Good twists are enormously hard to come by, and I think the best

In the words of Damon Lindelof, "Good twists are enormously hard to come by, and I think the best ones are earned ones. The idea that a story can take a left turn on you, it's easy to do, but it has to be done very, very carefully, or else you risk losing the audience's trust." These words reflect the deep truth that in storytelling, as in life, the unexpected and the unpredictable can often serve as powerful tools, but only when they are handled with integrity and foresight. A twist in a narrative, when executed well, can elevate a story from mere entertainment to something that resonates on a deeper, more profound level. However, the art of a well-earned twist requires the storyteller to understand the balance between surprise and trust—for a sudden, unwarranted shift can alienate those who have invested in the journey.

This principle of earned surprises is not new. In the ancient world, the Greeks were masters of drama, especially in the context of tragedy and comedy. Sophocles, the playwright of ancient Greece, was known for his skillful use of dramatic twists—none more famous than in his play Oedipus Rex, where the protagonist’s identity and fate are revealed in a stunning twist. However, the twist in this play was not arbitrary; it was the culmination of years of carefully built tension, a narrative that led the audience to believe they understood the path, only to have it shattered in a deeply impactful and tragic moment. The twist in Oedipus Rex works because it is earned, based on the character’s actions, and the audience is led to this revelation naturally, rather than forced into it.

Similarly, in the Epic of Gilgamesh, the hero’s journey takes many unexpected turns, from friendship to betrayal, from mortality to the pursuit of immortality. Yet these twists are not arbitrary; they are the result of Gilgamesh’s choices and the consequences of his actions. His growth as a leader and a human being is shaped by the twists in his journey, and the audience is never misled, for each twist deepens their understanding of Gilgamesh’s character and the story’s themes. Just as Lindelof suggests, these twists are carefully crafted, not to mislead or deceive, but to bring the story to a richer, more complex conclusion, earning the audience’s trust by remaining consistent with the core values of the narrative.

Consider also the great storytellers of modern history, such as Charles Dickens. In his novel Great Expectations, Dickens weaves a twist involving the true identity of Estella and the mysterious benefactor, which surprises the reader but also deepens the emotional and thematic complexity of the story. Dickens earns this twist by carefully laying the groundwork through character development, foreshadowing, and thematic resonance. When the twist is revealed, it feels like a natural extension of the plot, rather than a contrived shock. Dickens' mastery lies in his ability to lead the reader through a winding journey, filled with intrigue and unpredictability, but always grounded in the truths of the story.

Lindelof’s insight reminds us that in both storytelling and in life, unexpected turns—those that challenge our assumptions or beliefs—are powerful. But such shifts must be earned and justified. In life, too, we may encounter moments when the path we expect to take suddenly shifts, when the story of our lives takes a left turn. However, the moments that truly shape us are those that align with the lessons we’ve learned, those that feel like a natural extension of the choices we’ve made or the values we hold dear. If life’s twists are not grounded in our experiences and integrity, we risk losing our own sense of trust—either with ourselves or with others.

The lesson here is clear: in all things—whether storytelling, leadership, or relationships—we must ensure that the unexpected twists we encounter are earned and justified. The key to a meaningful surprise is not in deception, but in the build-up of tension, in the careful laying of groundwork that makes the twist not just surprising, but inevitable. To gain trust, whether in our stories or in our lives, we must allow the unexpected to unfold naturally, ensuring that it adds depth and meaning to the narrative rather than disrupting it for shock value.

In practical terms, this means that we should approach life’s twists with the same care that we would apply to a great story. When we face unexpected changes, we should reflect deeply, ensuring that these changes are aligned with our values and growth. We must strive to earn the trust of those around us by being consistent and authentic, whether in our actions or in the way we present our stories. In both life and storytelling, the greatest twists are not those that shock but those that enrich the journey, leading us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.