Definition
What is red herring?
A misleading clue intended to divert attention.
On the page
Red Herring examples
“The butler's suspicious behavior suggests he's the murderer, but it turns out to be a distraction.”
“Sirius Black is presented as a villain in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, but is revealed to be innocent.”
Famous examples in literature
The Hound of the Baskervilles
Arthur Conan Doyle
The escaped convict on the moor is presented as the likely threat, diverting attention from the actual villain closer to home.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
J.K. Rowling
Sirius Black is painted as a murderous traitor throughout, until the reveal that it was Peter Pettigrew all along.
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
Agatha Christie
Christie's most famous misdirection plays with the conventions of mystery narration itself.
For writers
How writers use red herring
- Give the red herring a plausible motive and opportunity
- Don't make it too obvious or too obscure — readers should bite
- Resolve the red herring before the true reveal
- Limit to 2-3 red herrings — too many becomes frustrating
Why it matters
- Keeps readers guessing and engaged in the mystery
- Makes the real reveal more surprising and satisfying
- Adds complexity to your plot without adding bloat
- Rewards readers who caught the misdirection on re-read
Across different genres
The victim's jealous ex-husband looks guilty — but he was covering for his affair, not committing murder
The creepy neighbor seems like the threat — turns out they were trying to warn the protagonist
Evidence points to a government conspiracy — but it's actually corporate espionage
The charming rival suitor seems perfect — hiding a deal-breaker that clears the path for the true love interest
Common pitfalls
- Unfair misdirection: Red herrings must play fair — no lying to readers
- No resolution: Abandoned red herrings feel like plot holes
- Too obvious: If readers don't bite, there's no misdirection
- Character assassination: Don't make innocents seem evil without redemption
Try it in your own writing
- Mystery: Introduce a suspect whose suspicious behavior has an innocent explanation
- Horror: Create a character who seems threatening but is actually a protector
- Thriller: Plant evidence that points to the wrong organization or government
Quick answers
Red Herring FAQ
What is red herring?
A misleading clue intended to divert attention.
What are some examples of red herring?
The examples on this page include Example of Red Herring in Mystery and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Each one shows how the device works in context.
How can writers use red herring effectively?
Give the red herring a plausible motive and opportunity Don't make it too obvious or too obscure — readers should bite Resolve the red herring before the true reveal