History SoYouWantTo / WriteAConspiracyTheory

* '''Ethnic conspiracy'''. They are an [[EvilForeigner ethnic or cultural minority]] who just don't blend in. Because of this, They plan to destroy or enslave all different from Them. This one goes back to ''The Protocols of the Elders of Zion'' and Jewish conspiracies in general. Due to the obvious UnfortunateImplications, this theory is DeaderThanDisco these days outside of fringe racist groups, unless FantasticRacism or the "Gay Agenda" is involved (and the latter is also becoming increasingly discredited).

* '''Bankers' conspiracy'''. They are the {{Corrupt Corporate Executive}}s and financiers who use interest rates and fractional reserve to turn the middle-class into [[GullibleLemmings unwitting slaves of profit]]. In other words, the working people are poor, the [[VillainWithGoodPublicity parasites are rich and rulin']]. Like the ethnic conspiracy, this one carries some UnfortunateImplications due to the fact that, in many real life versions of this theory, the bankers are often [[GreedyJew identified with Jews]].
* '''[[RedScare Bolshevik conspiracy]]'''. They are [[DirtyCommunists beggars, lowlifes, and generic scum of Earth]] who are jealous of normal people and use social and economic crises to [[TheRevolutionWillNotBeCivilized seize the power for Themselves]]. Expect a [[SecretPolice KGB]] to secretly back Them up. Another rare format since [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp 1991]]. Curiously enough, considering the above, has ''also'' tended to be associated with the Jews; anyone noticing a pattern?

The core of any conspiracy are "[[NebulousEvilOrganisation Them]]". [[TheSchizophreniaConspiracy Imaginary]] or [[AncientConspiracy real]], They are humans (or [[HumansByAnyOtherName whatever passes for humans in your setting]]) united by a particular trait that singles them out ([[CorruptCorporateExecutive super rich]]/[[EvilForeigner ethnic minority]]/[[DirtyCommunists communists]]/etc.). However, instead of [[HaveYouTriedNotBeingAMonster accepting their unusualness]], they turn evil and [[TheMasquerade secretly]] band together and hatch an EvilPlan to twist the current way of things to suit Them better, which always involves [[TheEndOfTheWorldAsWeKnowIt ending the current way of things]] first.

* '''Mysterious Informant'''. The MysteriousInformant is an enigmatic character whose agenda is even murkier than the rest. His function is to contact the heroes (but they rarely know how to contact him) and give them new data as required. Depending on where you want to go with it, he can be a [[AloofAlly member of the counter-conspiracy]] (see below), TheMole, a DefectorFromDecadence from Their ranks, or even a DragonWithAnAgenda.

* '''Organization'''. Sometimes, the hero is additionally backed up by some AncientTradition, LaResistance, or a GovernmentAgencyOfFiction. In this rare case, their help is very limited, consisting mostly of providing free resources (weapons), [[WeHaveBeenResearchingPhlebotinumForYears exposition]], [[GasLeakCoverup cover-up]], [[TheCavalry search and rescue]], and a few RedShirts for the FinalBattle. In any case, they don't play a big role in the story.

** '''Police'''. The police and other law enforcement agencies are a ubiquitous element in conspiracy thrillers. They are usually represented by a few [[InspectorJavert officers in charge]] and a number of RedShirts, who fluctuate between assisting and [[PoliceAreUseless hindering the heroes' investigation]]. They do, however, frequently join them for the FinalBattle.

* ''TheXFiles'': Another major TropeCodifier (see, for instance AgentMulder and AgentScully).

* ''TheXFiles'': Another major TropeCodifier, which most modern conspiracy narratives follow in one way or another.

# Genuine intellectual and educational superiority of the author over the majority of the readers. Needless to say, [[ViewersAreGeniuses this is the hardest to attain]], but that's how the greats like [[FoucaultsPendulum Umberto Eco]] do it.

You don't have to go into detail just yet. Your first priority is to write an outline of Their actions from the beginning to the PresentDay; you can always expand the parts you like later. So, instead of chronicling everything and everyone, pick out the significant events (wars, disasters, inventions) and famous personalities (nobility, politicians, clerics, scientists, artists) from your selected time frame. These will be [[HistoricalInJoke your framework story]] and [[BeethovenWasAnAlienSpy your dramatis personae]], respectively. Compose a coherent narrative that answers following questions: How were They involved with each significant event of Their time? How are said events even interconnected? Who among Their important contemporaries was/is one of Them, Their agent, or Their opponent (hint: the latter don't live long)? How close have Their come to Their goal by now? As you go, spice up your story (and flesh out your characters) with things your readers can relate to: {{greed}}, [[{{Horror}} fear]], {{love}}, etc..

You don't have to go into detail just yet. Your first task is to write an outline of Their actions from the beginning to the PresentDay; you can always expand the parts you like later. So, instead of chronicling everything and everyone, pick out the significant events (wars, disasters, inventions) and famous personalities (nobility, politicians, clerics, scientists, artists) from your selected time frame. These will be [[HistoricalInJoke your framework story]] and [[BeethovenWasAnAlienSpy your dramatis personae]], respectively. Compose a coherent narrative that answers following questions: How were They involved with each significant event of Their time? How are said events even interconnected? Who among Their important contemporaries was/is one of Them, Their agent, or Their opponent (hint: the latter don't live long)? How close have Their come to Their goal by now? As you go, spice up your story (and flesh out your characters) with emotions your readers can relate to, like {{greed}}, [[{{Horror}} fear]], and {{love}}.

Where to begin: '''[[ShownTheirWork Do the research]]'''. We cannot overemphasize this enough. Most conspiracy theories and thrillers get icy receptions because they leave their readers DanBrowned way too often. To avoid that, go ahead and read up on the history of your setting in the time period They have been active. So, for instance, if TheKnightsTemplar are at the core of your conspiracy theory, you have nine centuries of European history to traverse. Also, take a look at the popular UrbanLegends and, if AllMythsAreTrue is involved, actual legends, too. As you read, you will probably notice [[{{Motifs}} patterns]] and [[ConspiracyPlacement clues]] that fit perfectly into your conspiracy concept. Write them down for later! If you are doing a science-themed conspiracy theory, read up on the corresponding scientific research; if it's about political intrigue, study contemporary politics and sociology. Also, don't be afraid to draw inspiration from the already existing conspiracy theories (see, for instance, our UsefulNotes on UsefulNotes/ConspiracyTheories and CluesToTheConspiracy).

After you get acquainted with the subject matter a little, it's time to do the two things that any true ConspiracyTheorist does: to commit what we here call "[[YouFailHistoryForever a historian's mistake]]" and to violate the [=~Hanlon's Razor~=] principle. First, assume that They ''are'' [[TheChessmaster smart enough to predict the outcome]] of [[XanatosRoulette schemes of arbitrary complexity]]. Second, postulate that all events that would have benefitted your hypothetical Them and are usually explained with incompetence of those involved, were actually orchestrated by Them and said "incompetent" people were their agents.

Now that you are in the right frame of mind, return to your studies and compose a narrative (or multiple narratives) detailing the progress of Their Plan in the style of a FauxDocumentary. Don't be afraid to alter your initial concept of Them if you find some juicy stories you want to include by cannot fit into it. On the other hand, feel free to [[RealityRetcon gloss over obscure facts that get in the way of the plot]] or present them [[TheShadesOfFact in a slightly altered light]]. If you lack a crucial piece that connects everything, you can [[LiteraryAgentHypothesis claim you learned the story]] from a SurpriseWitness who [[HeKnowsTooMuch knew too much]] or that you found a [[FictionalDocument secret manuscript]]. Remember, a conspiracy theory is a story, not a scientific work, so you are entitled to an ArtisticLicense (within reasonable constraints).

You don't have to go into extreme detail just yet. Your first task is to write an outline of Their actions from the beginning to the PresentDay; you can always expand the parts you like later. So, instead of chronicling everything and everyone, pick out the significant events (wars, disasters, inventions) and famous personalities (nobility, politicians, clerics, scientists, artists) from your selected time frame. These will be [[HistoricalInJoke your framework story]] and [[BeethovenWasAnAlienSpy your dramatis personae]]. Compose a coherent narrative that answers following questions: How were They involved with each significant event of Their time? How are said events even interconnected? Who among Their important contemporaries was/is one of Them, Their agent, or Their opponent (hint: the latter don't live long)? How close have Their come to Their goal by now? As you go, spice up your story (and flesh out your characters) with emotions your readers can relate to, like {{greed}}, [[{{Horror}} fear]], and {{love}}.

Now that you are in the right frame of mind, return to your studies and compose a narrative (or multiple narratives) detailing the progress of Their Plan in the style of a FauxDocumentary. Don't be afraid to alter your initial concept of Them if you find some juicy stories you want to include by cannot fit into it. On the other hand, feel free to [[RealityRetcon gloss over obscure facts that get in the way of the plot]] or present them [[TheShadesOfFact in a slightly altered light]]. If you lack a crucial piece that connects everything, you can say it was there but They wiped all records of it (e.g. [[LiteraryAgentHypothesis claim you learned the story]] from a SurpriseWitness who [[HeKnowsTooMuch knew too much]] or found a [[FictionalDocument hidden manuscript]]). Remember, a conspiracy theory is a story, not a scientific work, so you are entitled to an ArtisticLicense (within reasonable constraints).

One last note on using a ConstructedWorld as a setting. If it is an established world, either your own creation or someone else's and you are writing a conspiracy-themed {{fanfic}}, you must be very familiar with its {{canon}}, just like you would have researched RealLife history. If you [[WorldBuilding create a new world for your narrative]], you must write both an official history and a secret history for it.

A ConspiracyTheory consists of two parallel narratives: the story of Them (the FramingDevice) and the much shorter but more diverse sub-narratives about events They orchestrated and people whose lives They ruined. For a ConspiracyThriller, you additionally need the third plot element: TheProtagonist who goes against Them.

!!'''BackStory'''
Pick out some significant, well-publicized but barely explained events. Your ultimate goal is to write short standalone sub-narratives about each event that would make it obvious that [[RealityRetcon They were behind all of them]]. It's much easier when these events demonstrate at least superficial similarity to each other (similar methods, same source of funding, "[[{{Motifs}} calling cards]]" left behind, etc.). On the bright side, they don't have to come from the realm of hard history alone: [[AllMythsAreTrue mythology]], UrbanLegends, {{Historical In Joke}}s are fine, too. The only requirement is that they immediately catch interest and mystify your readers. To uphold that interest, spice up your sub-narratives with things most people can relate to: [[{{Greed}} money]], [[{{Horror}} fear]] and [[RomanceNovel love]] are the classics.

Achieving the WillingSuspensionOfDisbelief is a bit harder in this genre than in others (after all, you are claiming that your readers are GullibleLemmings and only you know the real story), but making your ConspiracyTheory believable is actually quite easy. All you have to do is to come up with an explanation more logical, systematic, and consistent than the official one. Humans ARE excessively logical creatures, after all, and RealityISUnrealistic. Here's how you do it:

* Look for [[ConspiracyPlacement hard evidence]] linking the events you describe with each other and Them. Remember, even poor evidence appears plausible if you highlight the parts supporting your theory and don't accentuate the ones that don't. [[TheShadesOfFact It's not a lie to bring information into appropriate light.]] Specifically, concentrate on:
** [[BeethovenWasAnAlienSpy Famous historical figures who might have been involved with Them]] and proof that they actually were;
** Superficial similarities between the events, people, and objects involved in your theory (see {{Motifs}} section below);
** Seemingly unrelated events, people, and objects that nevertheless link parts of your theory together.
** If you still have trouble, refer to our CluesToTheConspiracy.
* If you lack the direct evidence, make use of [[UsefulNotes/ConspiracyTheories other conspiracy theories]] on the same topic (there's gotta be aplenty) by [[PlatoIsAMoron calling their evidence and reasoning in question]]. If they are wrong, it means you are right, doesn't it? Mathematicians call it ''proof by contradiction''. As the last resort, claim that there is no evidence because [[WrittenByTheWinners They destroyed it all]].
* Relate the story from a SurpriseWitness' point of view. People are more likely to believe a personal testimony than a heap of dry arguments, especially if it invokes powerful emotions or has a [[HeKnowsTooMuch tragic outcome]]. Even if it comes from an entirely fictional character.
* Finally, if all else fails, take RefugeInAudacity and make your theory so CrazyAwesome that people will believe it just for the lulz. A good example of this technique is the Bielefeld Conspiracy (see the Greats).

Last thing to remember: conspiracy theory is one of the very few genres, where the readers' disbelief can and should remain [[WillingSuspensionOfDisbelief willingly suspended]] ''after'' they are done reading. If you manage to do just that, your theory will be placed among the ''crème de la crème''.

!!'''Protagonist'''
TheProtagonist of a ConspiracyThriller is usually an OrdinaryHighSchoolStudent or TheEveryman who has [[AgentMulder imagination to look behind the obvious]] but is intelligent enough to [[ConspiracyTheorist put the puzzle pieces together]] and not GoMadFromTheRevelation. There are three basic patterns for your protagonist to be involved with Them (you can combine them if you wish):

* ItsPersonal. He holds a grudge against Them for [[YouKilledMyFather killing his father]], [[TheXFiles abducting his sister]], [[AndYourLittleDogToo kicking his dog]], etc.
* PatrioticFervor. Includes national motives, with the protagonist setting out to protect public order or [[MyCountryRightOrWrong restore his country's honor]]. May be a CowboyCop taking a shot at ThatOneCase.
* SeekerArchetype. Probably the most common one, this protagonist is after The Truth just for the sake of it.

See the Casting Director section below for the requirements to and suggestions for rest of the characters.

!!'''Title'''
Standalone conspiracy theories don't really need titles besides "[Insert Their name here] are conspiring against us to [insert Their objective here]" but you may want to pick a catchy title for your thriller story. See MadLibThrillerTitle for a number of classical thriller title examples and inspirations.

A ConspiracyTheory is basically a ScrapbookStory consisting of multiple intertwined sub-narratives [[FramingDevice framed]] by an [[MythArc overarching plot]] relating the progress of Their Plan. You are free to choose your favorite narration styles and forms to tell these stories, though your best choice is probably FauxDocumentary. Just how big the scope of your theory is and how many famous events and people you entangle in it, is entirely up to your creativity and reason.

* '''Protagonist'''. [[TheHero The leader]] and the one most motivated (see above) to unveil Their secrets. There are two categories of roughly the same size he can fall into: the ''Main Brain'' and the ''Infiltrator''. The [[{{Nerd}} Main Brain]] is the more [[ScienceHero intellectual hero]] whose trump card is his vast [[MrExposition previous knowledge]] (think [[DanBrown Robert Langdon]]); while the [[{{Badass}} Infiltrator]] is more of an ActionHero who [[StealthBasedMission gets in, cracks the codes, steals the data]] (think [[TheXFiles Fox Mulder]]). Although both types require equal amounts of creative thinking, the Infiltrator is more likely to rely on others for {{Exposition}}. [[BadassBookworm Mixed]] [[CulturedBadass types]] are possible, especially if he acts without backup. Many protagonists possess such traits as extensive [[HistoricalInJoke knowledge of history]] and/or [[TechnoBabble high-end technology]], [[MadeOfIron exceptional physical condition]], and from time to time, [[PsychicPowers special powers]]. Background-wise, the protagonists are often scholars, [[PlayfulHacker IT specialists]], {{Cowboy Cop}}s, {{Intrepid Reporter}}s, {{Ordinary High School Student}}s, or {{criminals}}.

<<|SoYouWantTo/SeeTheIndex|>>

And remember: there is no conspiracy. [[supersecretspoiler:fnord]]

* '''Secret society'''. The AncientConspiracy Classic. It consists of a number of otherwise unrelated individuals who pursue some esoteric goal, often passed down from their ancestors, meaning it must be pretty old. This form is most popular with Cultist, Ethnic, and Scientist conspiracies. Additionally, the illusion of an ancient conspiracy may be [[InvokedTrope invoked on purpose]] by a single villain to motivate his agents and intimidate his enemies.

* '''Organization'''. Sometimes, the hero is additionally backed up by some AncientTradition, LaResistance, or a GovernmentAgencyOfFiction. In this rare case, their help is very limited, consisting mostly of providing free resources (weapons), [[GasLeakCoverup cover-up]], [[TheCavalry search and rescue]], and a few RedShirts for the FinalBattle. In any case, they don't play a big role in the story.

* PowerOfTrust. Only by learning who you can really trust (which is [[[[TheyLookJustLikeEveryoneElse anything but trivial]] in this genre) can you triumph over whatever the PowersThatBe throw at you.

* PowerOfTrust. Only by learning who you can really trust (which is ''anything but'' trivial in this genre) can you triumph over whatever the PowersThatBe throw at you.

These characters or groups are, at their first introduction, neither (obvious) agents of Them, nor directly involved in the heroes' investigation. They may assist the heroes in one way or another but the crucial difference between them and wingmen is that they never learn the whole story. Although they form the majority of the cast at first, many of them will be revealed to [[EvilAllAlong have been Their agents all along]]. Some, however, may get [[NeutralNoLonger promoted to wingmen]]. Note that some "unaligned" characters may investigate Them independently but their attempts are futile (at best) unless they join the heroes.

* If you must have StuffBlowingUp, stage a fiery GasLeakCoverup.

* If you lack the direct evidence, make use of [[UsefulNotes/ConspiracyTheories other conspiracy theories]] on the same topic (there's gotta be aplenty) by calling their evidence and reasoning in question. If they are wrong, it means you are right, doesn't it? Mathematicians call it ''proof by contradiction''. As the last resort, claim that there is no evidence because [[WrittenByTheWinners They destroyed it all]].

* '''The Man'''. TheMan is the head of the conspiracy and the BigBad ''of the story''. Although there can be a ManBehindTheMan, who is the actual head, he doesn't play a large role in the narrative. TheMan is very often [[ManOfWealthAndTaste someone in position of enormous (public or hidden) power]]. Alternatively, he is a brilliant scientist or mystic. Or both. His skills include [[TheChessmaster analytical mind]], [[TheStrategist strategic planning]], CompellingVoice, [[ManipulativeBastard emotional manipulation]], [[TheMole acting]], and FlawExploitation. Since he is Their strategic leader, he is responsible for most of Their wrongdoings, therefore his death (rarer, imprisonment) ends the story. The Man can be introduced at several points:

* '''[[RedScare Bolshevik conspiracy]]'''. They are [[DirtyCommunists beggars, lowlifes, and generic scum of Earth]] who are jealous of normal people and use social and economic crises to [[TheRevolutionWillNotBeCivilized seize the power for Themselves]]. Expect a [[SecretPolice KGB]] to secretly back Them up. Another rare format since [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp 1991]].

* Bankers and governments often use economic lingo: "''Something'' Fund/Trust/Group/Cartel/Club" or simply, "TheSyndicate".

* [[SoYouWantTo/WriteAStory As with any story]], don't leave your ConspiracyThriller [[NoEnding without a resolution]] (as in, "resolution of the conflict between the protagonist and the conspiracy"). Be it exacting some revenge, rescuing his loved ones, restoring his country's honor, or [[DownerEnding killing him]], you must bring ''his'' story to a close. On the other hand, do ''not'' [[LeaveThePlotThreadsHanging disclose all of the conspiracy's secrets]] in the main text. Conspiracy theory is the one genre where narrative threads LeftHanging actually contribute to the story quality and the readers are invited to [[WildMassGuessing participate]] in [[EpilepticTrees theorizing]] themselves. And you get a SequelHook for free, too.

In the end, you have to end up with a brief summary of your conspiracy theory or a synopsis for your conspiracy thriller (minus the protagonist's involvement). It should go somewhere along the lines of "The [insert Their name here] have conspired with [insert Their ally's name here] to [insert the objective of Their current subplot here] by [insert Their methods here] at the cost of [insert Their victims here]". To give a few examples:

* TheIlluminati are planning to release the new modification of {{mind control}}ling [[TheVirus flu virus]] by adding it into the [=H1N1=] vaccines in order to discredit, then take over the Red Cross.
* The Swiss banks have conspired with TheKnightsTemplar to blackmail the European Union into giving the Templars seats in the European Parliament.
* A secret research project by the US military is kidnapping [[PurpleEyes purple-eyed]] children, because they are the easiest to turn into psychic soldiers.
* The Bilderberg Club and TheGreys are secretly building a KillSat to bombard the Chinese to force them to drop the protectionist barriers.
* The {{vampire}}s have allied themselves with GRU to assassinate [[ReasonableAuthorityFigure the president]] who attempts to enforce blood transfusion control as part of his health care reform.

Use one of the following to generate any number of plot ideas:

And make sure to deny any knowledge of TVTropes if caught using these.

* '''Dragon'''. A secondary villain who has to be [[TheDragon defeated before facing the Man]] (e.g. he is the only one who knows the Man's identity), an EvilCounterpart to the wingman. His identity is a less guarded secret than the Man's, as he works out in the field and later, [[SternChase pursues the heroes]]. He is usually more physically robust than his boss and specializes in combat and field tactics. His background is either that of an [[CareerKillers assassin]], or [[AuthorityEqualsAsskicking military]] ([[ColonelBadass colonels]] and [[FourStarBadass generals]] are popular). A dragon is optional, since a particularly {{badass}} Man may not need him at all, or opt for a QuirkyMinibossSquad, who split the dragon's authority among themselves and are little more than EliteMooks (see below). Like the Man, the dragon can be introduced at several points:

* '''Ethnic conspiracy'''. They are an [[EvilForeigner ethnic or cultural minority]] who just don't blend in. Because of this, They plan to destroy or enslave all different from Them. This one goes back to ''The Protocols of the Elders of Zion'' and Jewish conspiracies in general. Due to the obvious UnfortunateImplications, this theory is DeaderThanDisco these days outside of fringe racist groups, unless FantasticRacism or the "Gay Agenda" are involved (and the latter is also becoming increasingly discredited).
* '''Bankers' conspiracy'''. They are the {{Corrupt Corporate Executive}}s and financiers who use interest rates and fractional reserve to turn the middle-class into [[GullibleLemmings unwitting slaves of profit]]. In other words, the working people are poor, the [[VillainWithGoodPublicity parasites are rich and rulin']]. Often lumped with Jewish (Ethnic) conspiracy.

* '''GovernmentConspiracy'''. They are a "democratically elected" [[TheGovernment Government]] of a [[TheFederation benevolent country]] (the UnitedNations also fits) who plan to TakeOverTheWorld under the pretense of spreading freedom and justice. Expect {{MIB}}, CulturePolice and a PropagandaMachine in Their service.

* Intellectuals and aliens use scientific language: "Project ''Something''" or anything in [[AltumVidetur Latin]] or Greek.

* Ethnic or cultist conspiracies can go for "[[BrotherhoodOfEvil Brotherhood]]/Order/Knights/Elders of ''Something''".