Lampshading In Writing: What It Is, Why It Works, And How To Use It Well

Have you ever come across something in a story that has just felt a tad unrealistic – only for the characters to notice it too? That’s where lampshading in writing comes in. So, what is lampshading? In essence, it’s a technique where writers openly recognise plot holes, cliches, or unlikely moments, rather than simply pretending they don’t exist. The term comes from “shining a light” on these scenarios and establishes a sense of self-awareness for the author. 

Audiences are sharp these days. We’re used to seeing overused tropes, convenient coincidences, and recognisable story patterns. But sometimes it isn’t as simple as just not including these features, and addressing them can actually build some trust with your readers. That’s precisely why the lampshading trope has become such a popular weapon in a writer’s arsenal. 

Join us today at What We Writing as we showcase exactly what lampshading in writing really is, why writers use it, how to do it effectively, and exactly when it can backfire – so you can identify if it’s right for your own work. 

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What Is Lampshading In Storytelling? 

At its heart, lampshading can be seen in any instance where a writer deliberately draws attention to a weakness, a cliche, or an unlikely scenario in their story. Rather than just hiding a convenient coincidence or an unrealistic sequence, the writer will reference it through either action or dialogue. 

This is why you might have heard of “lampshading a plot hole” – the story itself points out what the reader might have considered an error. 

The term originates from an old saying about “hanging a lampshade on something,” which essentially means to make something obvious, rather than attempting to keep it hidden. In storywriting, this idea evolved into the lampshading trope, where writers openly acknowledge flaws; this is done to demonstrate their self-awareness and invite us readers into the joke with them. 

Lampshading is usually shown on the page through the characters’ thoughts, comments, or reactions. One of the characters might question an unlikely escape, quip about a recognisable trope, or admit that things are just feeling a bit too easy. By doing this, the writer shows that they are aware of the issue and have opted to lean into it, rather than ignore it. 

This is markedly different from just leaving things as is. Ignoring flaws asks readers to accept weak logic without any explanations. On the other hand, lampshading handles these flaws as a part of the narrative experience. 

Lampshading vs Breaking the Fourth Wall 

Whilst lampshading and breaking the fourth wall both share similarities, they aren’t quite the same thing. Lampshading stays rooted within the story’s world, using character awareness to address the issue. On the flip side, breaking the fourth wall speaks straight to the audience, stepping outside of the narrative entirely. 

Why Writers Use Lampshading 

So, why do we bother using lampshading in fiction? When it’s done well, this technique does more than just point out flaws – it actively improves the reading experience. As one of many useful writing techniques, lampshading helps writers connect with their audiences in more engaging, transparent ways. 

Here are some of the main reasons why an author might use lampshading: 

• It builds reader trust.
  When you acknowledge a weakness in your story, your audience knows you’re being honest with them. Rather than trying to sneak one past them, you’re demonstrating you’re aware of it. 
• It shows self-awareness.
  Lampshading shows that you know your genre’s conventions and reader expectations. Through this awareness, your writing comes across as far more confident and intentional. 
• It defuses criticism.
  Perhaps the most obvious pro, pointing out potential problems in your writing, often lessens their impact. When you openly address an issue, readers are far less likely to linger on it. 
• It adds humour or realism.
  Many lampshaded moments come across as witty and relatable. Believable reactions to strange scenarios help to make stories feel more grounded. 
• It strengthens your narrative voice.
  Used consistently, lampshading can be a distinctive part of your writing voice, lending your work a distinctive, engaging tone. 

When used with thought and consideration, lampshading doesn’t weaken your story – it makes it feel smarter, more intentional, and much more reader-focused. 

4 Common Examples Of Lampshading In Writing 

To better understand how this technique works in practice, it’s worth delving into some lampshading examples across different parts of a story. Here are some of the most popular ways in which authors use lampshading in fiction, along with some snappy fictional examples. 

A. Lampshading Plot Holes 

This is one of the most recognisable examples of lampshading in the realms of fiction. Writers use it when something unlikely, convenient, or poorly explained occurs. 

How it works: 

• Characters question unrealistic events 
• Coincidences are openly acknowledged
• Convenient solutions are commented on 

Example: 

“So, you’re saying the door just happened to be unlocked?” he said. “Totally! It’s always unlocked when it needs to be.” 

Here, the characters are highlighting the convenience, rather than pretending it makes complete sense. 

B. Lampshading Tropes and Cliches 

A lot of stories out there depend on familiar patterns. Lampshading is a tool that allows writers to use these tropes while showing that they are aware of how predictable they can all be. 

How it works:

• Characters point to genre conventions 
• “Typical” story moments are laughed at 
• Expectations are then gently subverted 

Example: 

“Let me guess,” she sighed. “We’ve been trapped inside, the baddie is monologuing, and somehow we’re going to escape at the last second.” 

This acknowledges the cliche whilst still using it. 

C. Lampshading Character Behaviour 

Sometimes, characters might act in a way that isn’t entirely logical. Lampshading here can make these moments feel purposeful, rather than sloppy. 

How it works: 

• Characters admit that they’re acting strangely
• Internal thoughts mirror poor choices
• Emotional contradictions are acknowledged 

Example: 

“This is definitely a bad idea,” he thought, trudging inside regardless, “but has that ever stopped me?” 

By calling out the behaviour, the writer manages to make themselves aware. 

D. Lampshading in Dialogue 

Dialogue is one of the most natural spots for lampshading. Characters can comment on situations in a way that feels organic and entertaining. 

How it works: 

• Self-aware jokes
• Ironic remarks
• Casual observations 

Example: 

“So,” she whispered to herself around the dark hallway, “this is definitely where nothing bad happens, right?” 

This kind of reassurance tells the reader the author knows how obvious the danger is. 

Across all these categories, the main aim here is the same: to show awareness, establish trust, and turn potential weaknesses into engaging moments rather than hidden flaws. 

How To Use Lampshading Effectively In Your Writing 

Learning how to use lampshading well is about more than pointing out flaws – it’s about doing so in a manner that supports your story. When treated as a deliberate lampshading technique, it can strengthen your narrative, rather than take away from it. Here’s a step-by-step approach to writing lampshading that feels both natural and purposeful. 

1. Identify the Weak Spot in Your Story 

First step here is to look honestly at your draft. Ask yourself where your audience might raise their eyebrows. 

Some of the common weak spots could be: 

• Plot convenience that drives the story forward too easily 
• Unrealistic emotional reactions 
• Overused tropes or obvious twists

These moments might not ruin a story on their own; however, they are prime candidates for lampshading. 

2. Decide Whether Lampshading is the Right Tool 

You don’t have to lampshade every flaw in your story. Sometimes revision is the way to go. 

Lampshading helps when: 

• The issue is minor and unavoidable
• The story is already self-aware
• Humour or irony suits the tone 

It hurts immersion when: 

• It interrupts emotional scenes 
• It feels like an apology
• It replaces proper storytelling craft

If lampshading invites more attention to the problem than is necessary, it could be doing more harm than good. 

3. Match the Tone to Your Genre 

Effective lampshading always suits the genre and overall mood of your narrative. 

• Comedy: Bold, obvious lampshading often works well
• Romance: Subtle, character-driven moments are ideal 
• Thriller: Keep it minimal to avoid breaking the tension 
• Fantasy/Sci-Fi: Use it to acknowledge any complex rules without needing to over-explain

Readers expect different levels of self-awareness depending on what they’re reading. 

4. Keep It Natural 

The most important rule behind lampshading in writing is to keep it organic. 

Avoid:

• Sounding too defensive or sarcastic
• Over-explaining the flaw
• Directly address the audience

Rather, blend lampshading into your character voice, narration style, and pacing. A quick comment, thought, or reaction is usually far more effective than a long explanation. 

When used with intention, lampshading becomes a subtle tool – one that supports your storytelling, rather than standing in its way. 

When Lampshading Goes Wrong 

Whilst lampshading is undoubtedly a handy tool to have in your writing toolkit, it isn’t always helpful. In fact, cases of bad lampshading come about from good intentions being applied in the wrong way. Understanding common lampshading mistakes can help you avoid weakening your story through overusing lampshading. 

Here are some of the most common pitfalls to keep an eye out for:

• Overusing self-awareness
  When every scene winds up commenting on its own flaws, the story begins to feel insincere. Nonstop lampshading can make readers more aware of issues, instead of helping them to overlook them.
  What not to do: “Yep, this is another coincidence. Weird, right? Happens a lot here.” 
• Undermining emotional moments
  Lampshading during serious or intimate moments can diminish their impact. Humour and self-awareness can collide with grief, romance, or tension.
  What not to do: “I’m crying right now, which is probably very dramatic, but we move.” 
• Making flaws more noticeable
  Pointing out a small issue can accidentally turn it into a major distraction. Readers might not have noticed it until you shine the spotlight on it.
  What not to do: “This plan makes no sense, but let’s do it anyway.” 
• Sounding sarcastic or lazy
  Lampshading should feel intentional, rather than a justification for bad writing. When it sounds dismissive, readers might lose confidence in the story.
  What not to do: “Yep, this is dumb, but whatever.” 

When it’s used poorly, lampshading draws attention to issues without adding any extra value. When it’s used effectively, it keeps flaws from becoming deal-breakers. 

Lampshading Vs Other Writing Techniques 

Writers have an array of different tools to address weak points or complex story elements. Understanding lampshading vs foreshadowing, lampshading vs satire, and similar techniques can help you decide on the right approach for each scenario. 

This table compares lampshading with other common storytelling techniques.

Comparison of Lampshading and Related Techniques 

Technique	Main Purpose	How it Works	When it’s Best Used	Key Difference from Lampshading
Lampshading	Acknowledge flaws	Character or narration points out issues	Minor plot holes, cliches, and coincidences	Admits the problem, rather than hiding it
Foreshadowing	Prepares readers	Hints at future events	Building suspense and structure	Prevents problems rather than reacts to them
Satire	Critique or mock	Exaggerates flaws for humour or commentary	Comedy, social criticism	Targets broader themes, not just story logic
Meta-fiction	Highlight fictionality	Draws attention to the story as a story	Experimental or literary works	Breaks immersion more directly
Retconning	Fix past errors	Rewrites earlier details	Long series or franchises	Changes the story rather than commenting on it
Hand-waving Explanations	Move past the problem	Brief, vague justifications	Fast-paced plots	Avoids scrutiny rather than acknowledging flaws

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Check Out Our Guide On How To Write Meta-Fiction

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Lampshading continues to stick out because it doesn’t attempt to hide or rewrite weaknesses. Rather, it brings them into the spotlight as part of the narrative voice. Whilst other techniques look to prevent, fix, or disguise issues, lampshading works by establishing trust with the audience through its self-awareness. 

Landing on the right method for your story depends on your genre, tone, and long-term aims. 

Practical Writing Exercises To Practice Lampshading 

The best way to improve any technique is through hands-on experience. These writing exercises for lampshading are guaranteed to help you experiment with tone, balance, and self-awareness within your works.

Try out these three short exercises to build your skills. 

1. Rewrite a Plot Hole Using Lampshading 

Goal: Learn how to acknowledge weak logic without losing immersion. 

Take a scene from your own writing (or invent one) where something happens too conveniently – a door is unlocked, help arrives immediately, or a problem fixes itself. 

Rewrite the moment so that a character spots it. 

Example prompt:
Your character escapes a locked room too easily. Add one line of dialogue or thought that points out how unlikely this is. 

Focus on keeping the comment both brief and natural. 

2. Add Lampshading to a Cliche Scene 

Goal: Practice using self-awareness with familiar tropes. 

Choose a common scenario, such as: 

• Two characters arguing in the rain 
• A villain giving a long monologue 
• A last-minute romantic confession 

Write the scene normally, then revise it so that one character acknowledges how “typical” the sequence feels. 

Tip: The lampshading here should enhance the scene, not replace the real emotions on show. 

3. Turn an Unrealistic Moment into Self-Aware Dialogue 

Goal: Blend lampshading into character voice. 

Create a moment where a character makes an obviously risky or irrational decision. Rather than ignoring it, allow them to comment on their own behaviour. 

Example prompt:
A character enters a dark, dangerous building alone. Add internal dialogue or spoken lines that admit how foolish this is. 

Repeat these exercises with different genres and tones to discover where lampshading feels most natural in your writing.