Final answer:
A plot twist in a narrative like 'Fourteen' by Alice Gerstenberg is an unexpected change that alters the direction of the story, surprising the audience and enhancing the story's depth. Successful plot twists fit the story's logic and might be hinted at through foreshadowing and character actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The plot twist refers to a sudden and unexpected change in the direction of the narrative that surprises the reader or viewer. This literary device is used to keep the audience engaged and add depth to the story. A well-crafted plot twist can challenge the reader's expectations and provide a new perspective on the characters or the story's outcome. In the context of short stories, such as 'Fourteen' by Alice Gerstenberg, a plot twist would typically occur towards the end, altering the audience's understanding of earlier events or revealing hidden motivations of the characters.
To create an engaging and unexpected plot twist, writers may employ various narrative strategies. They might introduce a character's secret, a misdirection, an unreliable narrator, or an unforeseen consequence of a character's actions. A plot twist is successful when it is both surprising and plausible, making sense within the framework of the story and adhering to the internal logic of the narrative.
Additionally, in works of fiction, characterization and setting play crucial roles in building up to a plot twist. By giving clues or foreshadowing, the author might hint at the possibility of a plot twist, which keeps the readers on their toes and actively engaged in piecing together the story elements. The goal is to create a pivotal moment that shifts the entire story in a way that is both shocking and satisfying to the audience.