History SoYouWantTo / WriteAConspiracyTheory

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* One thing you can always do is to get GenreSavvy and explain ''just what exactly'' constitutes the audience appeal of conspiracy theories in general: RealLife is insanely complicated and, to be completely honest, it's often just a bunch of chaotic unrelated events caused by so many different factors that we simply cannot comprehend the links. But a conspiracy theory gives us a clear idea that ''something'' ([[spoiler:They]]) is behind all of this and since [[spoiler:They]] have an agenda, it all serves some purpose, after all.

* ''Film/HotFuzz'' (2007) is a GenreSavvy a small-scale conspiracy thriller mixed with BuddyCopShow with zero fantastic elements.

* [[SickSadWorld International conspiracies]] are our tip of the day. Not only are they more fun to write (you get the entire world to twist to your liking!), but you may also legitimately expect your readers to know the [[TheTropeHistoryOfTheUniverse basic history of the world]] without you telling them. UsefulNotes/{{Europe}} makes a great starting point because it is relatively small and tight-packed and has a bonus of well-documented and popularized history, which you, as an English-reading author, are [[SmallReferencePools most likely to be familiar with]]. From there on, your protagonist may travel all over the world for clues, e.g. UsefulNotes/TheMiddleEast is thinkable if you're dealing with UsefulNotes/TheKnightsTemplar legacy.

* ''Series/TheXFiles'' (1993-2002) managed to play conspiracy tropes straight in the LongRunner format, [[TropeCodifier codified]] the [[AgentMulder Hero]]-[[AgentScully Lancer]] dynamic described above.

%%* ''VisualNovel/SteinsGate'' (2009) explored the time travel conspiracy following John Titor.

* More exotic variations like "[[TheDaVinciCode Priory]]" or "Enclave" can be used if it suits the plot.

* "[[WesternAnimation/SouthPark Fantastic Easter Special]]": A brilliant parody of ''TheDaVinciCode'' below.

* The masterminds behind any conspiracy are generally expected to be [[ManOfWealthAndTaste rich]], [[EvilOldFolks old]], [[MightyWhitey white]] men. So why not make your BigBad a [[Anime/{{Noir}} selfless, motherly woman]] or a [[JusticeLeagueUnlimited black woman devoted to her country]]? The motives that made such a character join and lead a conspiracy are infinitely more interesting to explore than those of an ISO-standard mastermind.

* '''Protagonist'''. [[TheHero The leader]], often [[AgentMulder the believer]], and usually the one most motivated (see above) to [[ConspiracyTheorist unveil Their secrets]]. There are two flavors 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 [[Creator/DanBrown Robert Langdon]]); while the [[{{Badass}} Infiltrator]] is more of an ActionHero who [[StealthBasedMission gets in, cracks the codes, steals the data]] (think [[Series/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}}. There are three basic patterns your protagonist can be involved with Them (you can combine them if you wish):

* '''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 Lancer. 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 a ProfessionalKiller, 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 or CoDragons, 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:

* Next up the scale are large metropolitan areas and cities (such as UsefulNotes/{{London}}, [[GayParis Paris]], [[UsefulNotes/NewYorkCity New York]], and [[TokyoIsTheCenterOfTheUniverse Tokyo]]). Any big old city has its share of dark secrets and {{Urban Legend}}s and you may reasonably expect anyone to know a bit about it. However, you are also bound to the local landmarks. Inventing your own city with a dark secret works but for all the trouble of fitting it into the world map later, you might as well write a [[ConstructedWorld whole new world]] from the beginning.

* Next up the scale are large metropolitan areas and cities (such as {{London}}, [[GayParis Paris]], [[UsefulNotes/NewYorkCity New York]], and [[TokyoIsTheCenterOfTheUniverse Tokyo]]). Any big old city has its share of dark secrets and {{Urban Legend}}s and you may reasonably expect anyone to know a bit about it. However, you are also bound to the local landmarks. Inventing your own city with a dark secret works but for all the trouble of fitting it into the world map later, you might as well write a [[ConstructedWorld whole new world]] from the beginning.

* Likewise, you may also help Them [[EasyLogistics circumvent the logistical issues]] of being omnipresent by giving them means of instant communication and travel over great distances. An arcane PortalNetwork spanning the globe does it nicely; place its entrances BeneathTheEarth (cf. the catacombs of {{Paris}}).

# Using constant suspense to prevent the reader from prescinding from the story. DanBrown is famous for using this in all of his books, creating tension with rapid shifts between multiple PlotThreads accompanied by [[WhatCliffhanger tantalizing cliffhangers]].

* '''Protagonist'''. [[TheHero The leader]], often [[AgentMulder the believer]], and usually the one most motivated (see above) to [[ConspiracyTheorist unveil Their secrets]]. There are two flavors 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 [[Series/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}}. There are three basic patterns your protagonist can be involved with Them (you can combine them if you wish):

* ''AngelsAndDemons'' and ''Literature/TheDaVinciCode'' offer an example on how [[DanBrowned/DanBrown NOT to write the back-story of a conspiracy thriller]]. They are still quite exciting {{thriller}}s, nonetheless.

* In the '''Despair Stage''', They finally make an active move against the hero -- and [[ThereIsNoKillLikeOverkill utterly crush him]]. The hero experiences a metaphorical (or even a [[NotQuiteDead temporary literal]]) death. His [[TheObiWan trusted mentor]] dies. His TrueCompanions either die or abandon him and everyone else he asks for help [[EtTuBrute betrays him]]. TheMole mocks him smugly. He has failed to stop Their plans. He has lost.

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 (StockUnsolvedMysteries, wars, disasters, unexplained accidents, 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..

To start off, '''[[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 the time period They have been active in. For instance, if TheKnightsTemplar are at the core of your conspiracy theory, you have nine centuries of European and Middle-Eastern history to traverse. 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. Don't be afraid to draw inspiration from the already existing conspiracy theories (see, for instance, our UsefulNotes on UsefulNotes/ConspiracyTheories and CluesToTheConspiracy).

* The Swiss banks have conspired with TheKnightsTemplar to blackmail the European Union into giving the Templars seats in the European Parliament.

* [[SickSadWorld International conspiracies]] are our tip of the day. Not only are they more fun to write (you get the entire world to twist to your liking!), but you may also legitimately expect your readers to know the [[TheTropeHistoryOfTheUniverse basic history of the world]] without you telling them. UsefulNotes/{{Europe}} makes a great starting point because it is relatively small and tight-packed and has a bonus of well-documented and popularized history, which you, as an English-reading author, are [[SmallReferencePools most likely to be familiar with]]. From there on, your protagonist may travel all over the world for clues, e.g. UsefulNotes/TheMiddleEast is thinkable if you're dealing with TheKnightsTemplar legacy.

%%* ''SteinsGate'' (2009) explored the time travel conspiracy following John Titor.

** They are members, usually prominent, of the ethnic or cultural ''majority'' who basically don't like any of the minorities that just don't blend in. Because of this, They plan to enslave (or [[UsefulNotes/TheHolocaust worse]]) all different from Them, or at least [[PutOnABus remove them]] from having any influence in the course of the society in which they live. This one goes back to the ''reactions'' to ''The Protocols Of The Elders Of Zion'', and the purported need to "take back the country from... ...and return it to greatness." Due to a [[UsefulNotes/WorldWarII notable conflict]] in the mid-20th century, this theory is seen as both far more ''and'' less plausible as far as scholars are concerned, considering that on the one hand, it ''was'' historically attempted, but spectacularly failed in everything but bringing ruin and forced division upon the country in which it occurred. In the eyes of many minorities, especially [[RuleOfCautiousEditingJudgment certain ones within the United States]], every example of prejudicial treatment against them is seen as a link to this wider conspiracy, rather than just as another RealLife example of HumansAreBastards.

** They are an ethnic or cultural ''minority'' who just don't blend in. Because of this, They plan to enslave all different from Them, or at least mix them up to a nondescript mass. This one goes back to ''Literature/TheProtocolsOfTheEldersOfZion'' and Jewish conspiracies in general. Due to the obvious UnfortunateImplications, this theory is DeaderThanDisco these days as far as scholars are concerned, although the wide involvement of homosexuals in Hollywood has given rise to a new version, the Gay Agenda.
** They are members, often of some prominence, of the ethnic or cultural ''majority'' who basically don't like any of the minorities that just don't blend in. Because of this, They plan to enslave (or [[UsefulNotes/TheHolocaust worse]]) all different from Them, or at least [[PutOnABus remove them]] from having any influence in the course of the society in which they live. This one goes back to the ''reactions'' to ''The Protocols Of The Elders Of Zion'', and the purported need to "take back the country from... ...and return it to greatness." Due to a [[UsefulNotes/WorldWarII notable conflict]] in the mid-20th century, this theory is seen as both far more ''and'' less plausible as far as scholars are concerned, considering that on the one hand, it ''was'' historically attempted, but spectacularly failed in everything but bringing ruin and forced division upon the country in which it occurred. In the eyes of many minorities, especially [[RuleOfCautiousEditingJudgment certain ones within the United States]], every example of prejudicial treatment against them is seen as a link to this wider conspiracy, rather than just as another RealLife example of HumansAreBastards.

** They are members, often of some prominence, of the ethnic or cultural ''majority'' who basically don't like any of the minorities that just don't blend in. Because of this, They plan to enslave (or [[UsefulNotes/TheHolocaust worse]]) all different from Them, or at least [[PutOnABus remove them]] from having any influence in the course of the society in which they live. This one goes back to the ''reactions'' to ''The Protocols Of The Elders Of Zion'', and the purported need to "take back the country from... ...and return it to greatness." Due to a [[UsefulNotes/WorldWarII notable conflict]] in the mid-20th century, this theory is seen as both far more ''and'' less plausible, considering that it was historically attempted, but spectacularly failed in everything but bringing ruin and forced division upon the country in which it occurred.

** They are members, often of some prominence, of the ethnic or cultural ''majority'' who basically don't like any of the minorities that just don't blend in. Because of this, They plan to enslave (or [[ThoseWackyNazis worse]]) all different from Them, or at least [[PutOnABus remove them]] from having any influence in the course of the society in which they live. This one goes back to the ''reactions'' to ''The Protocols Of The Elders Of Zion'', and the purported need to "take back the country from... ...and return it to greatness." Due to a [[UsefulNotes/WorldWarII notable conflict]] in the mid-20th century, this theory is seen as both far more ''and'' less plausible, considering that it was historically attempted, but spectacularly failed in everything but bringing ruin and forced division upon the country in which it occurred.

* '''Ethnic conspiracy'''. They are an ethnic or cultural minority who just don't blend in. Because of this, They plan to enslave all different from Them, or at least mix them up to a nondescript mass. This one goes back to ''Literature/TheProtocolsOfTheEldersOfZion'' and Jewish conspiracies in general. Due to the obvious UnfortunateImplications, this theory is DeaderThanDisco these days as far as scholars are concerned, although the wide involvement of homosexuals in Hollywood has given rise to a new version, the Gay Agenda.

* '''[[IntellectuallySupportedTyranny Intellectuals' conspiracy]]'''. They are {{Mad Scientist}}s posing as harmless {{Absent Minded Professor}}s and planning to bring about a [[EmperorScientist global technocratic tyranny]]. Usually involves [[OutgrownSuchSillySuperstitions erasing all traces of spirituality and religion]]. The roots of this stereotype go back to the Freemasons, the Rosicrucians, and the Illuminati.

* '''Organization'''. Sometimes, the hero is additionally backed up by some AncientTradition, LaResistance, a group of like-minded {{Conspiracy Theorist}}s (''a la'' TheLoneGunmen), 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 {{Red Shirt}}s for the FinalBattle. In any case, they don't play a big role in the story.

* [[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 [[CanonFodder contribute to]] [[RiddleForTheAges the story quality]] and the readers are invited to [[WildMassGuessing participate]] in [[EpilepticTrees theorizing]] themselves (e.g. along the lines of "WhatIf this [[WhatHappenedToTheMouse long-missing character]] was actually behind that [[PlotHole unexplained event]]?"). And you get a SequelHook for free, too.

* And so it comes to an '''ending'''. Conspiracy thrillers are [[SlidingScaleOfIdealismVersusCynicism cynical tales]] of one person's struggle against an overwhelming power. Sometimes, [[TheBadGuyWins They win and the hero dies]] -- or survives, only to live with [[MyGreatestFailure his failure]]. The hero may have defeated the BigBad -- but the [[SequelHook conspiracy lives on]], for They are many. The hero may have shattered Their Plan -- but [[KarmaHoudini most of Them go unpunished]]. Very rarely, the hero destroys Them for good -- but [[PyrrhicVictory at a terrible price]]. Don't count on a HappilyEverAfter in this genre.

* And so it comes to an '''ending'''. Conspiracy thriller is a [[SlidingScaleOfIdealismVersusCynicism cynical genre]]. Sometimes, [[TheBadGuyWins They win and the hero dies]] -- or survives, only to live with [[MyGreatestFailure his failure]]. The hero may have defeated the BigBad -- but the [[SequelHook conspiracy still exists]] for They are many. The hero may have shattered Their Plan -- but [[KarmaHoudini most of Them go unpunished]]. Very rarely, the hero destroys Them for good -- but [[PyrrhicVictory at a terrible price]]. A HappilyEverAfter is just out of stock.

Next up are the victims of the Plan. Who is going to suffer because of Them? Naturally, if They are targeting a specific group, it will be high on the list. In all other cases, Their villainy will in one way or another afflict the entire humanity or at least, a considerable part of it. When writing a thriller, you should concentrate on a single sub-plot of Their master plan and decide who exactly will be targeted in it. See also the Victims section below.

* '''Destruction of some group'''. These conspiracies exist in order to completely annihilate certain people, either a specific group (e.g. out of revenge or racism), or the [[KillAllHumans entire humanity]] (aliens love doing this).

* '''[[IntellectuallySupportedTyranny Intellectuals' conspiracy]]'''. They are {{Mad Scientist}}s posing as harmless {{Absent Minded Professor}}s and planning to bring about a [[EmperorScientist global technocratic tyranny]]. Usually involves [[OutgrownSuchSillySuperstitions erasing all traces of spirituality and religion]]. The roots of this stereotype go back to Freemasons, Rosicrucian, and Illuminati.

* '''Cultist conspiracy'''. They are a [[{{Cult}} closed religious community]] who plan to [[KnightTemplar eradicate all different faith]] in favor of Their own. While originally part of Christian theories about the Jews, this pattern resurfaced in modern times with the advent of New Age groups and other new religious movements. The MilkmanConspiracy often falls under this.

* A specific person or people (either one of the potential victims, i.e. a MacGuffinGirl, or some kind of [[SuperSoldiers super-specialists They are training]])

* '''Test subjects'''. Sometimes, They perform [[TestedOnHumans experiments on living humans]] (often [[MacGuffinGirl young]] and [[IllGirl female]]) ForScience, fun, and/or profit.

A ConspiracyThriller can be likened to TheHerosJourney or the "[[TheSevenBasicPlots Overcoming the Monster]]" plot, in that your SeekerArchetype is TheHero and They are [[UltimateEvil The Monster]]. To make the story [[ItsPersonal more personal]], They are usually personified by TheMan and a few less prominent villains (see Casting Director section below). Although defeating even the most high-ranked of Their members doesn't [[DecapitatedArmy automatically defeat all of Them]], it may be a satisfactory resolution for your particular story.