History SoYouWantTo / WriteAConspiracyTheory

* Always [[{{Foreshadowing}} foreshadow]] your {{Reveal}}s in advance, otherwise they become {{Ass Pull}}s. But if you foreshadow it too much, it'll become TheUntwist. Don't overuse TheUnreveal, either. And for all that's holy, remember that a ShockingSwerve is not a twist.

* {{Numerological Motif}}s. Admit it: you, too, want to know what's behind the enigma of the TwentyThree.
* {{Significant Anagram}}s. Are They trying to tell us something with those? Refer to the JustForFun/AnagramBin for inspiration.

Now you are in the right frame of mind, so 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 but cannot fit into it. On the other hand, feel free to [[ArtisticLicenseHistory 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).

And then, there is the ConspiracyThriller. A ConspiracyThriller is blend of the [[SoYouWantTo/WriteAStory traditional narrative]] and a conspiracy theory, focusing on a [[RuleOfDrama conflict]] between the ([[AntiHero anti]])[[TheHero heroic]] protagonist and the AntiVillain conspiracy. This genre is characterized by {{Jigsaw Puzzle Plot}}s, CluelessMystery, and stunning {{Reveal}}s. A ConspiracyThriller is commonly but not always based upon a conspiracy theory.

And then, there is the ConspiracyThriller. A ConspiracyThriller is blend of the [[SoYouWantTo/WriteAStory traditional narrative]] and a conspiracy theory, focusing on a [[RuleOfDrama conflict]] between the ([[AntiHero anti]])[[TheHero heroic]] protagonist and the ([[AntiVillain anti]]){{villain}}ous conspiracy. This genre is characterized by {{Jigsaw Puzzle Plot}}s, CluelessMystery, and stunning {{Reveal}}s. A ConspiracyThriller is commonly but not always based upon a conspiracy theory.

* 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.

** They are members, sometimes prominent, of 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 defunct 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, 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, and thus is unlikely to be re-attempted. In the eyes of many minorities, especially [[Administrivia/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.

* If you rely on the premise that AllMythsAreTrue for added esotericism or {{demythtification}}, you are running in constant danger of being SadlyMythtaken. While not fatal (after all, you are writing how it all ''really'' went down), straying too far from the canon may make some readers wonder why you chose to include those myths in the first place.

* A secret research project by the US military is kidnapping [[PurpleEyes purple-eyed]] children, because they are the easiest to turn into psychic soldiers.

And then, there is the ConspiracyThriller. A ConspiracyThriller is blend of the [[SoYouWantTo/WriteAStory traditional narrative]] and a conspiracy theory, focusing on a [[RuleOfDrama conflict]] between the ([[AntiHero anti]]){{hero}}ic protagonist and the ([[AntiVillain anti]]){{villain}}ous conspiracy. This genre is characterized by {{Jigsaw Puzzle Plot}}s, CluelessMystery, and stunning {{Reveal}}s. A ConspiracyThriller is commonly but not always based upon a conspiracy theory.

Of course, nothing prevents you from having [[ConspiracyKitchenSink multiple secret societies]] [[SecretWar battling each other behind the scenes]].

* Dialogue is also a good place to drop {{Cryptic Background Reference}}s to Their other activities, outside the scope of Their current plot. A classical example (combining with the above): "[[ArmorPiercingQuestion Surely, you don't believe that the Cuban Missile Crisis was about Cuban missiles, do you?]]" One way to fit it in more naturally is to have it take place between TheHero and his MysteriousInformant at a SecretGovernmentWarehouse, as they go from exhibit to exhibit and the latter [[WeHaveBeenResearchingPhlebotinumForYears nails down the historic trivia]].

* '''Organization'''. Sometimes, the hero is additionally backed up by some AncientTradition, LaResistance, a group of like-minded {{Conspiracy Theorist}}s (''a la'' the [[Series/TheXFiles Lone]] [[Series/TheLoneGunmen Gunmen]]), 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.

* Starting from a capital city, you may move on to a GovernmentConspiracy or an EmpireWithADarkSecret. The rules are basically the same as CampbellCountry above but you may use famous landmarks like {{Area 51}} (e.g. in connection with AncientAstronauts). Also, unless you opted for a ConstructedWorld or AlternateHistory, you should expect InternetBackdraft and death threats at this stage, thanks to the political implications of your work.

[[RuleOfCautiousEditingJudgment Political activism aside]], the [[UsefulNotes/ConspiracyTheories conspiracy theory]] is a PostModern genre of ScrapbookStory that combines pseudo-historical and pseudo-scientific (hence, "theory") narratives under the [[FramingDevice premise]] that all of them are stages of an EvilPlan conducted by an [[NebulousEvilOrganization omnipresent, omnipotent secretive group]] known as "TheConspiracy". In a sense, a conspiracy theory is a WhatIf FanFic based upon the RealLife, and we love to read those, don't we?

** 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, and thus is unlikely to be re-attempted. 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.

* TechnoBabble. Frequent references to an [[{{Nanomachines}} obscure]] but [[{{Antimatter}} flashy]] technology really spice up an intellectuals' conspiracy plot, even when YouFailPhysicsForever yourself.

After you get acquainted with the subject matter, it's time to enter the mindset of a true ConspiracyTheorist--by committing what we here call "[[YouFailHistoryForever a historian's mistake]]" and violating the HanlonsRazor principle. First, assume that They ''are'' [[TheChessmaster smart enough to predict the outcome]] of [[GambitRoulette 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.

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

Now you are in the right frame of mind, so 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 but 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).

* '''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 Satanic Panic and the advent of New Age groups and other new religious movements. The MilkmanConspiracy often falls under this.

* The books of Jean Parvulesco feature conspiracies battling over the control of russia. His books got officially endorsed by persons in connection with the russian government and some of his conspiracy theories are officially taught by some leading russian intellectuals. This is the highest amount of recognition any conspiracy fiction writer officially got.

** They are members, sometimes prominent, of 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.

* If TheMenInBlack are only used as armed enforcers, it may be a good idea to give them [[EliteMooks face-concealing SWAT-like gear]] instead. It's just as depersonalizing but [[AwesomeYetPractical more practical in combat]].

* '''[[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, who all came into existence in the years leading up to the UsefulNotes/FrenchRevolution, long viewed as one of the great [[LoveItOrHateIt triumphs or catastrophes]] of human history, depending on who you ask.

[[RuleOfCautiousEditingJudgment Political activism aside]], the [[UsefulNotes/ConspiracyTheories conspiracy theory]] is a PostModern genre of ScrapbookStory that combines pseudo-historical and pseudo-scientific (hence, "theory") narratives under the [[FramingDevice premise]] that all of them are stages of an EvilPlan conducted by an [[NebulousEvilOrganization omnipresent, omnipotent secretive group]] known as "TheConspiracy". In a sense, a UsefulNotes/ConspiracyTheory is a WhatIf FanFic based upon the RealLife, and we love to read those, don't we?

And then, there is the ConspiracyThriller. A ConspiracyThriller is blend of the [[SoYouWantTo/WriteAStory traditional narrative]] and a Conspiracy Theory, focusing on a [[RuleOfDrama conflict]] between the ([[AntiHero anti]]){{hero}}ic protagonist and the ([[AntiVillain anti]]){{villain}}ous conspiracy. This genre is characterized by {{Jigsaw Puzzle Plot}}s, CluelessMystery, and stunning {{Reveal}}s. A ConspiracyThriller is commonly but not always based upon a Conspiracy Theory.

A Conspiracy Theory is a story spanning many years and describing the [[HistoricalInJoke famous historical events they orchestrated]] and the lives of [[BeethovenWasAnAlienSpy famous people involved with Them]]. A ConspiracyThriller is a much shorter story, usually focusing on a fictional protagonist's struggle against Them. In both cases, They and Their Plan are the cornerstone of the narrative.

[[RuleOfCautiousEditingJudgment Political activism aside]], the [[UsefulNotes/ConspiracyTheories conspiracy theory]] is a PostModern genre of ScrapbookStory that combines pseudo-historical and pseudo-scientific (hence, "theory") narratives under the [[FramingDevice premise]] that all of them are stages of an EvilPlan conducted by an [[NebulousEvilOrganization omnipresent, omnipotent secretive group]] known as "TheConspiracy". In a sense, a ConspiracyTheory is a WhatIf FanFic based upon the RealLife, and we love to read those, don't we?

And then, there is the ConspiracyThriller. A ConspiracyThriller is blend of the [[SoYouWantTo/WriteAStory traditional narrative]] and a ConspiracyTheory, focusing on a [[RuleOfDrama conflict]] between the ([[AntiHero anti]]){{hero}}ic protagonist and the ([[AntiVillain anti]]){{villain}}ous conspiracy. This genre is characterized by {{Jigsaw Puzzle Plot}}s, CluelessMystery, and stunning {{Reveal}}s. A ConspiracyThriller is commonly but not always based upon a ConspiracyTheory.

A ConspiracyTheory is a story spanning many years and describing the [[HistoricalInJoke famous historical events they orchestrated]] and the lives of [[BeethovenWasAnAlienSpy famous people involved with Them]]. A ConspiracyThriller is a much shorter story, usually focusing on a fictional protagonist's struggle against Them. In both cases, They and Their Plan are the cornerstone of the narrative.

* ''Literature/FoucaultsPendulum'' (1988) [[DeconstructedTrope deconstructed]] the ConspiracyTheory genre viciously.

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 UsefulNotes/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).

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

What methods do they use to achieve their current goals? There are actually quite a few: murder, kidnapping, [[StuffBlowingUp mass destruction]], {{human sacrifice}}s, [[TestedOnHumans human experiments]], [[BlackMarket illegal business practices]], {{blackmail}}, [[BlatantLies deception]], [[GasLeakCoverup cover-up]], [[TheAggressiveDrugDealer drug trafficking]], [[WaterSourceTampering water and food supply tampering]], [[EvilutionaryBiologist eugenics]], [[WarForFunAndProfit orchestrating wars]], [[FalseFlagOperation false-flag operations]], [[ArsonMurderAndJaywalking jaywalking]], etc. In a thriller, the protagonist usually witnesses only one sub-plot of Their master plan, so most of the operations above will remain out of picture (unless you are lucky enough to produce a LongRunner, then you are free to try them all out). The most common method is murder and you may throw in a few more from the list but don't attempt to cram everything in.

* {{Significant Anagram}}s. Are They trying to tell us something with those? Refer to the AnagramBin for inspiration.

TheOtherWiki has [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Secret_societies many]] [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Fictional_secret_societies examples]] to inspire you. You may also cut the whole thing short and just [[HistoricalVillainUpgrade recycle a historical secret society]] for your purposes.

* On the other hand, don't delve too deeply into historical detail. You are writing entertainment, not a historical thesis. While a minority of readers will go and dismiss your theory as nonsense, the vast majority will, at most, look up some names and events in ThatOtherWiki, (hopefully) go "OhCrap, it's all true!", and carry on reading. That should be your goal, too.