Spoiler

Spoilers are information about a text or a performance that can ruin the readers' surprise and/or enjoyment if the readers learn about them before they have reached the stage at which they should, or desire to become aware of this information.

For instance, revealing the twist ending to a movie, or the identity of the killer in a murder mystery, can spoil the audience's appreciation of the suspense in its first acquaintance with these stories.

In the context of a literary discussion, it is often necessary to reveal information that might "spoil" the plot for new audiences.

The concept of (plot) spoilers has been criticized for privileging plot over other elements of works, such as character development, imagery, writing, etc. Nevertheless, it is conventional in many discussion forums to include "spoiler warnings" to forestall the possibility of accidental exposure to spoilers.