Future+Worlds

What role does plot play in suspending disbelief?
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Added by Audrey Alenson:

While fantasy may provide a break or escape from reality, it also needs to reflect it. The plot of a fantasy novel has to maintain a strict internal consistency and logic in order for the reader to suspend disbelief. For instance, if animals are able to talk with one another, how do they communicate with humans? In Charlotte’s Web, EB White maintains elements of reality that we understand. Animals cannot speak with humans, so Charlotte’s writing in her web becomes necessary. Also, we are more willing to believe that animals can speak with one another in their realm apart from humans in the barnyard. In other words, the fantasy world needs to reflect the real world with structure to regulate chaos and obstacles that must be overcome. Plot in fantasy must be consistent to keep the reader convinced that what is impossible is not implausible and it should also be powerful enough to keep the reader focused on what happens next.

Morgan, Mia. "Modern Fantasy & Science Fiction." PowerPoint for LBS 803 (Fall 2009).