistency that contradicts the logical flow of events established by a story. Such gaps or contradictions often arise unintentionally, frequently emerging during the editing process or when writers overlook elements introduced earlier in the narrative. Because interpretations vary, audiences may not always agree on whether a specific narrative moment constitutes an actual plot hole, as some perceived inconsistencies may be explained by contextual or thematic factors within the story.

Nature and Causes

Plot holes generally occur when an event, detail or character action is incompatible with the internal rules or logic of the fictional world. They can stem from overlooked continuity issues, excessive narrative simplification, or the introduction of new plot elements that disrupt earlier developments. In longer works, such as film series or serialised fiction, the risk of plot holes increases due to the complexity of maintaining consistent worldbuilding and character motivation. Editorial revisions, reshoots and rewrites can also produce contradictions when earlier material is not adjusted alongside new narrative choices.
While some plot holes stem from genuine oversight, others arise from differing audience expectations. What one viewer perceives as flawed may reflect, to another, a deliberate ambiguity, symbolic device or narrative shortcut.

Types of Plot Holes

Plot holes may take several distinct forms, reflecting different forms of narrative inconsistency. Widely recognised categories include:

• Factual errors: Incorrect descriptions of real-world facts or misrepresentations of established historical or scientific information.
• Impossible events: Occurrences that contradict the physical laws or rules previously established within the story’s own universe.
• Out-of-character behaviour: When a character acts against their established personality, goals or knowledge without adequate explanation.
• Continuity errors: Direct contradictions between events, settings or character details introduced earlier in the narrative.
• Unresolved storylines: Plot threads, characters or questions introduced earlier but left unaddressed by the end of the story.

These categories help analysts, critics and creators understand the nature of structural weaknesses within narratives.

Illustrative Examples

Plot holes are often discussed in connection with widely known films or novels, where inconsistencies are readily spotted by large audiences. Several frequently cited examples include:

• Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (2005): Although it is deemed essential to hide Luke Skywalker from Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi chooses to leave him on Vader’s home planet, retains part of his own name, and openly preserves aspects of his Jedi identity. Critics argue that this undermines the film’s stated objective of concealment.
• The Lord of the Rings: At the climax, Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee are rescued from Mount Doom by giant Eagles. Some viewers argue that these Eagles could have transported a Ringbearer to Mordor from the outset, potentially bypassing the central quest. Commentators, including Craig Elvy, note that the perceived inconsistency is amplified in film adaptations due to compressed narrative time and space compared with Tolkien’s novels.
• Beauty and the Beast (1991): The animated film refers to a rose blooming until the Prince’s twenty-first year and includes the lyric “ten years we’ve been rusting”, implying the curse was placed when he was eleven. Visual depictions, however, show him appearing older at the time of enchantment. The 2017 remake removed the original wording to avoid numerical inconsistencies.