The best plot twists don't exist to shock readers, they exist because that's where the character's journey was always leading. If your twist only works by having characters act out of character, you don't have a twist, you have a plot hole. Character logic is non-negotiable. People can surprise us, but they can't contradict their established psychology without explanation. If your sweet, gentle protagonist suddenly murders someone in cold blood, readers will revolt — unless you've shown the...
