Retconning

Definition

Retconning, short for retroactive continuity, is a storytelling technique where new information is introduced to alter or expand upon previously established facts in a narrative. This can be used to fix plot holes, clarify character motivations, or adjust story arcs, ensuring that the overall narrative remains coherent and engaging. It's often seen in serial storytelling formats like movies, TV shows, and comic books.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Retconning can serve as a tool for fixing plot holes that arise when past events in a story don't align with current developments.
2. This technique allows writers to expand on character backgrounds or motivations that may have been overlooked or underdeveloped earlier in the story.
3. In some cases, retconning can lead to fan backlash if audiences feel that the new information undermines established storylines or character arcs.
4. Retcons can be subtle, like adding a new detail to a character's backstory, or major, like changing the outcome of significant events from previous installments.
5. Effective retconning requires careful consideration to ensure that changes enhance rather than confuse the overall narrative.

Review Questions

• How does retconning help identify and address plot holes in a story?
  • Retconning helps identify and address plot holes by providing new context or information that resolves inconsistencies in the narrative. When writers notice discrepancies between earlier and later events, they can introduce new details that reconcile these differences. This not only improves the flow of the story but also enhances character development and overall cohesion within the narrative.
• Discuss the potential risks associated with retconning in long-running series and how it might affect audience perception.
  • The risks associated with retconning in long-running series include alienating fans who are attached to established narratives and characters. If significant changes are made that contradict previously understood facts, audiences may feel betrayed or confused. This can lead to negative reactions and even diminish their enjoyment of the series. Writers need to balance innovation with respect for the original material to maintain audience trust.
• Evaluate the impact of successful retconning on storytelling within popular franchises and its role in evolving narratives over time.
  • Successful retconning can significantly enhance storytelling within popular franchises by allowing narratives to evolve in ways that keep them fresh and relevant. For example, introducing new elements that shed light on a character's past can deepen audience engagement and investment in their journey. Additionally, effective retcons can lead to richer world-building and thematic exploration, allowing stories to grow alongside their audience while maintaining continuity.

Related terms

continuity: The consistency of a narrative across different stories or episodes, ensuring that characters, events, and world-building elements remain logically connected.

plot hole: A gap or inconsistency in the storyline that creates confusion or disrupts the flow of the narrative, often prompting the need for retconning.

narrative device: A technique used by writers to tell a story effectively, which can include methods like flashbacks, unreliable narrators, or retconning itself.