: Re: Reasons to use "red herrings"? I don't see any analytical literature about the usefulness of red herrings as a TV trope. What are some reasons to use them? I'm assuming there's more to it

@Connie138

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For me, there is a right way and a wrong way to include red herrings or twists in a story.

The wrong way

Suddenly subvert the reader's expectations with a plot twist AKA "the rug-pull".

Interesting, I would consider that the example given above (the film "The Usual Suspects") is an example of a bad twist. Very few (if any) details in the 'reveal' sequence at the end are actually noticeable by viewers during the course of the movie.

The right way

Developing the plot such that multiple endings are plausible before the red herrings are removed and the reader is left with the 'real' ending.

Right now, I can't think of a better example than the first "Mission Impossible" movie with Tom Cruise. As the film progresses and the protagonist reveals more information, he re-visits his memories to theorise and subsequently eliminate different possibilities.

EDIT: To more directly address the question: building up multiple plausible endings before picking one is incredibly satisfying to read and write. Savvy readers may attempt to guess the correct ending and feel rewarded and satisfied by the story's conclusion. Other readers will just enjoy the ride, but will still greatly appreciate how the set of possible endings will narrow as the story approaches the end.

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