episode #235

Plot Holes vs. Mystery and Intrigue

What is a good question to ask of a film or book, and what is a bad question? When we’re watching or reading, what are the kinds of mystery and intrigue that pull us deeper into the story, and what are the kinds of head-scratching questions that pull us out of it? As creators, we definitely want the former. Not everything in a story requires an explanation; in fact, it’s crucial that some things AREN’T explained. But, then again, many things DO need to be explained. How do we tell the difference?