Why We Forgive Plot Holes: The Emotional Power of Star Wars

Do We Really Care About Plot Holes? A Look at Star Wars and the Power of Emotional Storytelling The popularity of a franchise doesn't always correlate with its adherence to plot consistency. This is the central argument of a recent video essay by Jason Pargin, a NYT bestselling author. Pargin uses Star Wars as a compelling example. He notes that many glaring inconsistencies exist, yet the franchise remains immensely popular. He argues that the emotional impact of the story and the characters' compelling journeys outweigh any logical inconsistencies for many viewers. Pargin cites instances in the Star Wars prequels where characters are given decades-long relationships despite never having met before in the original trilogy. He also compares this to the Lord of the Rings, where the introduction of new magical elements is carefully established within the narrative. "Stories work on the emotional part of your brain," Pargin states, "making you care about these people as if they were real." This analysis is not only relevant to Star Wars fans but also offers a broader perspective on the psychology of storytelling and audience engagement, making it a valuable topic for a wider audience.