Complex vs. Convoluted

Most people seem to get these two terms mixed up. So what's the main difference between them?

Basically, complex means it has many elements and is a big plan and stuff like that.

Convoluted, on the other hand, means that it's so tangled that you can't really see what is going on, be it because it's too complex or has too many parts that are too ill-defined or too vague.

So a complex plan would have a dozen points some of which depend on some other points. And a convoluted one would have a bajilion and a dozen points, or have inter-dependencies between points so tangled that there's no place to start the plan because you have to finish it to be able to start it, or it's one of those vague "1: something; 2: something; 3: ???; 4: profit" plans.

And so on, and so on. Basically, complex equals "hmm, that's complicated", and convoluted equals "what the frack is going on here?"

Complex: A story well-written in where the characters meet some hard situations in where their visions of life has to be analizated by the narrative.

Convuluted: I`m complex, i like quote philosophy. And older literature, and somethimes mithology. Also look how dark is my world, every day the main characters take a lot of dark choices. Also i like to talk about human nature. Look how dark and cynical is the world. I`m mature.

edited 14th Nov '15 2:22:48 PM by KazuyaProta

To me, being complex means having plenty of story elements — plot threads, themes, characters, events, and so on — but also having the know-how to use them effectively. Everything added has a purpose, however subtle; everything contributes toward certain needs (like character development) and end goals (like resolving a big climax) in the story. Basically, it's like spinning a bunch of plates at once — not easy, and takes some real effort, but when done right it's a real spectacle.

Being convoluted is a lot like being complex, but screws up along the way. Using that same analogy, it's like spinning plates — but instead of having them on multiple sticks, convolution would have a person pile plates on top of plates on top of plates. Chances are high that it's sure to be a mess. It means that a story will have all of those elements and then some, but none of the wisdom to create a clear path to the endgame OR give each of those individual elements meaning. The creator might be able to parse through it all (emphasis on "might"), but not everyone has that luxury.

So I guess in a nutshell, it's a balancing act. Stories with strong foundations, however many elements they have, are complex. Stories that pile it on just because without building that foundation are convoluted. As you can guess, one is a LOT more likely to fall apart.

Let's take a Kudzu Plot.

If it wraps it up properly and satisfyingly, it's Complex.

If it results in The Chris Carter Effect, it's Convoluted.

The line between them, I believe, relies on 1. logic 2. legibility, and 3. how acrobatic your target audience is mentally.

If you want it to be complex, it must make perfect logical sense. Once you've achieved that, it can still come off as convoluted if you rely entirely on Fridge Logic to make it make sense. No, you've got to show all the important parts and prove how much sense it makes. Once you've got both of those balanced, it's good. The rest is up to your target audience keeping up with you.

If you want to wonder about what is "complex" because it's morally ambiguous, or even just diverse, I guess it also depends on how much your audience needs it to make sense. If they demand logic instead of accept it as a mood piece, then somebody's going to make it convoluted.