complication
1 of 1nounthe act of making something more difficult or complex
- The varying requirements from state to state are a complication for nationwide product launches.
- Her sudden illness was a major complication in our travel plans.
a situation or state that is perplexing and complicated
- Introducing new rules halfway through the game created unnecessary complications.
- They were hoping for a straightforward business deal, but legal issues introduced an unexpected complication.
puzzling complexity
something that makes a situation or process hard to understand or deal with
a secondary health condition that makes the treatment of the existing condition harder
an event or situation that creates a problem or obstacle for the protagonist or other characters in a story
In literature, a complication is an event or element that introduces new challenges or obstacles for the characters, escalating the central conflict and adding complexity to the plot. Complications disrupt the current situation, forcing characters to confront additional difficulties or make difficult decisions. This element is crucial for developing the story, creating tension, and driving the narrative forward.